Konstantin Shekita Freehand

Konstantin Shekita is among the first pipe makers from Ukraine and has earned worldwide recognition for his precise craftsmanship. Today, he is undoubtedly considered one of the top 10 pipe makers globally. Born in 1967, this artisan began his career at the age of 23 at the Golden Gate pipe factory in Kyiv, initially polishing mouthpieces and later crafting pipes himself. In 1997, he ventured into self-employment, creating his first pipes from Albanian briarwood.

Alongside his career as a pipe maker, Shekita also worked as a stuntman in Russian film productions – a truly unique combination. He produces around 200 pipes annually, which stand out due to their high level of detail and contrasting surface finishes. While his styles vary, all of his works are consistently masterful and bear his unmistakable signature.

Konstantin Shekita has participated in numerous competitions, including events in 2007 in Przemyśl (Poland) and Russia, as well as in Chicago in 2008. A milestone in his career was his participation in a competition for pipes in the classic "Billiard" shape, where he earned second place. Additionally, winners of a slow-smoking competition in Kyiv were awarded with his pipes.

Shekita's works, first showcased at the Chicago Pipe Show, are now highly valued and sought after by collectors worldwide. His pipes are more than mere tools for smoking – they are true works of art that continue the tradition of pipe making in a vibrant and innovative way.