What a strange breed, the pipe smoker. Modern stereotypes create some pretty spectacular imagery. I must admit, I can be as guilty of it as the next guy. It's quite easy for me to picture a gentlemen sitting in his weathered evening chair, pipe clenched in mouth, scotch in hand, contemplating his next sentence with great care as plumes of smoke roll around his face, almost as if the pipe and man were one. As I think on this image, I feel a certain level of dismay. I hold my breath, waiting for the wisdom of the man's next words which are about to be bestowed upon me. The suspense is nearly unbearable. But then I quickly remember this man doesn't really exist. He's a figment of my imagination. Not all pipe smokers are great philosophical men of character with limitless patience and wisdom. Some of us are still working to achieve such honorable attributes. However, all of us have a responsibility to uphold that spirit.

You see, it has taken generations of pipe smokers' deliberate contemplation regarding every word they ever spoke in order to create such imagery. It has taken generations of pipe smokers filling their minds and hearts with knowledge and life lessons to be able to own such wisdom. It has taken generations of pipe smokers living lives of honor to give the pipe smoker such a respect in society. That being said, remember pipe smokers, we have a responsibility to not destroy that which was built on the backs of those before us.

So while you weigh your responsibility as a brother of the briar, take a look at the quality briar we're offering up on today's update, including new pieces from Latvian carver Sergey Senatorov, along with pipes by L'Anatra, Randy Wiley, Winslow, Cavicchi, Peterson, Savinelli, and Brigham. We've also seventy-two freshly restored estate pipes from all over the world going up on the site today.

I should also mention we have a special treat. We're very proud of our photography team and the job they do in bringing you vivid and descriptive photographs of every single briar and meerschaum pipe we sell, and the always creative Kathryn Mann has created a short video of the guys at work.

 Brandon Bellegarde: Pipe Manager