Savinelli: Birdseye (311 KS) Tobacco Pipe

Savinelli's "311 KS" Poker is a resolute, yet dynamic take on the classic utilitarian shape characterized by the bowl's pronounced forward cant and succinct saddle stem displaying the lightest hint of downward turn. Its sturdy sitting capability makes it the perfect desk pipe while the crisply chamfered rim echoes the firm aesthetic of the defined transition and cylindrical bowl. It's also a slightly more compact offering compared to the Italian marque's other Poker design, the "310 KS," which displays a raised, rounded rim and a slightly longer downturned stem. While the "311 KS" is somewhat downsized, it certainly doesn't sacrifice anything in regards to chamber depth or its charming practicality.

Savinelli considers numerous aspects when examining the briar quality of a pipe, including grain orientation, lack of flaws (such as naturally occurring sand pits), and how the grain aligns with the shape. How well a certain stummel meets these criteria determines its finish and tier within Savinelli's lineup, with the most estimable displays set aside for the Italian marque's more limited productions — like the Punto Oro and Giubileo d'Oro series. Since around 2010, Savinelli has allocated the most exemplary bowls from this superlative selection, and in 2019 they released the special Riserva line, which comprised bowls commended by stunning flame grain. However, not every stummel from this curated stock featured flame-grain orientation, so Savinelli released a line of Birdseye pipes in 2021. Dressed in a simple, auburn stain, this Birdseye piece showcases some of the finest briar Savinelli has to offer, all in a traditional presentation that draws focus to the immaculate grain.