Ryan Alden: Sandblasted Cutty Sitter (Jack of Diamonds) Tobacco Pipe

Fitting in well to Ryan Alden's penchant for slightly muscular, more conveniently sized pipes, this take on the Cutty presents a charming take on one of the oldest pipe shapes, rendered in a rather compact size — compared to the traditionally lengthy, clay renditions of the form. It's neatly canted and well balanced, allowing the piece to sit upright on the characteristic foot, the shank and stem curling out back in a lithe, elegant S-curve that correspond cohesively with the curves of the bowl. The sandblasted finish, then, is dark-stained and tasteful, drawing focus to the smooth-polished rim that meets the sandblast's texture at the outer edge. For a more modern color palette, the American artisan has fitted the shank end with a ring of brindled vulcanite that's continued in the mouthpiece. The dark, inky tones complement the stummel's finish, while the sand-hued striations offer beautiful contrast.