Luis Lavos Smooth Estate Artisan Briar Pipe, Brazilian Estates [SOLD OUT]

Description

Luis Lavos is one of the rising stars of artisan pipe-making, and it’s not difficult to see why. Though Lavos began making pipes in 2017, he would soon go on to receive training and guidance from such masters as Sabina Santos, Premal Chheda, Hans ‘Former’ Nielsen, Gustavo ‘MarTelo’ Cunha, and Chris Asteriou – masters who recognized Lavos’ talent and potential and helped nurture it into what it is today. Lavos’ pipes largely draw inspiration in their designs from the Danish school, but aren’t afraid to also venture into unexplored territory.

This Danish-style cobra from Luis Lavos shows a clear inspiration from masters such as Per Hansen and Ulf Noltensmeier of S. Bang, and Peter Heeschen. It has an expertly executed smooth curvature running from the shank end to the front of the bowl, which Lavos has used to capture cross-grain briar patterns on either side. The result is a pipe whose form and complexion pair perfectly, and genuinely does resemble the design’s namesake, without being gaudy. Having spent time with this pipe, I can see why so many of the world’s most respected carvers were happy to spend time with Lavos. If only we could all be so lucky!

As for the condition of the pipe, I must point one thing out. While I see nothing to note on the bowl, rim, or ebonite stem, there is a darkened patch on the top right segment of the shank. I’m not sure what this is from, but it’s not the place I’d usually expect finish darkening to occur, at least if the cause was internal. In any case, the price has been adjusted accordingly.

 

Details:

Length: 5″

Bowl Width: 21.4mm

Bowl Depth: 1.75″

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g