Pipe Line

First Pipe Stories: Andy Wike

May 21, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

13 Comments

Everyone has a first pipe story. Whether you think yours is a "good" one is up for debate. Recently I shared Shane Ireland's first pipe story and it seemed to resonate with several of you, and was enjoyable to learn and read about. So, without further ado ... Read More

Bamboo as Aesthetic in Pipes

May 15, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

3 Comments

The intentionality behind the use of bamboo in pipe making extends beyond the material itself — creativity flourishes in the bamboo aesthetic even when other materials take its place. Many artisan pipe makers evoke the visual cues of bamboo through alternative mediums like briar, meerschaum, boxwood, silver, and more. This is the final installment ... Read More

All Pipes Considered: Inside J. Davis Pipe Shop

May 14, 2026 by Shane Ireland

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting one of the grandfathers of modern American pipe making and a good friend of mine, Jody Davis, in his shop. While we were hanging out, naturally I had some questions for him about his start in pipe making, his general philosophy ... Read More

The History of Pipe Design: Japan

May 8, 2026 by Truett Smith

3 Comments

Sykes Wilford has a pipe on display in his office that was made by Hiroyuki Tokutomi in 2004. It's what artisan pipe makers refer to as an "own" — a pipe that is complete and functional in every respect but doesn't quite meet the standards of being sellable. Perhaps the draft hole is drilled slightly askew, or the bottom of the chamber reaches too close to the heel. Sometimes, pipe makers ... Read More

In Appreciation of Sandblasted Pipes

May 8, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

4 Comments

The many finishes available, from rustication to smooth, each highlight briar grain in unique ways. One such finish is the topic of today's piece: sandblasted. It's been a little while since my last In Appreciation piece, so let's take a look at the art of sandblasting ... Read More

Pipe-Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: May 2026

May 1, 2026 by Isabelle Kern

1 Comment

It's May, and a new month calls for eight fresh images — for download in two high-resolution formats — for your desktop and mobile backgrounds. As always, be sure to check back here next month for another round of photos to enjoy. ... Read More

The Pipe-Smoking Community Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Pipe Show

May 1, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

3 Comments

Pipe makers and collectors are gathered in a small hotel room, smoke clouding the room, and a buzz of energy, chatter, and excitement fills the space. It's 4:00 a.m. and no one has slept. But there's community and joy to be had, so sleep can wait. A picture like this ... Read More

Mystery Review: April 2026

April 28, 2026 by Shane Ireland

4 Comments

Welcome to another episode of Mystery Review our monthly series in which our panel of experts attempts to identify a mystery tobacco. For April's edition, our guest Inquisitor is Jennifer Murray, Production Supervisor at Cornell & Diehl. Will her mysterious submission leave us bewildered, or will we correctly guess the tobacco she's presented to us? Join us as we discuss what ... Read More

Bamboo in Modern Pipe Making: Natural & Unique Beauty

April 24, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

2 Comments

Pick up a piece of bamboo destined for a pipe and you're holding something a maker may have pulled from the ground themselves, hunted down on eBay, or selected from a pile of dozens for its particular curve, coloring, or the way its knuckles appear. That level of intention, and the craft required to honor it, is what defines bamboo's place in modern pipe making. A few weeks ago ... Read More

First Pipe Stories: Shane Ireland

April 17, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

11 Comments

You never forget your first pipe. Here at Smokingpipes, there are plenty of pipe smokers who have memorable stories for how they began their journey in pipes. I recently spoke with Shane Ireland about his first pipe, and he remembered joyfully starting his adventure ... Read More

First Pipe Stories: Andy Wike

Bamboo as Aesthetic in Pipes

All Pipes Considered: Inside J. Davis Pipe Shop

The History of Pipe Design: Japan

In Appreciation of Sandblasted Pipes

Pipe-Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: May 2026

The Pipe-Smoking Community Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Pipe Show

Mystery Review: April 2026

Bamboo in Modern Pipe Making: Natural & Unique Beauty

First Pipe Stories: Shane Ireland

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