Scottie Piersel: Sandblasted Bent Billiard Tobacco Pipe

Originally popularized by the likes of Dunhill and Parker back in the 1920s, the old "swan neck" take on the bent Billiard shape has seen something of a resurgence in recent years. Celebrated for its highly gestural, almost serpentine silhouette, as well as its easy jaw hanging ability, it comes to no surprise to see American artisan Scottie Piersel putting her own spin on this traditional design. While sporting a deep chamber, this lightweight interpretation is perfectly proportioned, with its wide, sweeping transition and downturned stem making for an elegant, fluid S-curve in profile. Despite its gestural lines, however, it remains quite comfortable in hand, with plenty of room for the thumb above its deep-set transition. Rippling ring grain has been coaxed out by an expert sandblast, and a muted walnut finish rounds out its distinctly classical appearance. Understated yet astoundingly functional in every aspect, there's plenty here to like.

- Rachel DuBose