The Briar Artistry of Kent Rasmussen

I acquired my first Kent Rasmussen pipe, a beautiful ** grade, early in 2000, while he was still a fairly new pipe maker. To say that I was impressed with his artistry and skill is an understatement. Since then, Kent has made quite a splash in the high-grade pipe world. His considerable talents are being recognized by collectors and smokers everywhere. His background and training as a sculptor brings to his work a wonderful aesthetic sensibility, and his passion for perfection is obvious from his flawless execution. The inside of his bowls are polished to nearly optical smoothness. His stems are comfortable, expertly fitted and often seamlessly adorned with exotic hardwoods. The balance and flow of his pipes is expressed in every line, every curve. These pipes have a grace and elegance about them that is difficult both to describe and to photograph. Best of all, they smoke wonderfully.

Now, only a few years into his pipe making career, I believe Kent has become one of the best pipe makers in the world today. These are not every-day, casual smokers, but pipes to linger with, to enjoy when nothing will get in the way of the experience. And, yes, the pipe in the upper left corner will stand on its own foot.