Former: Sandblasted Apple Tobacco Pipe

Hans "Former" Nielsen simply excels in his renditions of the Apple shape; each iteration is different form the last, yet they all boast an impressive degree of muscularity combined with soft, supple lines and balanced proportions. This rather Lovat-like piece is an excellent example of his affinity for the form, setting the waistline low to allow a slight taper to follow the height of the bowl. That subtle taper works well with the stouter, somewhat elongated, rounded shank and abbreviated saddle bit, implying elegance and poise even in such a straight configuration. While all that shaping is certainly of merit, what I keep coming back to in this design is simply the grain. Former has brought out some impressively tight growth rings around the plump bowl — concentrically stacked from base to rim, all in crisp definition.