Blog by Al Jones

I have admired the work of British pipe artisan, Chris Askwith work for some time now.  He recently released a new line called “Hand Finished” pipes, at very reasonable prices.   This new line came up on a SmokersForum.uk thread and this bent Billiard caught my eye.  It had that classic British profile that I love.

I’ve had the pipe for about six weeks not and thought that I would share my observations.

Chris makes the “Hand Finished” line from a stock of old English briar. The stem material varies, and this one is vulcanite.  This was also from some old German stock that he found. The stem fitment is perfect.  The slim, fish-tail button, is sublime and just to my liking.  The shape and feel is similar my older Sasieni pipes.  The stem has a great mouth feel and Chris reports it doesn’t oxidize in use (one concern that I had).  I find the blast work and stain to be very appealing.

I was a little concerned as the pipe will not pass a cleaner. As I suspected, Chris said the strummels were pre-drilled, so he had to work within those shaping confines. I am happy to report, that after two smokes, the pipe was dry as a bone and cool. The wall thickness is also just to my preference.

Chris uses a bowl coating, but I found it to be flavor neutral and the pipe broke in almost immediately.  This is my second new pipe purchased this year with a  bowl coating.  I now consider myself a fan of bowl coatings, if they are created in this manner.

Ordering was smooth and easily completed via email. It was pleasant to have some interaction with the maker.   In email communications, Chris tells me that he is still learning to work with this supply of strummels and was appreciative of my feedback.

I’ve been smoking this pipe fairly regularly (2/3 times per week) and it is quickly becoming a favorite.  I had it with me at the recent Richmond CORPS show and several pipe club meetings.  The folks I’ve shown it to seemed impressed.  In fact, this pipe seems to end up in my bag for the various pipe club nights I attend.  The draw is open, but it is not fussy about the way it needs to be packed.   Typically, a bowl is a one match affair with no moisture, so a cleaner is not required.  The way it smokes, the shape and weight all conspire to make a pipe that really works for my needs.  This pipe has definitely whetted my appetite for a future Chris Askwith “Hand Made” pipe.