Dave Neeb Smooth Canadian Zulu Handmade Briar Pipe, New

Description

Dave Neeb had been a pipe smoker for longer than many contemporary artisans have been alive before he too decided to pursue a vocation in pipes. After decades spent working as an attorney, Neeb finally had the time to fully invest himself in his favorite pastime. And invest he did: first, Neeb established himself as a pipe seller; then he learned the art of pipe restoration, which helped increase his sale inventory even more; and then, finally, under the mentorship of Lee Von Erck and Rad Davis, he started making pipes for himself. Soon enough, Neeb had become a major player in the estate pipe ecosystem and a well-regarded pipe maker in his own right. In more recent years, Neeb has stepped away from estates restoration and sales to concentrate solely on his own handmade briars—though he is known, on occasion, to collaborate on a pipe with his old mentor, Von Erck.

Much in the tradition of his fellow American freehand carvers, Dave Neeb’s output is distinguished by a significant number of hybrid shapes, with design elements from 20th century staples blended in novel and interesting ways. Though I’ve labeled it a Canadian Zulu for the sake of our algorithmic overlords, this one is far closer to an old English Yachtsman, or Huntsman to some, with a little of the Canadian by way of its short, oval mouthpiece. It’s quite Charatan-esque, as well, actually (a make that did have a strong influence on American freehand carving), especially with its fine, straight grain.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.71″ / 43.43mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g