Gregor Lobnik Sandblasted Bent Egg Estate Artisan Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

Gregor Lobnik is a Slovenian artisan pipe-maker, currently living in Kamnica, not far from the Slovenian-Austrian border. Though Lobnik is largely self-taught, having first taken up pipe-making in 2003, he also happens to be good friends with the highly renowned Austrian artisan Peter Matzhold, who will likely have offered precious advice and guidance throughout Lobnik’s more than two decades in the craft.

I’m a huge fan of the design of this Lobnik. As far as I recall, it draws on a shape originally pioneered by Danish masters, such as Lars Ivarsson, son of Sixten Ivarsson, but it has since taken on numerous new lives through the work of artisans outside of Denmark, such as Todd Johnson. Lobnik’s interpretation is beautifully executed; a low slung, scooping squat egg, or apple, with a perfect ring grain sandblast and contrast stain. The stem is ebonite, while the ring appears to be boxwood, which Lobnik has typically been quite a fan of.

I’m always amazed at how lightweight these kinds of shapes can be, when crafted by a professional. At only 36 grams, this one is an ideal clencher, but also has a good hand-feel if that’s more your smoking style.

The condition is absolutely mint. There may be a hair of darkening on the back rim, but that may just be the color of the contrast blast. Judging by the condition of the bowl, this one does not seem to have been smoked much at all – as a pipe smoker, I can tell you that this is more common than one might imagine as concerns such lovely looking pipes.

 

Details:

Length: 5.2″

Bowl Width: 20.9mm

Bowl Depth: 1.25″

Weight: 1.2oz / 36g