Micah Redmond: Sandblasted Strawberry Wood Tomato with Spalted Maple Burl and Bakelite Tobacco Pipe

Finding a pipe made of alternative materials is always curious. While briar is the material of choice for most pipes produced, this piece from Micah Redmond has been carved from strawberry wood. The sandblasted finish makes the most of the material, bringing out the medium's wild grain patterns not typically seen in briar, all highlighted through a sleek black stain. Its accent ring of spalted maple burl and its stem of powder-blue bakelite further the theme of unusual materials, making for a handsome combination in a palette that's easy on the eyes.

Appearance isn't everything, though, and this squat Tomato is just as easy in hand. The slightly asymmetrical bowl makes for a comfortable feel in hand, with the stout transition creating a comfortable thumb rest, and a clean line from heel to shank allowing it to rest gently in palm. The bullet-shaped stem base serves to mimic the bowl's edges and really accentuates its fully rounded aesthetic as a natural continuation of the shank's upward-flicking line. Hidden from sight is a generous chamber, despite its diminutive size. All in all, an excellent piece of craftsmanship from Micah.

- Rachel DuBose