PRODUCTS IN BRIEF
It is not easy to give a general idea of my production. The search for new solutions is part of my creativity. I particularly pay attention to the image of my pipes which, though they can differ significantly, an expert eye can recognise the harmony of line and the perfect balance. I take especial care over these aspects that are to be seen in all my products.
CLASSIC LIGHT PIPES: These contain the essentiality of a pipe unifying sobriety and beauty. Seemingly easy to produce, in reality there is always room for error of interpretation. Every element must have its rightful place. A well-made pipe will conserve its everlasting fascination over the years.
PIPES WITH GALALITH JOINTS: Classic and freely interpreted models with narrow shanks jointed in galalith - a beautiful material of natural origin very similar to ivory, also used to decorate jewellry. The combination of materials results in an object of both beauty and sobreity.
PIPES RINGED WITH SILVER: Classic and freely interpreted models embellished with silver. They are beautiful and elegant, in delicate equilibrium - never heavy in appearance.
FINISHING AND CRITERIA OF SELECTION
My pipes are finished and polished with carnauba wax. Aniline dyes are applied with a brush. The dyes are first diluted in alcohol - no more than 5-10 grams/litre. A litre of colour is sufficient for more than 500 pipes. The tints are applied to the pipe to bring out the beauty of the grain and never to mask it. For this reason I never use the “two-tone” finish which requires the colour to penetrate and so drastically reducing the natural porosity of the briarwood. Varnish, laquer and other products are likewise banished from my workshop. The more rustic pipes are polished using only shellac (French polish).
After a short time the smooth pipes lose the natural shine of the wax and take on the “lived-in” look that gives the pipes their fascination as the natural porosity of the briarwood comes to the fore.
Due to the work process in the laboratory, the rustic pipes are more porous. The polish does not compromise the finish. They smoke well from the outset, although they require a little more time to acquire the "lived-in" look.
PIPES MARKED XX: top quality pipes that unify the perfection of the briarwood with the grain or bird’s eye pattern of rare beauty.
PIPES MARKED FX: pipes with slight uneveness of the grain or bird’s eye pattern, or slight imperfections in the briarwood.
PIPES MARKED FP: pipes with rock grain briarwood or partial graining.