This list of names may remind many of famous painters and sculptors. In fact, these names stand for quality and craftsmanship of another kind. Brindisi, Savinelli, and Radice are famous Italian pipe manufacturers. Peterson pipes come from Ireland, Butz-Choquin from France, and Stanwell pipes from Denmark. Meerschaum pipes are almost exclusively carved in Turkey. The material most pipes are made of is called briar. The wood blocks for the pipes are cut from the burl of a bush. The best briar comes from briar bushes in Greece. These bushes grow very slowly and they have to be around 40 years before briar can be harvested. This fact may explain why some tobacco pipes are so expensive.
Meerschaum, the other material used to make pipes, is mostly harvested in Turkey and Tanzania, Africa. Meerschaum is a hydrous magnesium silicate. It usually is of opaque white-gray or creamy white color. Mining the meerschaum is very labor intensive. 80% of the material does not pass the rigorous quality checks. Only the best will be hand-carved into a piece of art. Popular designs for these pipes are Sultan heads and pirates. These are more traditional designs. Modern designs include floral designs, animals, and lately even skulls. Meerschaum changes color over time. This is caused by the oils in the tobacco. Common colors of used pipes vary from golden brown to reddish brown; the color change occurs gradually and can take up to a year.
Meerschaum is often referred to as the Venus of the Sea or White Goddess. Even though pipes made of briar are not referred to with such affectionate terms, they are just as cherished. The culture of smoking tobacco can be traced back to the Mayans and Aztecs. In the mid-1800s, the cigarette replaced the pipe. Cigarettes were easier to produce and more convenient. It is estimated that only 2% of all smokers use tobacco pipes.
Briar pipes are available in many shapes, colors, and finishes. A KS or King Size bowl can hold up to 4 grams of tobacco. Mini pipes hold just enough tobacco for a 10 minute break. Regardless of your preference, the sheer variety of tobaccos can be a bit overwhelming. Custom blends are available in tobacco shops. Flavored blends are very popular. A knowledgeable pipe enthusiast can give the beginner valuable tips. Tobacco stores often offer new customers free samples of their house blend. Some even let you pack your pipe with your tobacco of choice.
Many accessories are available for the pipe smoker. Lighters, ashtrays, pouches for your tobacco pipes, cleaners, and sweeteners are just a few items the pipe enthusiast will welcome. Tobacco is properly stored in either airtight containers or sealable pouches. Clubs and magazines can give the beginner a peek into the world of pipe enthusiasts.
Nowadays, you will find different types of tobacco pipes on various shops and local stores. The tobacco pipe will tell something about the character of the user, displaying his or her personality besides its general purpose. One remarkable and ancient design of tobacco pipe was seen in Sherlock Holmes T.V. series. Nevertheless, it is not just the design that distinguished it from other pipes but because of the components that were used in its construction. For instance, having a mahogany wood pipe that is normally durable portrays a classy user, since this type of wood is rear to find and very costly.
Porcelain and Ceramic pipes are also very fashionable. They come in different unique designs and styles so that a buyer can choose either to purchase a readymade pipe from a manufacturer or create his or her own design. Nonetheless, if you make the bowel of the pipe using materials that conducts heat easily, the bowl will be too hot to touch while smoking. Generally, the stem of the pipe will always remain handy, since it is made from a combination of plastic and wood to join it to the bowl. The pipes come in curved and straight stems for every available design.
Hand-Carved pipes are made from less costly wood. Pine gives an unusual aroma to the tobacco pipe however; it is durable since it is made from a soft wood. Hardwood such as Oak, Polar or Ash are also used in making tobacco pipes, because they can be simply carved without causing damage to the wooden grains. Pipes made from hardwood are more durable compared to soft woods. Creating new designs using wood or engraving wood gives a unique character to the pipe, this helps to display the personality of the person using it as well as making it more appealing to the eye, besides remaining functional. For example, a fisherman can engrave their favorite bass on one side of the bowl while a hunter can etch their beloved big game on his or her bowl.
Another emerging style is the use of corn cob pipes. These are preferred because they are simply affordable and last longer compared to other pipes. Other users’ say that they tastes much better than wood pipes, which have a particular flavor depending on the type of wood you may be using.
The type of tobacco pipes you will select will be influenced by the amount of money you are willing to spend and your personality. A user can purchase these pipes off the shelf or place an order for a tailor-made tobacco pipe made from own specifications. The material making the pipe is selected by the user, could be old or any new material to show it off.
