David Huber: Partially Sandblasted Rhodesian (3218) Tobacco Pipe

A low profile sandblast emphasizes the grain on this lightly stained Rhodesian from David Huber. With an elongated shank that curves nicely to the mouthpiece, its transition is gradual for an organic aesthetic. The smooth, domed rim sits atop a crisp ridge line that separates the blast texture from the smooth of the top, which reveals some excellent birdseye grain. The vertical grain is easily identifiable on the blasted surface despite it being a relatively low-contrast stain. The width of the shank is also noteworthy, as it is wide from top or bottom, but in silhouette it takes little visual emphasis. Huber has certainly taken the Rhodesian in a different direction with this piece, bringing European flair to a stalwart, traditional shape.