Smooth Bent Billiard (CCCCC) Tobacco Pipe

Claudio Cavicchi is not only a renowned pipe maker but also a renowned pipe smoker, having won the Committee International of Pipe Smokers Clubs' slow smoking world championship in 1993 by keeping three grams of tobacco lit for just over three hours and nine minutes. Cavicchi only took up pipe making full-time after a 30-year farming career, turning his first pipe when he decided to make his own Oom Paul rather than continuing to wait for delivery of one he already ordered. Cavicchi pipes are known for their superior grain, with former Pipes and tobaccos magazine editor Chuck Stanion remarking that their titular maker "can read briar as though it were a printed page."

Cavicchi awarded this bent Billiard five out of a possible five C's, placing it only behind his elite "Perla" and "Diamante" grades. It's quite easy to see why he deemed this piece worthy of such high regard. The flame grain adorning the bowl is lovely as it stretches up to the rim from a handsome patch of birdseye on the underside, and a smooth finish and honey-blonde stain only make it easier for the eyes to appreciate. The shank is muscular and wears more flame grain on its flanks as it stretches up into the bent, tapered stem of black acrylic. Cavicchi's ability at finding and following the grain truly shines here, making this a piece that will be at home with any collection of great Italian pipe making.