This past weekend I attended the Kansas City Pipe Show, which is put on by the fantastic members of the GKCPC. I always attend pipe shows independently from Smokingpipes.com because I have my own agenda as a pipe carver, but it was great that we were represented by Susan and Ted. Of course, all of us hang out together enjoying conversations and meeting with our customers. I arrived on Friday afternoon and was picked up at the airport, along with two other gentlemen attending the show, by a taxi service the club arranged. When arriving at the new venue, the Double Tree, I knew the show was going to be great! In recent years, the club had a small smoking tent set up for everyone to enjoy their pipes, but the tent this year was really large - more of a pavilion, really! Walking outside of the hotel, everyone was able to smoke under the capacious cover, which was set up on a wooden patio surrounded by tall trees, with woodlands on both sides and a hand-laid stone wall covered in plants at the back. Everyone thought the surrounding trees made the perfect environment to enjoy pipes, drinks, and conversations. Lightning bugs danced like will-o-wisps all around the tent, echoing the flicker of matches and lighters within. Peace and serenity? You betcha!

Many attendees visited various Kansas City barbeque establishments for lunches and dinners. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Kansas City, eat BBQ! The club also organized dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings, which were fantastic. After dinner on Saturday, Fred Hanna gave a very casual, highly entertaining, and thought provoking presentation about the benefits of nicotine. While the presentation went more into detail, many of these points can be found in his latest book "The Perfect Smoke". The show was a success all around, with packed tables full of wonderful offerings, and we want to thank everyone involved in making it possible!

We are happy to introduce a new pipe brand from the United States: J&J Artisan Pipes. Made by John Klose and Jared Coles, two friends from the Central Valley of California, J&J craft lovely variations of Freehand and Classic shapes available in smooth or rusticated finishes. These guys are new to the scene, so please take time to see what they've been up to. Also in today's update you can find pipes from Tsuge, Dunhill, Luciano, Chacom, Johs, Brigham, Savinelli, and Peterson, as well as thirty-six estate pipes and four sizes of Camacho cigars. Take time to relax with a pipe - and if anyone tut-tuts about it, just tell them the benefits (by some research) are scientifically proven!

Adam Davidson: Quality Control & Pipe Inspector