Mike Sebastian Bay: Partially Rusticated Volcano Tobacco Pipe

As a former apprentice of Tom Eltang, Bay understands what makes a pipe both beautiful and functional, and his work showcases this fact with its sophisticated engineering and stylish finishing work. This Volcano by Bay is a measured interpretation of the iconic shape, offering a fairly abbreviated overall length, but possessing a substantial girth that's evident in hand. Up front, a stocky bowl stands atop a wide, gently lifted heel and grows thick, insulating walls that taper upward to a taut rim. An angled transition pairs the aforementioned bowl to a thick shank that flares outward to a slender, demurely curved saddle stem. The brawny shank balances the bowl and works in concert with the heel to continue the shape's flowing undercurve. Additionally, the shank's stout, cylindrical build mirrors the bowl's own, fostering a visual symmetry between the fore and aft of the stummel. A striking dual finish completes this ensemble and sees a dark, craggy rustication juxtaposed against a warm, glossy polish.