Michael Parks: Sandblasted Pencil Shank Liverpool (IV.17) Tobacco Pipe

While he does occasionally utilize a sanding disk and other machinery for shaping, the majority of Michael Parks designs are realized by hand. In his classic designs specifically, Michael sits down with a block of briar, draws a series of lines, then uses a number of files to slowly grind away excess briar until he's achieved the desired shape. The level of detail and symmetry he's able to achieve with hand-files alone is remarkable, especially in trim, slender designs such as this Pencil Shank Liverpool — pieces in which any irregularity would stick out, frankly, like a sore thumb. On top of that, Parks' sandblasts are some of the most impressive around — their extra craggy, rugged texture and shade calling to mind the look of the older Dunhill Shells so prized by collectors the world over. This Liverpool is a fine example of both Parks' unique shaping and finishing techniques, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.