What do Pipes and Knives Have in Common?

Rolando, as you may know, is sharing his work time between making pipes and making knives, chef knives, to be more specific. Although pipes and knives are two very different objects, they happen to have a lot in common when it comes to Rolando’s approach to making them: One connecting element is innovation. The second element has to do with ritual. These are both ritualistic objects. I have no intention to bring the subject to an esoteric perspective, but rather to acknowledge that both knives and pipes require a personal approach to using and enjoying them. Rolando pays a lot of attention to this aspect. To name one more, they are both tools that bring together the appreciation for balance, taste, texture, flavor, and the potential to inspire.