Claudio Cavicchi: Ambra Smooth Bent Dublin with Claudio Albieri Travel Case (02/07) Tobacco Pipe

Continuing a tradition begun in 2018, Italian carver Claudio Cavicchi and leather designer Claudio Albieri again meld their respective talents to present a limited-edition release of seven distinctive bent Dublin pipes in luxurious leather cases. These 2021 pieces were selectively handpicked by Sykes and Shane during a visit to the Cavicchi shop in Bologna.

The Ambra 2021 project marks Cavicchi's very first contrast-stained pipes, fashioned from high-quality, select briar blocks chosen for their potential in showcasing such a stain, and equal in grade quality to his acclaimed Perla and Diamante pieces. Shape-wise, this forward-ebbing bent Dublin comprises a palm-filling, flaring, and robust bowl with a rim crowned in craggy plateau. A sweeping undercurve delights the eye, while the slightly rising shank continues the muscular precedent established by the bowl.

This Ambra ("Amber" in English) piece wears the aforementioned contrast stain well. Said time-consuming stain is achieved by staining the pipe one color and allowing the briar to take that color in. Then the stummel is sanded down to reveal virgin briar across the briar's less dense sections and stained again with a different color. The end result here is simply stunning, the warm, amber hues showcasing a beautiful display of straight grain across the bowl and whorls of delicate birdseye on the heel and shank.

The pipe comes with a colorful, zippered leather case that features pockets within for accessories as well as an included, matching pipe pouch, all carefully handcrafted by Albieri.