The Timeless Craft of Pipe Smoking

Over the last few years, we have seen what can only be described as a bit of a comeback in pipe smoking. Until recently, pipe smoking was seen to be something for the older generation; however, the renewed interest appears to be more multi-generational and across both sexes.

Pipe smoking is seen as one of life’s great ways to relax and unwind after a long day. This is in part down to the processes associated with it being quite tactile and hands-on — an experience that lends itself beautifully to the unwinding process.

History of Pipe Smoking

Pipe smoking’s history stretches back more than 12,000 years, beginning with the native peoples of Central and South America. These ancient peoples were among the first in the world to use tobacco as medicine and as part of religious ceremonies. Initially, rolled tobacco leaves called Cohibas were used for these rituals.

Although it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when the transition from leaves to pipes took place, archaeological evidence shows pipes being used around 1365 BCE in what is now Alabama. The evidence comes from a limestone-bowl pipe found during a 1920s dig — still containing traces of tobacco.

This pipe, with a reed stem protruding from the base of the bowl, is a style known as a calumet or elbow-shaped pipe — designs still recognised today across North America.

One of the oldest known Old-World pipes comes from Ethiopia, dating to around 1350 CE. It was a primitive water pipe — though, as residues revealed, not used for tobacco! It wasn’t until tobacco began to be imported from the Americas in the sixteenth century that pipe smoking became common in Europe.

Modern Pipe Making

Most modern pipes are made from briar — the root burl of the Erica arborea (heather) shrub — with the first briar pipes appearing around the 1820s. This innovation came about by accident when a French smoker travelling to Corsica broke his treasured meerschaum pipe and asked an artisan to craft a stronger replacement using briar wood.

Because of its strength, durability, and carvability, briar quickly became the wood of choice. Other timbers, such as cherry or pear, have been used — and still are today — but briar remains the best.

It was in France where briar pipe-making truly flourished, centred around Saint-Claude in the Jura region. The industry blossomed as global demand grew, with notable makers like Butz-Choquin and Chacom setting up shop.

By the early 1900s, Saint-Claude was producing 28 million pipes a year — half of the world’s supply — employing over 6,000 craftsmen in a town of just 12,000.

Shapes & Sizes

With countless shapes and finishes available, pipes soon became more than functional items — they became personal statements of character and style.

The sheer variety can seem overwhelming to newcomers, but it’s entirely a matter of personal taste. After all, one man’s water is another man’s poison!

Average pipes measure 5–6 inches, though smaller “nose warmers” can be as short as 3 inches, and long “churchwardens” can exceed 12 inches. Pipes can be straight or bent, with bends ranging from gentle to dramatic. Bowl finishes vary too — from smooth and polished to deeply rustic textures.

Starting Out with Pipes

If you’re thinking of trying pipe smoking for the first time, we recommend beginning with a basic, inexpensive briar pipe, such as those found in our Pipe Starter Kits.

These affordable pipes let you learn the essentials — how to pack, light, and maintain your pipe — without over-investing. If you decide pipe smoking isn’t for you, you haven’t lost much. But if you enjoy the experience, it’s worth exploring a pipe that’s more “you” — something of finer craftsmanship and personal appeal.

Explore our Pipe Starter Kits and discover the timeless craft of pipe smoking.