All our pipe smoking advice

Pipes are among the most emblematic objects in the world of smokers, combining artisanal craftsmanship and unique design. Each region of the world has its iconic brands, each with its own history and techniques. This article invites you to discover some of the major pipe brands outside of the famous English, French, Italian, and Danish manufacturers. Focus on Japan, America, Germany, and Turkey. Japanese pipes: Kiseru and TsugeJapan is distinguished by its long artisanal tradition, and Kiseru pipes are a perfect illustration of this. These pipes, used in Japanese culture for centuries, are recognizable by their thin and elegant shape. They were mainly used to smoke finely cut tobacco, called kizami.The brand Tsuge, for its part, is one of the most famous in Japan and worldwide. Founded in 1936, it combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern innovations. Tsuge offers a variety of models, ranging from classic briar designs to more contemporary pipes, often prized by collectors. American pipes: Missouri MeerschaumIn the United States, the iconic brand is undoubtedly Missouri Meerschaum, famous for its corn cob pipes. These pipes, simple and economical, were popularized as ... Learn more

English and Irish Pipes English and Irish pipes are globally recognized for their exceptional quality, their sophisticated design and their respect for artisanal traditions. Whether you are a passionate collector or a curious enthusiast, these brands offer a range of models suited to all tastes. Iconic Brands from England Big BenAlthough Big Ben is often associated with the Netherlands, this brand remains a popular choice among pipe enthusiasts in England. Renowned for its elegant and accessible models, Big Ben offers pipes that combine contemporary design and quality craftsmanship. Dunhill - The White SpotDunhill, with its iconic "White Spot," is an essential reference in the world of pipes. Since its founding in 1910, the brand embodies British elegance and craftsmanship perfection. Dunhill pipes are prized for their flawless finish and longevity. FalconFalcon is famous for its innovative modular pipes. Their unique system allows combining a modern design with an optimized smoking experience. With a lightweight metal body and interchangeable bowls, Falcon pipes offer unmatched flexibility. BentleyBentley, known for its luxury cars, has also managed to conquer the world of ... Learn more

Italy is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, and pipes are no exception. Thanks to a blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, Italian pipe brands stand out for their elegance and quality. Here is an overview of the most emblematic houses. The must-haves of Italian craftsmanship Talamona: timeless excellenceFor several decades, Talamona has embodied Italian artisanal tradition. Its pipes, handmade, are characterized by elegant shapes and superior quality materials. Savinelli: the world reference Savinelli is an emblematic brand recognized around the world. It offers a wide range of pipes combining classic design and technical innovations, ideal for all enthusiasts.L’Anatra: Italian Refinement With L’Anatra, every pipe is a unique piece. This brand stands out for its attention to detail and the customization of its creations. Viprati: the Passion for Wood Viprati takes pride in beautifying briar wood in its creations. Its pipes are appreciated for their lightness and their inimitable style. Mastro Geppetto: Pipes with Authentic CharmThe pipes Mastro Geppettocharm with their simplicity and authenticity. They are perfect for those looking for a traditional ... Learn more

Denmark is renowned for its long tradition of handcrafted pipe making. Pipe enthusiasts particularly appreciate the quality, innovation, and design of Danish pipes. In this article, we highlight the most iconic brands that contribute to the country's reputation. Tom Eltang: A globally recognized master craftsmanTom Eltang is an iconic figure in the world of pipes. His creations are distinguished by an exceptional finesse and timeless designs. Each Tom Eltang pipe is handmade with incomparable attention to detail, making his models highly sought after by collectors around the world. His pipes combine classic aesthetics with modern touches, perfect for demanding enthusiasts. Neerup: Innovation in the Service of TraditionThe brand Neerup, founded by Peder Jeppesen, is distinguished by its colorful models and varied finishes. It perfectly combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, offering pipes that are both original and accessible. Neerup is ideal for those looking for a quality pipe with a touch of boldness. Nording Pipes: A bold and rustic styleNording Pipes is a Danish brand famous for its pipes with a rustic and robust style. Founded by Erik Nording, this ... Learn more

New, the meerschaum pipe is all white. But it does not stay that way. It takes on a color ranging from amber to brown over time with use. How can you color your meerschaum pipe? We explain everything to you. The meerschaum pipe: a precious object With a milky whiteness and sometimes very intricate curves, the meerschaum pipe often serves as a work of art or a collectible. To understand how to take care of this type of pipe, it is essential to understand what meerschaum is.This porous material is mainly extracted from Turkey and more precisely from the Eskisehir plain. It is quite a rare substance, made from the fossils of marine creature shells. It is from this sea foam that the best pipes are carved. However, it can also be found floating on the surface of the Black Sea. This material is also used, but for carving lower-quality pipes.Seafoam pipes are handmade by Turkish pipe craftsmen. Over time and with use, the milky white changes color. Each pipe is unique, and each coloration is also unique. It particularly depends on the use and careful maintenance by its owner. Good tips for properly coloring your seafoam pipeIn the smokers' world, there are two schools of thought: the ... Learn more

