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At the end of the 70s and the beginning of the 80s, a comet blazed across the heavens of the American pipe universe. [[Mike Butera]], an American insurance broker and passionate pipe smoker, an admirer of the technical perfection and of the aesthetics of the famous Italian and Danish pipe makers, made a pilgrimage to the Mecca of pipe design. He traveled throughout Europe, visiting among others one of the most prestigious carvers of that time, [[Baldo Baldi]]. During those travels he became friends with Carlo Scotti, the owner of the most famous Italian brand, [[Castello]]. He studied their techniques as well as the refined aesthetics of their creations. Mike Butera had found his vocation. After returning to the United States not only did he enter the cigar and tobacco trade, he also started to carve pipes. He did so meticulously, with the soul of a perfectionist. Straight away he won a competition for pipe makers, amazing colleagues and connoisseurs alike by the quality of his work. This had never been seen before! An American was able to produce pipes that could rival European high grades, pipes that were beautiful and presented an execution and finish that were beyond reproach. The era of the ugly and monstrous freehands was over. The genuine American high grade had been born. From then on, the American pipe makers had a role model, a point of reference. More than just an admired carver, Mike Butera became a living legend. All passionate pipe lovers knew his name and his reputation, but those who had the privilege of smoking a Butera were few. Being an overworked businessman, he produced only a few pipes a year. His creations are therefore, even to this day, prized collectable pieces that sell for exorbitant prices. | At the end of the 70s and the beginning of the 80s, a comet blazed across the heavens of the American pipe universe. [[Mike Butera]], an American insurance broker and passionate pipe smoker, an admirer of the technical perfection and of the aesthetics of the famous Italian and Danish pipe makers, made a pilgrimage to the Mecca of pipe design. He traveled throughout Europe, visiting among others one of the most prestigious carvers of that time, [[Baldo Baldi]]. During those travels he became friends with Carlo Scotti, the owner of the most famous Italian brand, [[Castello]]. He studied their techniques as well as the refined aesthetics of their creations. Mike Butera had found his vocation. After returning to the United States not only did he enter the cigar and tobacco trade, he also started to carve pipes. He did so meticulously, with the soul of a perfectionist. Straight away he won a competition for pipe makers, amazing colleagues and connoisseurs alike by the quality of his work. This had never been seen before! An American was able to produce pipes that could rival European high grades, pipes that were beautiful and presented an execution and finish that were beyond reproach. The era of the ugly and monstrous freehands was over. The genuine American high grade had been born. From then on, the American pipe makers had a role model, a point of reference. More than just an admired carver, Mike Butera became a living legend. All passionate pipe lovers knew his name and his reputation, but those who had the privilege of smoking a Butera were few. Being an overworked businessman, he produced only a few pipes a year. His creations are therefore, even to this day, prized collectable pieces that sell for exorbitant prices. | ||
The real awakening of the American artisan pipe occurred in the 80s. Dozens of carvers entered the craft. While many proved to be nine-day wonders, and are now only obscure footnotes in the annals, some succeeded and today have a good twenty years of experience. Artisans such as [[Elliott Nachwalter]], [[Clarence Mickles]], [[Randy Wiley]], [[Tim West]], [[Steve Weiner]], and [[ | The real awakening of the American artisan pipe occurred in the 80s. Dozens of carvers entered the craft. While many proved to be nine-day wonders, and are now only obscure footnotes in the annals, some succeeded and today have a good twenty years of experience. Artisans such as [[Elliott Nachwalter]], [[Clarence Mickles]], [[Randy Wiley]], [[Tim West]], [[Steve Weiner]], and [[Samuel Learned ]], for instance, have made noteworthy contributions, but without having reached the pinnacle of the art of the best European pipe makers. | ||
And today, who are the carvers that stand out from the lot, that deserve for one reason or another to be presented in this article? Evidently, any choice is subjective, and somewhat arbitrary. I realize this. However, after having talked to a dozen of American pipe makers and connoisseurs, it turns out that the same names are mentioned time after time. Here then are a few of those icons. | And today, who are the carvers that stand out from the lot, that deserve for one reason or another to be presented in this article? Evidently, any choice is subjective, and somewhat arbitrary. I realize this. However, after having talked to a dozen of American pipe makers and connoisseurs, it turns out that the same names are mentioned time after time. Here then are a few of those icons. | ||