The 3 Most Common Smoking Pipes

Although, the popularity of the smoking pipe has been up and down over the last few hundred years it has been gaining momentum in the last 40 years. Even though the late 1970’s and 1980’s are considered the “Golden Age of Pipes”, smokers are realizing the draw of the pipe more and more. Manufacturers are offering a wide variety of sizes, shapes and materials to appeal to a more diverse smoker, and thus cigar smoking is diminishing while pipe smoking is gaining credibility. So whether you’re a novice pipe smoker or a veteran there are 3 common types of pipes- one for every kind of smoker no matter your experience or budget. Corncob- You guessed it; it’s actually made from a corncob. The cob is dried over a 2 year period and then hollowed out to make a bowl shape. After it is shaped it is then dipped in a plaster based mixtures and the varnished or lacquered. The shank is made from pine wood and then attached to the bowl. These pipes are inexpensive and often considered the “beginner’s pipe”. They also do not require any break in period like another pipe may need. Corncob pipes offer a very clean smoke and this makes it an attractive pipe for even veteran smokers. Pipe smokers who want to try new tobaccos or different blends appreciate this cheap, clean option. Having a clean pipe can allow the smoker to fully taste to tobacco without any carryover from a previously used pipe. This pipe will eventually wear out; however replacements will only run you about $5. Briar-This pipe is constructed from the burl joint between the root and the stem of the Heath Tree which can be found on the rocky slopes of the Mediterranean. The burl is very sturdy, tightly-grained and porous. It is also very heat resistant which means it will not crack; likewise it has a great ability to absorb moisture. Briar wood is harder to find and the best options may be from roots that are 80 to 100 years old. A well-aged briar will be light in weight. A briar that is aged properly will not need a filter because of its porous characteristics. However, cheaper options will require a filter due to the young or flawed wood. Less expensive briar pipes are sandblasted. The quality of the wood may be flawed or holey, then sandblasted into a rough grain. You’ll still get the porous, cool smoke like you would from a briar pipe, yet this is a great option at a cheaper price point. Meerschaum- A collector’s dream, this pipe is composed of the fossilized shells of tiny sea creatures found on the ocean floor in Eskisehir in Turkey. The pipe is then carved out of this milky white block, making it a true piece of art. This pipe is extremely porous and gives the tobacco a very unique, cool flavor. Once the pipe has been broken in it will turn from soft white to deep brown. This aging is prized among true smokers. This type of pipe has been used since the 17th century and with clay pipes was most popular until the briar pipes were introduced in the 19th century. It is important when selecting a meerschaum pipe that you ensure it was indeed carved from a block of meerschaum and is not made from the dust collected after carving mixed with binders. This mixture will not age, is not absorbent and it lacks the smoking quality of the block carved pieces. Tobacco pipes can range in expense, style and smoke. If you’re ready to find the pipe that is right for you try checking out smoke shops, antique or estate sales for previously used, more unique pipes