Wolfgang Becker: Smooth Egg with Boxwood (Wolf Paw) Tobacco Pipe

Seamlessly smoothed-down to a perfectly minimalist form, sturdy and compact of proportions, yet presenting a buoyant, active character, this Wolfgang Becker design speaks in equal parts of the Danish influence that originally led to his taking up pipemkaing, the flavor of his native Germany's own style and, of course, his own personal tastes and cultivated skills. Though at first glance its profile might give the impression of a diminutive Nosewarmer, this is actually quite a substantial piece, filling out the hand nicely with its perfectly smooth lines and shaping. As for the grain, well, as you can see Wolfgang went with a fine cross-cut orientation, leaving either flank richly dressed with smoky birdseye aplenty.

- Eric N. Squires