Dirk Heinemann: Sandblasted Tuban with Olivewood Tobacco Pipe

I'm ceaselessly impressed each time I see new pieces from Dirk Heinemann, as not only are his signature shapes truly singular, but each one somehow manages to incorporate new details into their construction, though that should come as no surprise, given Heinemann's Master's degree in design. His background in furniture design and antique restoration have honed his eyes, lending him a keen sense of both line and balance, and this is perhaps best represented in this particular signature shape: the Tuban. The Tuban came about while experimenting with the Rhodesian, a myriad of tweaks to the length, breadth, and curvature resulting in this strikingly minimalist, eminently smokable profile when he realized that the shank itself could be a shape on its own.

This particular piece catches my attention immediately, not simply because of its unique shape, but because of how shockingly small it is, measuring in at less than four inches long and, though its relative weight is somewhat considerable, offering ample clenching ability. The stem here is a sleek, slender saddle arrangement of white vulcanite that flares into a broad base which fits snugly into a small recess at the olivewood-adorned shank end, keeping the look concise and unified, though offering a bit of welcome firmness through the stepped, staggered look of the combination. From here the shape's deceptive simplicity takes hold, the entire stummel comprising a cylindrical tube which curves upward as it travels to the rim, the surfaces evenly rounded on all sides and the diameter consistent throughout, speaking to Heinemann's incredible eye for evenness. This is a piece that would slip quite easily into a pocket, making it ideal for travel and for short smokes, the gentle upturn of the briar allowing one to drape a thumb or forefinger easily and comfortably. A crisp sandblast stained a warm, deep walnut shade dresses the stummel, revealing blasted birdseye on the top and underside, while whispers of growth rings frame the flanks — a practical finish for a practical pipe.