Choosing a tobacco pipe can be a daunting prospect if you don’t know what to look for. Find out how to choose the perfect pipe based on shape and material.
As many beginners have discovered, choosing a tobacco pipe isn’t as simple as they thought it might be. Whether you consider shape, material, cost, or other factors, there’s an array of options to choose from at the best pipe shops and tobacconists in the UK. Thankfully, finding the right smoking pipe to suit your personal preferences is much easier when you know what to look for.
Tobacco Pipe Shapes
Tobacco pipes are available in various shapes at trusted providers such as the Black Swan Shoppe. From short and straight to long and bent or curved, and with bowls that range from cylindrical and squat to elegantly rounded or intricately carved, these pipes come in an array of options.
When considering pipe shape, it’s important to take your personal tastes into account. You may simply prefer the short, flat-bottomed Poker pipe to the long, curved stem of the Churchwarden because you think the Poker looks better. However, it’s also important to think about how long your smoking sessions will be and where you plan to smoke your pipe, as these factors can influence the pipe shape you choose. Short, straight pipes are great for smoking indoors, while curved or bent pipes are ideal for outdoor smoking, as these direct smoke away from your eyes and reduce the chances of embers from the bowl being blown toward you if there’s a breeze.
Pay attention to the depth of the bowls of the pipes you consider purchasing. Smaller bowls with narrow walls heat up faster than deeper, thicker bowls and offer much shorter smoking sessions.
Pipe Material
The material the pipe is made from is another important aspect of choosing the right tobacco pipe for beginners. The majority of pipes available at the Black Swan Shoppe, such as Aldo Morelli Briar Smoking Pipes, are carved from briar root (Erica arborea). Briar root comes from shrubs indigenous to the Mediterranean region, particularly Sicily. This material is known for durability, excellent heat resistance, and not affecting the taste and aroma of pipe tobacco.
You’ll also find budget-friendly pipes made from corn cobs, such as Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Smoking Pipes and pricier, exquisitely carved pipes made from a white clay-like mineral called meerschaum, such as Star Block Meerschaum Pipes. While you should consider personal preference when looking at tobacco pipe material, it’s best to start with briar due to its wide availability, sustainability, and ease of use.
Find the Perfect Pipe for Yourself
Remember the importance of shape and material when picking out the perfect pipe from the vast selection at the Black Swan Shoppe. With the right tobacco pipe to suit your personal preferences and needs, every smoking session is transformed into a ritual of sophistication and relaxation.
