Buckeye Sandblasted Squat Tomato Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

Premal Chheda’s Buckeye Pipes have undergone several significant changes since their debut in the mid-2000s. Chheda himself was one of the first major players in 21st century American artisan briars, having been taught the fundamentals of high-grade pipe making by Mike Butera, and having had plenty of students of his own in the time since. Though Buckeye started out as an sub-brand for pipes that did not quite meet the standard of a pipe stamped with the Chheda name, the two would ultimately become different projects entirely. Today’s Buckeye Pipes are, instead, high-quality briars produced by Premal Chheda and his apprentices. The difference between a Chheda Pipe, or one of the pipes made by Chheda’s apprentices under their own name, and a Buckeye pipe boils down to the level of detailing involved: Buckeye Pipes are precision engineered and expertly finished, while being more minimalist in design and less labor-intensive in execution than their counterparts.

This one, for example, takes the form of a minor staple in American artisan pipe making: the squat tomato. While the shape has its origins in early French briars, 21st century American carvers seem especially fond of tomatoes, especially ones refracted through the Danish lens. Whether it’s Rad Davis, Abe Herbaugh, or Premal Chheda itself, few have resisted its allure in that particular scene. This one is a toned down, but still distinctive rendition, combining a simple, crisp black sandblast with a flared acrylic mouthpiece.

The condition is good. Some darkening and finish fading on the rim.

Details:

Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.75 / 19.05mm

Bowl Depth: 1.19″ / 30.22mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 46g