Brad Pohlmann: Sandblasted Bent Billiard with Spalted Tamarind Tobacco Pipe

This is what I would call a solidly American bent Billiard, at least if one were being specific to post-2000, artisanal American pipemaking. The Danish influence is clearly there, in the sense of smooth curves and effortless posture and flow, but there's also a distinct underlying firmness and even hint of muscle to the way contours and proportions are handled. Beyond form and line, there's also the finish and accent. The development of exceptionally detailed sandblasts played a significant part in modern American pipemakers coming to greater attention, and Brad knows his business in that area. As for the accent, the considerable yet tasteful contrast found in spalted tamarind is something quite different from the light, consistent warmth of boxwood, the latter material having long been the dominant accent-wood in the Danish realm. hardwoods like this are one of the areas where American pipemakers tend to show their more eclectic nature, with a particular species, at most, being dominant in the work of a certain maker (tamarind for Brad, for example, but manzanita for J&J, and cocobolo for Abe Herbaugh).

- Eric N. Squires