Walt Cannoy Cardinal House Langford High Contrast Smooth Plateau Dublin (New)

Walt Cannoy first emerged as a major figure in the the North American pipe making renaissance around the turn of the millennium. Originally an R&D mechanic, Cannoy carved and sold his first pipe in 1999, having been inspired by artisan pipe makers as diverse as Preben Holm, Robert “Micoli” Burns, and Joe Mariner. Cannoy would soon rise in the ranks of the North American artisan scene, becoming one of its premier high-grade carvers.

Named after various landmarks in Cannoy’s native Florida, “Cardinal House” began as a side-project of sorts, whereby Cannoy could offer relatively inexpensive pipes alongside his high-grade, high-demand Signature works. While the first Cardinal House pipes were akin to “seconds,” Cannoy soon became dissatisfied with this approach, leading him to rethink what it would mean to make high-quality, artisan pipes that were comparable in price to reputable factory makes. Instead of reducing costs by using cheaper materials, or utilizing pre-fabricated components (such as stummels and stems), Cannoy focused instead on streamlining his manufacturing process, leading to Cardinal House as it is known today. Handmade from the same briar blocks, ebonite rods, and various ornaments as the Walt Cannoy Signature series, Cardinal House’s enduring affordability represents simply the culmination of decades spent isolating and refining all of the essential techniques involved in one’s craft.

It is difficult to beat a good Dublin; the shape is equal parts simple and versatile, and is, furthermore, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of briar, owing to its slightly conical figure. Thus, when done right, you get a pipe like this one, distinguished by mesmerizing flame grain patterns, which in this instance have been even further accentuated by a deep, golden contrast finish.

Details:

Length: 5.75″ / 146.0mm

Chamber Width: 0.72″ / 18.28mm

Chamber Depth: 1.74″ / 44.19mm

Bowl Height: 2.03″ / 51.56mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 42g