Christophe Wolff Sandblasted Rhodesian w/ Ivorite 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.

Wolff himself notes that this particular pipe had a rather “Danish” inspiration, resulting in a slender frame, juxtaposed with a wide Rhodesian bowl and slight “heel” at its base. Though those familiar with other Danish-inspired artisans may note another interesting point of reference: the “Chopper” bulldogs of Vladimir Grechukhin. As with Grechukhin’s bulldogs, the rim and bead-lines of this Rhodesian are slightly nonparallel, resulting in two lines that, if followed, would “meet” each other just around the button of the mouthpiece.
As for the rest of the design Wolff has described this pipe as having a miel, or “honey” finish, with a sandblast light enough not to detract from the bowl’s shaping, yet strong enough to bring the briar’s patterning into a visible relief. A similarly light top-coat of Danish oil and carnauba wax has left the bowl relatively natural in hue, which is complemented by a pearly Ivorite accent and orange-brown SEM cumberland stem.

 

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.84 / 21.33mm

Bowl Depth: 1.57″ / 39.87mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g