Todd Johnson: Sandblasted Samurai Volcano with Ivorite Tobacco Pipe

Among America's foremost artisan pipe carvers, Todd Johnson has honed his craft over decades to develop a style that pushes the boundaries of the medium while remaining conversant with the breadth and depth of the briar-carving tradition. The Samurai Volcano is one of Johnson's signature shapes, taking the traditional form's broad base and sharp taper and imbuing it with a dynamic forward cant, pulling the rim out over the flared heel, creating a striking silhouette that's also quite comfortable in hand. The shape also features a sharp spur beneath the sleek transition, adding a touch of visual balance to the composition. Said transition leads to an upturned round shank that joins a slim Ivorite accent at its junction with a beautifully brindled vulcanite saddle stem. Dressed in a crisp black sandblast, the stummel offers a wealth of engaging texture, with the smooth rim and ochre stem and Ivorite combination offering a refined contrast t this excellent piece of craftsmanship.