Jody Davis: Smooth Bent Dublin with Stellar's Sea Cow Bone (Saint) (A16) (13) Tobacco Pipe

At first glance at its stout, flared shank, I originally thought Jody Davis had equipped this bent Dublin with reverse Calabash engineering, as it certainly does give that impression when viewed in profile. Upon closer inspection, however, you'll note that it's drilled traditionally and that the almost whimsically flared shank is an aesthetic choice — though quite a smart one at that. By balancing that extra briar along the shank with a quick, wasp-waisted style of upward-flicking curl and flare, Jody's given the bowl the illusion of compactness and added a bit of playfulness to the elongated stretch of transition connecting the two elements. The overall result is a form with a tight-knit, bundled up sort of implied power, seemingly ready to spring forward with each puff. Of course, on a more functional note, that deep, sweeping transition also makes for an interesting grip in hand, with the crook of the index finger fitting perfectly between the bowl's aftward taper and the top of the shank. Moreover, as a "Saint" grade it also happens to boast quite an impressive display of flame and straight grain — all brought out through a warm contrast stain.

- Andrew Wike