Savinelli: One Starter Kit Smooth (404) (6mm) Tobacco Pipe

A Zulu, Woodstock, or Yachtsman, depending on what traditional shape chart you're inclined toward, Savinelli's "404" features a subtle, elegant bend in the shank and stem arrangement, and smooth, gradual curves at the transition for a seamless connection to the bowl. That bowl rises in a slight forward cant, more upright than the traditional Zulu form, but still displaying the Dublin-like flare toward the rim, resulting in a remarkably easy grip in hand.

With the One Starter Kit series, Savinelli provides beginning pipe smokers all the tools needed to start smoking a pipe. Foremost is the pipe, obviously, with this example wearing a smooth, medium-contrast finish. The kit also includes a Czech pipe tool — replete with a tamper, pick, and scoop — pipe cleaners, 6mm balsa filters, and a handy travel case. The only thing left to do is find a tobacco blend, with one of Savinelli's esteemed mixtures being an appropriate and quality choice.

Depending on Savinelli's supply and the availability of balsa, this kit might not include the 6mm balsa-wood filters shown in the photograph. They are sold separately, though, in 20-count packages.