The meerschaum pipe requires regular and meticulous cleaning. Otherwise, your pipe will deteriorate and your tobacco will no longer have its savory taste. Here are our expert tips for properly cleaning your meerschaum pipe. Breakdown. Cleaning your meerschaum pipe with the right tools As with cleaning traditional pipes, you will need some very specific accessories to reach all the corners of your pipe. In addition to the classic pipe cleaner and stem brush or cotton swab, you will need a tapered pipe cleaner, a bristled pipe cleaner, and a pipe pick if you wish. Chemical products should be avoided, first because they will alter the meerschaum and then because some also leave a taste or smell in your pipe that is transferred to the tobacco. In addition, inhaling these products can be harmful to your health. The maintenance of a meerschaum pipe begins as soon as it is acquired When purchased, a meerschaum pipe displays a majestic white. Yet, every enthusiast knows how important it is to see a change in color occur. Indeed, meerschaum, if properly maintained, turns amber or brown over time. Coated with beeswax, meerschaum pipes must be handled with care. Some purists will ... Learn more

You need to find a gift for a loved one and you know that person smokes a pipe. So the idea seems obvious! Yet, you quickly realize that it is a vast technical universe in which you have absolutely no knowledge… Let us help you find the ideal gift for a pipe smoker. Giving a pipe to a smokerIf you know the person well and are aware of their pipe preferences, you can venture to choose one for them. While there are many brands, there are also very diverse models. Similarly, pipes are made from various materials. To please someone or enhance a collection, it will then be important to have all the necessary information about the smoker's preferences.In briar, in sea foam, in corncob, or in other materials, a pipe is certainly chosen based on aesthetics, but also according to technical criteria. Do not hesitate, therefore, to consult the seller if you do not have a model in mind, so that this professional can guide you in the best way. Giving a pipe accessoryEasier to offer to avoid blunders, many accessories are also available to you to give a gift to a pipe smoker. Here are which ones. The pipe lighter This is a special lighter for lighting pipes. There are all shapes, all brands,... Learn more

À like cigar smokers, those who enjoy smoking a pipe must have a certain number of pipe accessories. These are essential to experience real pleasure from smoking due to their usefulness. Among these essential accessories, each one has its own specific role. Some can be used for the actual use of the pipe. Others for storing, keeping clean, or even for cleaning.What are these accessories and how to use them properly?Discover in this article these tools that you will no longer be able to do without as a pipe lover. Pipe lighters You have certainly already tried to light your pipe with a regular lighter. If you have already done so, it is very likely that you still remember it.It is quite complicatedto do it, because lighting pipes is not easy with this type of lighter. That is why special lighters were designed to make lighting the pipe easier. This way you can light your pipe more easily without having to burn your fingers to do it. What is special about these pipe lighters?First, there is the fact that they have a horizontal flame. The pipe lights in just one second. Moreover, these lighters are refillable, and the gas that allows them to refill is quite clean, therefore... Learn more

Smoking tobacco with a pipe on a daily basis is a real pleasure for enthusiasts. However, to preserve the flavors of the tobacco, and to maintain the pipe itself, regular cleaning is important. Do you know how to clean your pipe? This advice article offers you a guide on how to properly clean your pipe to ensure its properties and performance are maintained at their best. Routine cleaningDepending on the type of tobacco you smoke with your pipe, the frequency of routine cleaning can vary. Indeed, routine cleaning of the pipe concerns its stem and its draft hole. This cleaning helps remove moisture, nicotine, and tar deposited in the pipe. It is done with a pipe cleaner. For more effective routine cleaning, you can beforehand dip the pipe cleaner in alcohol. In the case where you have a 9 mm mounted pipe, à With the help of a cotton swab or a tissue, clean the bottom of the mortise and the plug. If you are in the habit of removing the adapter and using 9 mm filters, it is recommended to clean the inside of the mortise and the tenon. Indeed, nicotine and tar accumulate quickly in this part of the pipe. Thus, clean this part with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Although not ... Learn more

