Russian Pipemakers
If someone asks me - hey man, do you have talented pipemakers there, in Russia, in this land of snow, vodka, matryoshkas and bears with balalaikas? - I would say - yep.
It's early days yet to speak about a special Russian pipemakers tradition, but currently our artisans are meeting the highest standards in pipe-making, and their pipes are quite competitive. Today I'd like to name four of them - the ones who have significantly increased their professional level for the last years. Each of them has selected his own way, and has his own knack in pipe-making, own vision of the perfect pipe.
Victor Yashtylov is using the approach of American perfectionists - extreme quality and attention to details, sophistication of shapes and accuracy of execution. Really good pipes... maybe a bit calm. He's from Saint Petersburg, though :)
Sergey Ailarov is holding to the best traditions of Danish pipe making. His pipes are precise and laconic, "aurea mediocritas" between shape and grain. Sergey's efforts were mentioned by Greg Pease, and one of the pipes hit the “In Celebration of Briar 2010”. It stands on its own, huh? :)
Mikhail Revyagin is... wild :) His pipes go from the heart, bypassing the brain. From my point of view Mr.Pipes is quite close to the Japanese style, his pipes quite often are crazy, assymetrical, non-canonical and challenging stereotypes. Man of moods - today he creates a masterpiece, tomorrow - an ordinary pipe. His trump is perfect briar.
Last but not least, Alexey Kharlamov, is standing apart. I'd say he is not trying to follow traditions or keep up with fashion. Alexey's signature works reflect his devotion to nature - iguanas, pangolins, alligators... Besides Alex succesfully rethinks the classic shapes. From my perspective he may become one of the founders of the original Russian tradition in pipe carving - who knows? :)