Luiz Lavos: Partially Rusticated Apple Tobacco Pipe

Enamored with woodworking from an early age, as much of his childhood was spent in the workshop of his grandfather, Brazilian artisan Luiz Lavos' gravitation toward pipe making was inspired by his uncle, who was an avid enthusiast of pipes. His path in this regard was additionally influenced by his experience with graphic design, allowing him to create innovative and unique designs, many of which are rooted in the classic Danish tradition. This kind of Danish leaning was reinforced through his time spent with both Sabina Santos, a student of Hans "Former" Nielsen, and Former himself, who specifically taught him methods of finishing, something which can bee seen in this straight Apple rendition, an homage to one of the Danish master's iconic designs.

The similarities here are readily apparent, though Lavos' design presents with a slightly more plump bowl and a domed shank end that reinforces the soft, supple rounding present at the bowl itself. A sleek stem of tapered black vulcanite ebbs out of this shank, its base slightly more narrow than the shank end, creating a bit of separation between the two materials, with this disparate girth offering some visual firmness at the aft side. The shank itself is rather trim, ebbing out of a wide transition that gives plenty of room to drape a thumb, and the combination results in an overall length that's just a touch over four and a half inches, making this Nosewarmer a wonderful candidate for a pocket pipe. The bowl is, as an Apple should be, round and robust, its curves supple in the hand and thrust into prominence thanks to an understated forward cant. The mid-set waistline tapers gently to the rim, with the rim itself chamfered inward, allowing for easy loading of your favored blend. Dressing the briar here is a a rustication extremely similar to that of Former's, with defined rings of smooth burl stacked atop dark, carved channels, making for a striking, distinguished appearance that remains practical and rugged.