Walt Cannoy Cardinal House Langford Smooth Contrast Billiard Handmade Briar Pipe, New

Walt Cannoy first emerged as a major figure in the the North American pipe making renaissance around the turn of the millennium. Originally an R&D mechanic, Cannoy carved and sold his first pipe in 1999, having been inspired by artisan pipe makers as diverse as Preben Holm, Robert “Micoli” Burns, and Joe Mariner. Cannoy would soon rise in the ranks of the North American artisan scene, becoming one of its premier high-grade carvers. Named after various landmarks in Cannoy’s native Florida, “Cardinal House” began as a side-project of sorts, whereby Cannoy could offer relatively inexpensive pipes alongside his high-grade, high-demand Signature works. While the first Cardinal House pipes were akin to “seconds,” Cannoy soon became dissatisfied with this approach, leading him to rethink what it would mean to make high-quality, artisan pipes that were comparable in price to reputable factory makes. Instead of reducing costs by using cheaper materials, or utilizing pre-fabricated components (such as stummels and stems), Cannoy focused instead on streamlining his manufacturing process, leading to Cardinal House as it is known today. Handmade from the same briar blocks, ebonite rods, and various ornaments as the Walt Cannoy Signature series, Cardinal House’s enduring affordability represents simply the culmination of decades spent isolating and refining all of the essential techniques involved in one’s craft. Traditional Anglo-French shapes feature prominently in Walt Cannoy’s Cardinal House series, though there’s always at least a little something to their designs that keeps them modern and fresh. In the case of this one, the proportions are certainly in keeping with classic 20th century briars, though its exemplary grain work and deep contrast finishing set it apart from even the upper end of the old factory makes.   Details: Length: 5.6″ / 142.2mm Bowl Width: 0.71 / 18.03mm Bowl Depth: 1.32″ / 33.52mm Weight: 1.1oz / 32g