Wojtek Pastuch: Sandblasted Dublin with Karelian Birch (1311) Tobacco Pipe

Like many pipe makers, Polish artisan Wojtek Pastuch was first an avid pipe-smoker. Then, he began restoring the estate pipes he collected, which ignited a passion to craft wholly original pieces. Pastuch refined his craft working alongside Tom Eltang in the Dane's workshop and learning the intricacies of analyzing and cutting briar from Domenico "Mimmo" Romeo. Pastuch's style resists traditional classifications; he is just as likely to craft a one-of-a-kind Freehand as a classic Billiard. However, no matter the shape, Pastuch's focus on precise internal engineering ensures that every piece is a sublime smoker.

This Dublin represents one of Pastuch's more conservative pipes, but it still offers a bevy of fascinating flourishes and inventive design cues for one to appreciate. The composition is decidedly bowl-centric, as the thick walls flare dramatically from a superbly supple heel to a broad rim. Furthermore, the walls also showcase an exceptionally craggy pattern of concentric growth rings, while the softly inflated rim is dressed in a smoky, Buryere-like smooth finish for a vivid textural and visual contrast. Out back, the shank-and-stem arrangement is quite slender but retains a traditionally proportional length, lending this piece both a classic balance and a stunningly sleek appeal. Additionally, the shank end features a striking accent of Karelian Birch, which marries to a tapered stem fashioned from jet-black vulcanite, ideal for long, comfortable clenching.