The clay pipe was invented in the 16th century in England and the first factory was founded in Gouda in Holland in 1617 under the initiative of the Englishman William Baenelts. Other factories were set up in the north of France and in Belgium. The oldest of our pipes was sidelined for a long time, but it seems that it is back in the news. More and more pipe smokers swear by it. If you want to know everything about this clay object, follow our guide! Instructions for use of your new clay pipe Before you can smoke this new clay pipe that you just purchased, first conduct a visual inspection of the item to ensure the absence of cracks in the bowl and to remove any clay burrs that may remain. Using a soft brush, remove the dust without pressing too hard so as not to damage the raised details present on some white clay pipes. To remove stains, repeat the brushing operation with water and, if necessary, a little soap.Then rinse your pipe several times with clear water. The advantages and disadvantages of a clay pipe While a briar pipe must be protected from the fire produced by the burning of tobacco through the seasoning technique, a clay pipe does not need it. The only ... Learn more

The complexity of choosing a pipe is greater than it seems. An object of desire, each one is different, both aesthetically and in terms of its use. Indeed, there are about as many pipes as there are smokers, which is why everyone has their own characteristics and preferences when it comes to a pipe. Before showing yourself off with your pipe, here is a comparison guide that, step by step, will help you choose your pipe. The length of the pipe: of crucial importance There are three types of pipes: long, medium, and short. Each of them brings a specificity to the smoke. Here are in detail the particularities of each of the pipes of a wooden pipe.   Short pipe or so-called “chop-guard” It is a quite small pipe. It is often appreciated by male and experienced smokers, because the smoke is very hot and strong when it reaches the mouth. These so-called "practical" pipes are not really recommended for beginners. Small, they are nevertheless very convenient for smokers who need to move around. Standard pipe, also called classic The standard pipe is the most common. It is suitable for all types of tobacco and smokers: beginners, experienced, women, ... Learn more

Discover the pipe filter The pipe filters are essential accessories to enjoy a pleasant smoke but also to retain impurities such as tar or even nicotine when you smoke the pipe. Thanks to this type of pipe accessory, you will have the possibility to preserve your health while improving the quality of your pipe smoking experience.On the market, you will find different types of filters for pipes, and these are available in various sizes and formats, as well as materials.Depending on the bore of your pipe, you will know which type and size of filter to choose. Discover below all the characteristics of each filter and select in our online store the one that seems the most efficient and reliable to you! The different filters: metal, paper, 9mm and 6mm balsaLearn more about the different types of pipe filters As you may have seen previously, there are 3 types of pipe filters; we will look together at the different details and specificities that each of these types of filters has. The metal filter for your pipeThe metal filter is the only one of the 4 types of filters available that is not disposable. Indeed, you will not need to change it after each smoking session. Metal filters... Learn more

The origin of the briar pipe: a French story The briar pipe is a French invention that has its roots in the south of the country. This type of pipe is made from the root, also called burl, of the tree heath (Erica arborea) found in the Mediterranean basin.The first briar pipes were reportedly made in Saint-Claude in the Jura, in 1856, by the Comoy company (which became Chacom). The town quickly became the world capital of the pipe, thanks to the development of numerous small factories. Other sources indicate that the first briar pipes were produced in Cogolin, in the Var, as early as 1802. Today, French briar pipes are renowned for their quality and design, competing with productions from around the world. The major French pipe brands Historical brands Here is an overview of the main French pipe brands, recognized for their quality and craftsmanship: Chacom : Based in Saint-Claude, this house produces a variety of pipes, ranging from standard models to limited editions. Butz-Choquin : Also originating from Saint-Claude, it is known for its elegant designs and mass production.}Courrieu (Cogolin) : Located near Saint-Tropez, this house uses local heather from the Massif des ... Learn more

First of all, when preparing to acquire your first pipe, it is advisable to trust your instinct: you choose a model because you like it. Straight, curved, semi-curved… The eye takes the first step. But it is recommended, to start, to opt for a classic shape and not a "fussy" looking one, which can cause smoking difficulties for the novice. Next, let's think about proportions. First, do not choose a bowl that is too deep: a dimension of 4 cm maximum for the internal depth seems appropriate. Because, if it is too deep, the draw will be more difficult to control. Weight is also an important issue: consider that if it exceeds 60 grams, it will be heavy in the mouth, especially for a right-handed one. As for the material, we will opt for heather. Sea foam and clay are materials too fragile to start with. To the question of whether quality Heather can have an influence on the taste of the pipe; the general response is that the essential element is that the heather has grain. A "bald" pipe, without grain, will likely prove to be more bland. Conversely, if the wood shows flames (clearly visible vein lines, even parallel) or "partridge eyes"(in the shape of a burl), the tobacco will give ... Learn more

