Todd Johnson Phalanx Smooth Horn w/ Bakelite Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

Description

The 21st century has seen an explosion of new pipe-makers on the international artisan scene, one that, as of yet, shows no sign of stopping. But there is one artisan among them whose successes and impact on pipes writ large are so far unrivaled by any of his contemporaries. This would be Todd Johnson. Following his graduate studies in the arts at Yale University, Johnson was a woodworker for many years before turning his attention to handmade pipes. To develop his craft, Johnson traveled to Denmark, where he studied under Tom Eltang and Lars Ivarsson, developing a deep friendship with the latter. In the following years, Johnson would come to be recognized as a singular talent, with his works commanding the kind of attention (and prices!) not seen since the heyday of Scandinavian pipe design. A firm believer in the role of good teachers, Johnson has himself mentored countless pipe-makers from the generations that have followed in his wake, paying forward the gifts he received from Tom and Lars, and then some. 

What a joy it is to finally have a Todd Johnson appear on my desk—and even more so, for it to be a rare, “Phalanx” grade, which Johnson has typically used, over the last 15 years or so, to designate his top-end output. The pipe itself is a classic, Danish horn, though one with a much more contemporary twist: a shank accent and stem cut from antique Bakelite. Johnson was one of the pioneers in the revival of this material for pipe design, which makes this pipe all the more a treat. On the subject of treats, the grain patterns really are a feast for the eyes. While from a short distance, the pipe’s flanks exhibit excellent flame grain, upon close inspection, it gets even better. Following the pipe’s underside, we see a field of blossoming bird’s-eyes that morph, as they progress up the bowl, into flame, before flaring once again at the rim, joined by eruptions of plateau burl.

This Todd Johnson pipe is also completely unsmoked, with an original bowl coating.

 

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.27″ / 32.25mm

Weight: 1.8oz / 52g