Wolff Pipes “Icarus” Sandblasted Dublin Handmade Strawberry 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 received guidance in the construction of high-grade pipes from 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.

While not as common as tree heater briar, strawberry briar, or Arbutus Unedo, is nonetheless a staple material for artisan pipe making, in part because of its unique response to sandblasting. Being slightly softer than its sister root, even a light blast is enough to bring out strawberry briar’s deep grain patterns, as demonstrated by pipes from makers as diverse as Chris Morgan, Chris Askwith, and Federico Becker. This pipe, from France’s Chrisophe Wolff utilizes the material’s hallmark patterning not only to create a strong relief around the bowl, but also to complement its distinctive Dublin design. Inspired by the wings of the European common blue butterfly, or Polyommatus icarus, Wolff’s “Icarus” renditions employ a slight asymmetry in the shaping of the bowl, as well as featherweight proportions similarly befitting their namesake.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.76 / 19.30mm

Bowl Depth: 1.35″ / 34.29mm

Weight: 0.8oz / 24g