Savinelli 121ks Avorio, Smooth, 6mm

With its wide chamber and firm, jutting heel, Savinelli's "121 KS" is a thoroughly Italian take on the bent Pot shape. The bold, muscular bowl garners much of the visual attention but is expertly balanced out by the saddle stem's graceful downward turn — softening the design's masculine profile while also allowing the shape to be more comfortably clenched. The chamber's thick, insulating walls provide plenty of substance between the smoker and the burning leaf inside and offer a substantial presence in hand. The "121 KS" is also notably similar to the Italian marque's other bent Pot design, the "122," with the primary difference between them being the breadth of their bowls as the "121 KS" here has been lent some additional width around its base.

Savinelli's Avorio finish was introduced in 2023, and its name is a direct reference to its appearance: Avorio translates into English as "ivory" from Italian. Referring specifically to their stems, Avorio pipes feature custom-cast stems of ivory-white acrylic striated with slightly darker hues, immediately reminiscent of their namesake and evocative of ivory-stemmed pipes of yesteryear. The Avorio line comprises both smooth and rusticated finishes, with the smooth version showcasing a deep, warm, and glossy Bordeaux stain, while the rustication pairs its craggy texture to a darker, chestnut-toned hue.

-Truett Smith