Todd Johnson: Smooth Bent Billiard (Hoplite) Tobacco Pipe

When I think of artisan renditions of classic shapes, it's subtle masterpieces like this bent Billiard from Todd Johnson that spring to mind. A leading figure in American pipe artistry for over two decades, Todd treats the creation of each pipe as a special opportunity, a relationship between the briar, the artist, and the state of the possible. His vision and design acumen has earned him worldwide renown, with his pipes sought after for their precise, artistic shaping and excellent smoking properties. I own one of them, and happily reach for it regularly as one of the most prized treasures in my collection.

Here he gives us the classic upright Billiard bowl, with tapered sides and a slightly more genteel curvature at the heel. The transition offers a seamless flow and a perfect resting place for thumb draping, easing into a subtly tall, rounded shank that sweeps into a sinuous upcurve. The stem is of blue, brindled vulcanite, matching the shank's profile perfectly before reducing to a lithely bent saddle configuration, racing to a very trim, hand-funneled lip button that promises comfortable clenching and an effortless draw.

The grain is of course excellent as well, with stunning fields of birdseye on the flanks resplendent in natural color palette and smooth finish. An exemplary piece from a master craftsman, this pipe will make an excellent addition to any discerning collector's rotation.