Aging tobacco improves its quality. Of this there is no doubt. Is it necessary, however? Just how much fresher are aged tobaccos? Are some aged tobaccos better than others? When you blend a few different tobaccos together, you have to “marry” them before smoking. Tobaccos of different ages come from different countries, with different soils, […]

When it comes to high quality tobacco pipes and handcrafted collectibles, there are a whole range of styles and types from which to choose. If you’re new to collecting rare smoking pipes or just an enthusiast expanding your knowledge of the pipe scene, here’s a quick run-down of the main varieties. Corn Cob  If you’re […]

Want to learn how to pack and light a tobacco pipe? It’s not as complicated as it seems. For the newbie pipe smoker, learning to pack your tobacco properly will be a valuable lifelong skill. If you don’t pack your pipe correctly, you’ll be left with dottle at the end of the smoke, or a […]

For the new pipe collector or casual smoker, selecting a quality handmade smoking pipe can be a confusing endeavor. A lot goes into finding and buying the right pipe, especially if it’s a gift for someone else. Firstly, you should make sure the pipe in question meets some basic requirements: aesthetic, mechanical, and financial. Handmade […]

If you’ve never broken in a new pipe, and you’re curious as to how it should be done, take note: This is one of those controversial subjects that will elicit a lot of different opinions. Particulars aside, all you need is some common sense. Firstly, know how to pack a new pipe. It’s not like […]

The story of Dunhill is packed with both recorded history and myth. Here, we review the former. It all began in the early 1900s, when Alfred Dunhill, a business man interested in the oncoming automobile market, began inventing all sorts of car-related accessories  One of these was the “windshield pipe,” which was meant to make […]

Cleaning your pipe is crucial for both hygiene and a prime smoking experience. Regular and diligent clean will keep your pipe from becoming soggy and tasting messy. Keeping up with pipe hygiene requires extra care that doesn’t come naturally for everyone, unfortunately. What you’ll need: Pipe Cleaners (tapered, bristle, or fluffly) Pipe sweetener Cotton swabs […]

When you’re selecting a pipe, it’s okay to be shallow. Ask yourself first whether you like its appearance, its shape, its staining, and its sandblasting. If these matters don’t suffice, no amount of quality will matter: In your eyes—literally—the pipe will always be lackluster. With that in mind, let’s say you’ve stumbled upon several pipes […]

Breaking It In Like any product that sees frequent usage, pipes need to be broken in. Your first dozen or bowls shouldn’t be filled completely, only a third or two-thirds or so to the top. Each bowl should be smoked all the way to the bottom. This helps to create a protective carbon layer at […]