Ryan Alden: Smooth Devil Anse (Jack of Diamonds) Tobacco Pipe

The Devil Anse is a shape that's seen a number of renditions from various makers, though I'm particularly fond of Ryan Alden's variation. Softly-rounded of bowl, with perhaps a bit less forward cant than some, it combines the easy grace of the shape with an abbreviated length, while not shorting anything on chamber size. Indeed, for those who prefer their pipes a touch larger, but enjoy the shape's charming combination of old and new, it's a piece that should perfectly please — the additional size up front gives it a comfortable feel in hand, after all. On top of that, Ryan's finish is as spot-on as ever, with a warm, low-gloss ruby hue.