Former: Sandblasted Bent Apple Tobacco Pipe

Hans "Former" Nielsen has supervised the W.Ø. Larsen workshop, worked with Emil and Jess Chonowitsch, helped develop the marque Bentley, and refined his renowned pipe making skills over the past 60 years, cementing Former as a living legend. Many of Former's shapes are often traditionally-inclined, but he does make a number of imaginative Freehands as well. Furthermore, every Former pipe features impeccable engineering to ensure a superb smoke.

This bent Apple by Former presents a lovely gestural profile, which is defined by the underside curvature from shank end to rim. This curve bears a striking resemblance to the Golden Spiral, an indication of Former's astute attention to proportions and is responsible for this pipe's entrancing appearance. The bowl continues the curvaceous theme, as its plump walls bulge outwards before tapering to a trim rim. The aft of the pipe gives way to a broad transition, which gently blends into a thick cylindrical shank, balancing the compositional weight of the bowl. Additionally, the sleek saddle stem bends back to parallel, creating a subtle S-curve while its slim disposition never draws attention away from the stummel.

Furthermore, the stem is fashioned from jet-black vulcanite, providing a glossy surface that joins the stummel to contrast the ruby-hued smooth-finished surfaces, namely the slightly chamfered rim and nomenclature panel. These elements are palpably contrasted by the rugged sandblast, which dresses undulating growth rings in a black stain. Moreover, the sandblast contrasts the form of the pipe itself, as the chaotic naturalism of the exposed briar grain is at odds with the mathematically precise proportions of the stummel. This piece from Former represents the contrast between organic material and functional design — although one can flawlessly proportion a pipe, the natural idiosyncrasies of briar grain ensures it will be a unique creation.