Pfeifenbox

Back...

Brian Ruthenberg

Tier:

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

Country: USA

Price: $250+ (Note: Price cited in $US)

Production method:

Notes: Brian Ruthenberg has been making a name of himself as a superb sandblaster in the tradition of Cooke and Talbert. A very dedicated and ambitious part-timer, his strong points also include a reputation for uncannily good smoking qualities, with some experts detecting a typically 'mellow' taste to his pipes. Design is usually firmly conservative, with a bold, minimalist touch.

For further information, please see the maker's own website.

Comments: Classing Ruthenberg is not easy. If he were better known, especially outside the US, he might well be considered a high-grader. That said, he is not a very imaginative carver. In my opinion, his spectacular blasts make up for this, but his smooth pipes are less likely to magnetise collectors. With European collectors finally paying more attention to deep, sharp sandblasting, he might wish to address the overseas market more aggressively than has been the case. If Ruthenberg makes his work more available than, say, J. T. Cooke, he could help feed a growing desire for rough pipes with a somewhat masculine appeal.

The bit on the piece shown is just slightly thicker than I would prefer, and I am told this goes for other Ruthenbergs, too. On the other hand, the wide air channel makes maximum use of this extra thickness, almost certainly contributing to the ease experienced when smoking this pipe. All told, I see the potential for a very bright future with buyers who favour discreetly designed (but perfectly executed) 'smokers'.

Back...