Pipe Line

2025 In Review

December 31, 2025 by Sykes Wilford

28 Comments

Last year, in this space, at this time, I wrote about the passing of an institution I admired, with the acquisition, and closing, of Mac Baren by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. It was a lamentation and a commitment to steward Laudisi in such a way that it would continue to nurture the hobby and collector community. A year later ... Read More

Adam Davidson: Estate Manager & Artisan Pipe Maker

December 31, 2025 by Kayla Ivan

9 Comments

Among artisan pipe makers in our niche industry, Adam Davidson stands out for his unique approach. We recently celebrated Adam and his 20th anniversary at Smokingpipes. A 20-year anniversary at any company is an impressive feat, and even more so as we celebrated 25 years of Smokingpipes this year. Adam has had a hand in developing many of the processes at Smokingpipes that we utilize today ... Read More

Best of the Daily Reader 2025

December 30, 2025 by Rose Kiser

It's hard to believe we've got another year in the books. It's been a monumental year for Smokingpipes and the community as a whole. This year we had our 25th Anniversary, one shared with G.L Pease. Peterson had their 160th Anniversary, Chuck Stanion retired after a lifetime of dedication ... Read More

The Perfect Christmas Tree

December 23, 2025 by Chuck Stanion

11 Comments

Grandpa and the 10 Tobys (all of his dogs were named Toby) rarely visited the southwest corner of the farm, except one winter in the mid-'60s when I accompanied them on multiple quests to that inhospitable marshland. I stood on the tractor hitch behind Grandpa and gripped the back of the cold metal seat to keep my balance as he steered through snowy ... Read More

Smokingpipes University: The Czech Pipe Tool

December 22, 2025 by Andrew Wike

1 Comment

Welcome back to Smokingpipes University. Today I'll be chatting about the Czech pipe tool, which is one of the most humble pipe accessories. This is the accessory ... Read More

Fires on the Levee: A Christmas Eve Tradition in Louisiana

December 16, 2025 by Kayla Ivan

1 Comment

There's nothing quite like holiday traditions that warm the heart and fuel the spirit as one year ends and another one soon begins. In a world that is constantly evolving, whether it be technological advancements or everchanging social trends, traditions ... Read More

Smokingpipes 25th Anniversary Two-Pipe Sets

December 15, 2025 by Kayla Ivan

5 Comments

Recently, Sykes Wilford and Josh Burgess discussed Smokingpipes' 25th Anniversary two-pipe sets from Peterson, available now on-site. Learn more about this monumental release ... Read More

All Pipes Considered: Peterson 160th Anniversary Pipes

December 15, 2025 by Andrew Wike

4 Comments

Welcome back to another episode of All Pipes Considered. Today I'm excited to talk about the Peterson project that I have probably been most excited about this year: Peterson 160th Anniversary pipes, out now on-site in two special shapes ... Read More

The 12-Day 2025 Smoker's Advent Calendar

December 9, 2025 by Rose Kiser

3 Comments

Something I've always been fond of during the holiday season is a good old-fashioned advent calendar. There's one for just about anything nowadays, but us smokers don't have many options. There's a few cigar advent calendars, but for pipe smokers the concept is a pipe dream. Never fear, dear reader ... Read More

A Monumental Loss: Jess Chonowitsch Passes

December 2, 2025 by Chuck Stanion

8 Comments

If you've ever smoked or handled an artisan pipe, you know something about Jess Chonowitsch. Maybe you've never met him; maybe you've not heard the name, but you know Jess because he contributed to design elements in the pipes you most admire. For almost 60 years, his skills and innovations have been acknowledged as among the best the world has seen. His influence and impact ... Read More