Christophe Wolff Smooth Bing Billiard w/ Ebonite Handmade Briar Pipe, New

Description

France appears to be undergoing something of a revival recently when it comes to its maîtres-pipiers. Chapuis-Comoy & Cie., which manufactures Chacom, Ropp, and other pipes, is, of course, still going strong with two centuries of history at its back. But there is also a growing number of native and expatriate solo pipe makers in France today, many of whom have already demonstrated their prowess on the world stage. These include members of the old guard of French artisanry, such as Pierre Morel and Pierre Voisin, as well the newer generation, comprised of figures such as as Tristan Lefebvre, Joseph Rimbaud, Belgian-born Bruno Nuttens, and English-born Chris Herriot. Christophe Wolff is another example of the latter. A former mechanic and machinist, Wolff would later study aspects of high-grade pipe making with Jean-Luc Rochat and Bruno Nuttens, culminating in the creation of Wolff Pipes. Wolff is highly skilled in both traditional and free-hand pipe making, crafting expert renditions of Anglo-French classics, as well as more modern designs, including his own interpretations of the Morelian fleur.

One thing that immediately stands out about Christophe Wolff is that he knows when to sandblast (or rusticate) and when not to. In fact, very few of his pipes are left smooth, with the few that are being spectacular creations, as in the case of this Bing-style billiard. A genuine featherweight at less than a single ounce, many will find it to be an ideal clencher, which is good because going “hands free” gives all the more of an opportunity to show off the straight grain lining its bowl. Rather than silver, Wolff’s Bing goes with a more unorthodox choice of a band of tan SEM ebonite to act as a spacer between the shades of the bowl and mouthpiece. The latter is also hand-cut SEM ebonite, this time of a desert camouflage variety.

 

Details:

Length: 6.6″ / 167.6mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.60″ / 40.64mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 28g