Claudio Cavicchi: Smooth Cherrywood (CCCC) Tobacco Pipe

When correctly oriented, well-grained briar can truly commend itself, and cross-grain orientation brings us the best of both horizontal and birdseye grain, especially in pipes fashioned by Claudio Cavicchi, who manages to find and craft the finest briar possible. Cross grain is especially prominent in this Cherrywood, its shape elegantly showcasing birdseye on the left and right flanks and fine, horizontal strands on the fore, aft and rim. A spur descends from the underside of the transition as the shank leads upward to the fitment at the stem base, a wide disk of briar to match the stummel and its vibrant honey-blonde stain. Wonderfully balanced and able to sit sturdily, this piece is an elevated bit of craftsmanship, its grain and shaping excellent enough to have earned Cavicchi's coveted "CCCC" grade.