Angelo Fassi – Characterful Pipes from Italy
At the 2024 “Pfeiferei” pipe fair in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, we had the chance to meet Angelo Fassi in person. There, he presented some of his handmade pipes, and we were able to secure a selection for our own range. He attended the fair with his wife and stood out with his friendly demeanor and relaxed, typically Italian style of dress.
Angelo Fassi’s First Steps into the World of Pipes
Born in 1958 in Appiano Gentile, Angelo Fassi was originally a competitive judo athlete and now works as a dental surgeon. His passion for pipes was sparked at the age of 14 by a Savinelli that belonged to his father. At 16, he visited the workshop of Caminetto Pipes, further deepening his interest in pipe making. Later, he learned the fundamentals of the craft from Bertram Safferling.
It wasn’t until many years after his studies and his professional establishment as a dentist that Angelo began actively building his own pipes. A course in 2008 marked the starting point, followed by his acquisition of a well-equipped workshop from a retired local pipe maker. He received support from figures such as Gabriele Dal Fiume and Massimiliano “Il Duca” Rimensi.
Experience and Exchange
As a member of the Academia della Pipa, Fassi is well connected in the Italian pipe-making scene. His style is influenced by the Danish school, though Italian elements with a baroque touch are also present. Artists like Maurizio Tombari (Le Nuvole) and the late Paolo Becker have left a mark on his work. He shares his experience with others, including Roberto Franzini of Franz Pipes, with whom he maintains close collaboration.
Tradition and Individuality: Pipes by Angelo Fassi
Fassi combines classic shapes into new interpretations—for instance, the wide bowl of a Pot with the slender shank of a Liverpool. He primarily uses briarwood for the bowls and ebonite for the mouthpieces. For accents, he uses natural materials such as horn, exotic woods, or silver.
His sandblasted and smooth-finished pipes are particularly popular. While working, Fassi enjoys listening to music—especially Brazilian Bossa Nova. He documents his craft on Instagram, where followers can regularly watch him at work. On the side, he is also active as a radio amateur under the call sign I2FVS.
Looking Ahead to Full-Time
Currently, Fassi produces his pipes part-time, but plans to dedicate himself fully to pipe making after retiring from dentistry in 2026. His limited production—around 50 pipes per year—is available through specialist retailers in Italy and Turkey, and of course also at Rauchr.
