Pete Prevost: Sandblasted Horn Tobacco Pipe

From Sixten Ivarsson to Alex Florov, many makers and marques have experimented with the Horn shape over the years — often drawing out the form's iconic taper and arcing upward curve to an added degree. What's quite interesting about this rendition from Pete Prevost, however, is how the American carver has done just that while still keeping the overall length fairly modest. Coming in under five inches from end to end, this is quite a compact rendition, to be sure, but Pete's still managed to really accentuate the form's strong arcing silhouette, pinching the bowl from fore to aft to keep the overall profile low and allow the eye to follow the bowl's pronounced taper all the way from rim to bit. That's another interesting aspect of Pete's rendition: he's actually continued the shape's parabolic silhouette through the mouthpiece itself, shaping it to curl upward rather than turn down towards the base. While all that shaping does make for a strikingly unique profile, the strong, tapering form is also an excellent choice for showcasing some fine ring grain — which Pete has certainly accomplished here. Recommended.

- Andrew Wike