Finding The One That Feels Right

For more than 350 years tobacco pipes have been manufactured out of briar. Even though briar is not the only material used for pipes, it has been the most popular material. Briar is the burl of the White Heath and grows mainly in the Mediterranean. Other well known materials used for pipes are meerschaum and ceramic.

Briar tobacco pipes can be purchased just about anywhere.  The internet and/or a pipe shop are the most likely source of pipes. New pipe smokers, and customers who want to purchase a pipe as a gift, are often overwhelmed about the vast variety of available pipes. It is hard to find a pipe for yourself and even harder to buy one for someone else. Knowing the basics and what to look for can help to make the right choice.
Pipes can be a considerable investment. Particularly quality briar pipes and meerschaum pipes can cost a lot of money.

Educating yourself on terms used by pipe smokers, and getting an overview of what is available, will make your purchase easier. There are a few characteristics and criteria to keep in mind when looking at the different tobacco pipes. First of all, you have to like the pipe and enjoy the way it “feels” in your hand. A pipe that is too big, or feels awkward is not a good choice. Secondly, you have to visually like the pipe. A pipe, that does not to appeal visually to your senses, will not be used long term, regardless of its quality or the money spent on it.

Other criteria include the mechanics and craftsmanship the pipe is manufactured with. One thing to look for, and you do not have to be a pipe expert to be able to see this, is the fitting of the mouth piece to the bowl of the pipe. It should fit tight and align correctly. The bowl of a lower quality pipe will exhibit large areas where the briar was filled in to camouflage cracks and gaps. These “fills” do not necessarily have an impact on the smoking experience of the pipe, but they will prevent the pipes from coloring evenly.


It is a good idea to talk to several pipe smokers and learn from their experiences with different pipes. A reputable pipe store employee will gladly take the time to help you pick out tobacco pipes and recommend accessories. He/she will explain to you how to take care of the pipe, how to clean it properly, and how to store it when it is not in use. He/she can also recommend pipe tobaccos, as well as provide you with samples. Many pipe shops have their own house blend of tobacco and offer seasonal specials.