Tom Eltang: Smooth Saxophone (Snail) Tobacco Pipe

The Saxophone isn't exactly a new shape, but it is one seemingly preferred by the Italian school over other camps — the most iconic examples that come to mind are those crafted by various workshops like Ardor, L'Anatra, and Ascorti. This is, however, the first iteration of the design we've seen from Tom Eltang.

Simply put, when Tom puts his mind and hand to a shape, he doesn't just do it. No, he plans out every detail of line and form, keeping a careful eye on proportions and grain orientation to produce a composition that's nothing short of extraordinary. And so it happens that the first Saxophone we ever received from Tom should be a "Snail" grade. From the active, poised stance in profile, to the soft, sweeping lines of the underside and transition, to the perfect orientation of cross-grain and birdseye, it is well deserving of the prestigious designation: a beautiful, elegant interpretation, and one that I sure hope we see more of going further.

- Andrew Wike