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Paolo Becker

Tier:

Affordable	Mid-grade	Elevated	High-grade	Top
			X

Maker's own website: http://www.beckerpipes.com

Country: Italy

Price: $200+ (Note that Paolo Becker prices in USD, rather than euros.)

Production method:

Factory	Machine-assisted	Freehand
		X

Notes: Despite Baldi's higher prices, Paolo Becker is probably Italy's most celebrated high-grade artisan. He started making pipes in the 1970s, along with his father Fritz, and considers his style a continuation of his father's - it is generally also thought an enhancement.

Paolo is not only noted for superlative design, but also for excellent smoking qualities. Some experts consider him one of the world's top pipe 'engineers'.

It should also be mentioned that Paolo's lower grades are among the most affordable by a high-grade artisan anywhere in the world. They usually boast deep blasts in the style favoured by Americans.

See maker's own website for grading information.

Comments: The photograph does not do this graceful, delicately designed pipe justice. Graded with three hearts, it boasts a wondrously thin bit in the 'German' style and is very light. Easily the finest Italian pipe I own.

Now that he is back in his workshop full-time, Paolo Becker could join the small global elite of carvers, given even more recognition.

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