Walt Cannoy Cardinal House Morton “Ring Blast” Rusticated Bent Dublin with Brass (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.

Not unlike the finishing techniques explored by English pipe companies around the midcentury, Walt Cannoy has his own, signature line-hewn rustication. Dubbed the “Ring Blast,” it mimics the ring grain of a strong sandblast through grain-oriented manual relief, rather than a pneumatic tool. In this instance the finish has been applied to a rugged, freehand Dublin rendition, reminiscent of the kinds of pipes Cannoy has historically made under his Walt Cannoy Signature Series. The pipe is completed by a hand-cut German ebonite mouthpiece, whose fitment is stabilized with an integral brass army mount.

Details:

Length: 5.98″ / 151.8mm

Chamber Width: 0.76″ / 19.30mm

Chamber Depth: 1.83″ / 46.48mm

Bowl Height: 2.28″ / 57.91mm

Weight: 2.0oz / 56g