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Cornelius Mänz from Reutlingen is a pipe maker. A freehand artist, as he is known in the trade. He shapes each pipe freehand at the grinding wheel, working by feel and intuition. And always with precision. Each of his pieces is unique and now highly sought-after by collectors from all over the world.
The pipe maker makes his pipes from Italian briar wood. Bruyère wood is the name given to the root tubers of the tree heath. The ideal wood for a pipe, because it is particularly hard and relatively light. The special feature, however, is the fine and detailed grain. Only a trained eye, like that of Cornelius Mänz, recognizes the potential of these inconspicuous wooden blocks. Their fine grain shows him the way. It tells him what shape he wants to give the pipe. Whether the pipe should be strong with clear edges or more delicate and filigree. From the rough shape to the shiny, hand-flattering object, the craftsman grinds, drills, oils and polishes for several days. Then there is the ebonite mouthpiece, which he also shapes by hand, of course.
The trained textile designer is a true perfectionist, who first began making pipes more than 20 years ago for his own pleasure. Cornelius Mänz needs a sure hand and an eye for proportions, but also a lot of patience and strong nerves. Because it is not uncommon to find out only at the end whether the pipe delivers what the wood promised. If irregularities, inclusions and blemishes only come to light after sanding, then the pipe maker has to start all over again. Cornelius Mänz takes it in stride. It is and remains a piece of nature. But that's exactly what makes the material so exciting for the craftsman artist.