Smoking Pipe FAQs
Need help with our pipe selection? Find answers to the most common questions and some guides that will help you understand the basics just below…
What is used to make pipes?
Smoking pipes have been manufactured for centuries, and in that time, they have been carved out of just about everything. Most modern ones are made out of hardwoods like briar, cherry, oak, and maple. However, cultures all over the world have produced pipes made of materials as exotic as Meerschaum, porcelain and even bone. Pipes made from natural materials like corn cobs have long histories in North America.
What are the typical pipe styles?
Humans have shown an endless ingenuity for creating new
tobacco pipe styles. From the elegant slope of the Zulu pipe to the stubborn lumpiness of the Bent Bulldog, there is a style to fit anyone. To find the pipe for you, pay attention to the lines—the slant of the stem or the curves of the bowl. Each part can say something about your tastes.
What are the different parts of a pipe called?
Pipes are made of two sections that can be separated. The stummel is the section that includes the chamber where the
tobacco is placed, the bowl around it and the length that leads to the next section. That next section is the stem. Stems are easily replaceable plastic or wooden lengths that include the bit and lip of the pipe from which the smoke is drawn.
Does the shape of a pipe make a difference in smoking?
The shape of a pipe is determined by the style of the bowl and the angle and taper of the stem. Many of these design choices have been practiced and cherished for centuries. Choosing the shape that right for you is just a matter of deciding how you want to hold and grip the pipe. No matter what shape you choose, you can be assured of a comfortable draw.
What should I know about buying my first smoking pipe in Vancouver?
It all comes down to preference. Pipes are wildly different in style, and everything from the way it rests in your grip to the size and angle of the bowl can modify your experience. Many people who enjoy smoking pipes end up building a collection for different activities and moods.
Also, be sure to check out our pipe accessories as well.
Tobacco Bowl Material Guide
Pipes have been made from hundreds of different materials. Here are some of the most famous materials, and what makes them stand out.
| Briar | Cherry | Corncob |
| Briarwood is a popular and affordable wood for pipes that can be seen stained and textured in hundreds of interesting ways. You can find pipes in every style made of Briarwood, including wonderful starter pipes. | Cherry is a common material for higher-end pipes, but is still available at great prices. Cherry is popular polished but can also be found with a rustic, natural look. | Corncobs are a North American staple that is typically very cheap. These are classic choices for camping trips and fishing adventures. |
| Maple | Oak | Meerschaum |
| Maple pipes can be easily recognized by their light and warm colors. Maple is an excellent wood for engraving, so some maple pipes feature engravings of nature scenes and animals. | Oak is a dark and regal looking hardwood that is often carved in a rustic style and left unstained to show off the richness of the natural grains. | Meerschaum is reclaimed from sea foam. These can be formed into amazing designs and have been for centuries. |
