Brindisi, Peterson, Savinelli, Butz-Choquin, Radice, Or Stanwell- A Hard Choice For The Enthusiast

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.