Michael Parks: Sandblasted Bent Billiard (IV.16) Tobacco Pipe

Michael Parks tends to take a more classical approach to pipe design — often taking a timeless, old-school form and modernizing its lines, stance, and overall proportions to create something entirely his own. When it comes to this bent Billiard, I'd say that classic, old school inspiration was something at least similar to the old Dunhill "swan neck" pipes — evident in the deep, elongated transition and sinuous S-curve to the shank and stem. Michael, of course, has altered things here and there, lending a bit more briar to the chamber walls and base specifically, giving the bowl an almost Italian neo-classical feel. As for the finish, it's nothing new from Michael: just one of his expert, deep, and craggy sandblasts and a warm, medium walnut stain. Of course, it's that very finish that has made him known as one of the best blasters in the world. And that certainly shows.

- Andrew Wike