Discover how to break in your own meerschaum pipe First of all, you should absolutely never pre-break in a meerschaum pipe with alcohol, no more than a briar pipe. You would permanently damage it. The meerschaum pipe is delicate. It must therefore be smoked slowly, regularly (once a day). The bowl must be filled completely with tobacco from the start, but only smoke halfheat the bowl for several dozen pipes in order to achieve a pleasant seasoning (coloring of the bottom of the bowl and the stem). The meerschaum pipe is a fragile and precious object; it should therefore never be touched while smoking it to avoid the indelible mark of fingerprints. It is held only by the stem. However, if you want to hold it by the bowl, you must take the precaution of protecting your hand with a chamois leather or a square of cloth.The "false" genuine meerschaums One can find meerschaum pipes on the market at very low prices, sometimes half the price of a genuine meerschaum pipe. It should be known that these are, even if their external appearance is similar to that of a genuine meerschaum pipe, reconstituted meerschaum called "massa meerschaum" (Massameerschaum), or "Vienna meerschaum." They ... Learn more

What is meerschaum? Meerschaum is nothing other than magnesite (magnesium hydrogen sulfate), also known by the German name "Meerschaum." It is a variety of white-colored carbonate lime.The sea foam comes from sedimentary terrains of the Secondary and Tertiary periods. It appears in the form of modest-sized blocks, called nodules, and scattered in clay. It is extracted from old, artisanal, and rudimentary mining facilities, using wells with a depth ranging from 40 to 80 meters. The properties of sea foamSea foam has the particularity of being a very light mineral, capable of floating on water. Moreover, that is where its name comes from, since sailors of the Black Sea used to confuse it with the foam of the waves when it floated on the surface of the water. Sea foam (Genuine Block Meerschaum) is porous (its specific weight is less than 1g). It also has a great absorbent capacity and retains nicotine very efficiently. This mineral is also refractory and therefore constitutes an excellent raw material for the manufacture of pipes. The origin of the meerschaum pipeThe first meerschaum pipes are believed to have been made in Budapest at the beginning of the 17th century. Some time ... Learn more

Briar Pipe: Artisan Craftsmanship and Jura Expertise The briar pipe is much more than a simple object: it embodies an artisanal know-how passed down from generation to generation. At Butz-Choquin, nearly 150 Jura master pipemakers combine their expertise to produce each year 600,000 pipes. A true feat that requires precision, patience, and passion.It all starts with a raw material, called briar blank. These pieces of briar are carefully selected, stored for 6 to 12 months to dry, and then sorted by model. The transformation into an elegant pipe then goes through more than 80 steps, each essential to ensure a high-quality product. The steps of making a briar pipe The making of a briar pipe follows a rigorous process, detailed below: Calibrating: The blanks are brought to the same dimensions to standardize production. Roughing: This step shapes the head and the bowl of the pipe. Turning: The stem is turned to obtain the desired shape. Milling: The model takes its final shape thanks to this step. Drilling: The smoke channel is drilled with precision.Filing: The head is carefully prepared for polishing. The different qualities of briar pipes After filing, the pipes are ... Learn more

What kind of wood is this? For the making of the pipe, a variety of wood called TREE HEATHER (Erica arborea) is used. It is a shrub with white flowers that can reach 4 to 6 meters in height and grows wild among cork oaks or in the maquis. It has the particularity of having, between the trunk and the roots, a growth in the shape of a ball called a BURL. Only the burl is suitable for making the different models. The age of the heathersDepending on the land, it takes 40 to 50 years to obtain an exploitable root. There are some CRUS better than others. To make a good pipe, you must start with good briar. For example, it is known that difficult soil produces denser briars, therefore more beautiful and better for smoking. The briars selected by BUTZ-CHOQUIN come from the best "slopes" of Corsica, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia. The uprooting of the rootsThe process of transformation begins with him. The digger knows, upon seeing a heather bush, whether it will produce a sufficient stump (about 20 cm in diameter at minimum). He does not make clean cuts and thus saves the bush that is too young for later. His work consists of digging up the stump, separating it from its roots, cutting it ... Learn more

A real smoker is recognized by the way he takes care of his pipe. He must have a tool (pipe tamper, pipe cleaner, and scraper blade), absorbent pipe-cleaning brushes, and keep his tobacco in a leather or metal pouch, or an airtight tobacco jar. The 6 tips for starting well with the pipeBelow, you will find 6 articles dedicated to the use and maintenance of the pipe. If you are new to the world of the pipe, these tips will be valuable to you and will also help you in your first steps in this varied and complex universe. Quickly become a pipe professional thanks to these 6 tips for starting well with the pipe, tips created by experts in the field. 1. Breaking inA poorly broken-in pipe cannot be recovered, and gives a harsh taste to the tobacco. To smoke a new pipe, it is important to protect the bowl with a layer of carbon, because an untreated briar can burn, so you should only fill the first ten pipes halfway, smoke them slowly, and down to the last strand of tobacco so that the carbon deposits at the bottom of the bowl. Let new pipes rest very often, never smoke them more than twice a day, and especially avoid artificial breaking-in.avoid abnormal drafts that activate ... Learn more