Former: Sandblasted Paneled Horn Tobacco Pipe

It would be fair to say that Hans "Former" Nielsen is a living legend in the pipe world, a title well earned by the Danish master whose 60 years of experience in crafting pipes has resulted in a diverse and mesmerizing portfolio, as well as a name associated with artful smoking instruments of the utmost quality in every aspect. Former began his career at age 15 repairing pipes in Poul Rasmussen's Copenhagen pipe shop, and the years he spent there proved to be instrumental to his work, as he was able to identify those aspects in a pipe which make it a quality smoking piece. After working with Sven Knudsen in his factory and being conscripted into the Danish military, Former was employed at the W.Ø. Larsen workshop, a position he held for 10 years, making his way to supervisor, where he oversaw the work of future masters such as Teddy Knudsen and Tonni Nielsen. He began to craft pipes under his own name in the 1970s and is now one of the greatest pipe makers ever to live, each piece the culmination of his experiences shaping and refining pipes since adolescence. This paneled Horn is one of the latest pieces from Former, and it is clear to see this accumulation of knowledge in his work, as the seamless marriage of disparate elements in this rendition harmonize to create a sleek and singular profile.

The Horn is a quintessentially Danish shape, defined by its sinuous flow from button to rim and continuous curve which eschews a defined shank and transition. The execution of this shape is deceptively difficult, as a single misstep in shaping can create a less than pleasing asymmetry, though this is something which Nielsen achieves with nigh perfection. The addition of panels to the shape is even more difficult, as one must follow the curvature of the stummel exactly so as not to cause wavering lines, though, once again, Former proves his skill, as each ridge is sharply defined, following the flow of the profile to mystifying effect. The four panels of this Horn run from button to rim on the flanks and from stem base to rim on the top and bottom, the diamond shape emerging gradually from the briar until it reaches its terminus. This merging of supple curvature with structured rigidity is a true feat of shaping expertise, especially when the ridgelines are observed closely, as they are not simply acute apexes, but are gently rounded, meshing with the shape's silhouette harmoniously, as if these two contrasting elements were always meant to be together. The stummel is dressed in a black sandblast that reveals undulating growth rings throughout and matches with the black vulcanite stem, leading to a look of understated elegance and undeniable regality.