Former: Sandblasted Volcano Tobacco Pipe

This is a Volcano from Hans "Former" Nielsen, who has been making pipes longer than most of us have lived. The grain is the first commendation, following the lines of shank and bowl, and gnarly and comforting to the touch. the heel is slightly domed, supporting the undercurve of shank and bowl with its own curvature. The curve at the upper shank, as you can see, is flawless and comfortable. A slight forward momentum is produced by the subtle lean of the bowl, and while the Volcano shape is one of the best for orienting excellent grain, Former has gone beyond with this composition. That's what almost 60 years of experience making Danish artisan pipes accomplishes — clearly evident in this piece.