Pipe Line

40 Years of Kurt Balleby Pipes

September 7, 2023 by Truett Smith

1 Comment

This year marks Kurt Balleby's 40th pipe-making anniversary, and it's a milestone worth celebrating. I haven't even been breathing for four decades, and that's perhaps the easiest, most passive action available; it's hard to imagine intentionally dedicating sweat and effort to one specific pursuit for such a span of time. ... Read More

Pipe God of War: The Story of Semyon Danilovich Nomokonov

September 1, 2023 by Gabriel Bass

21 Comments

The Second World War has countless stories of heroes who displayed impressive heroism to defeat the forces of fascism, many of whom were known pipe smokers. Few, however, have a story as unique as that of the Soviet sniper Semyon Danilovich Nomokonov, who terrified the Nazis as few others could, earning the respect of ... Read More

Pipe Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: September 2023

August 31, 2023 by Andrew Wike

1 Comment

It's time for another round of beautiful pipe-smoking desktop backgrounds for you to enjoy. As in previous months, the set includes some of our favorite shots and artwork, including eight unique images, split between desktop and mobile orientations and available for download in two high-resolution formats. ... Read More

The History of the MacArthur Corn Cob Pipe

August 25, 2023 by John McElheny

9 Comments

Throughout pipe making's many centuries of history, myriad mediums have been employed for carving the familiar smokers. From stone and clay to briar and morta, the list is extensive. One of these materials stands out among the others, not just thanks to its charming and humble physical substance, but its distinctly ... Read More

The Victory Cigar: The Story of Red Auerbach

August 11, 2023 by Zachary Podl

2 Comments

The top professional athletes have a singular goal: ending the season with a championship win. It takes years of practice, long hours in the gym, and an unrelenting drive to defeat every opponent and call themselves the best. Once they reach that peak and can celebrate their accomplishments, there is something that ... Read More

Pipe Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: August 2023

August 7, 2023 by Andrew Wike

It's time for another round of beautiful pipe-smoking desktop backgrounds for you to enjoy. As in previous months, the set includes some of our favorite shots and artwork, including eight unique images, split between desktop and mobile orientations and available for download in two high-resolution formats. ... Read More

Introducing Peterson's Pipe of the Year 2023: The X160

August 4, 2023 by Chuck Stanion

12 Comments

The most premium of all Peterson annual limited editions, the Pipe of the Year has become a window into the company's storied past, renewing iconic shapes from earlier epochs of Peterson history and reinvigorating the lost designs that our great-grandfathers enjoyed. ... Read More

A Legend Passes: Satou Smio

August 3, 2023 by Sykes Wilford

2 Comments

Satou Smio, pipe maker, aged 79, died on July 16th, 2023, following a prolonged illness. While not as prolific as in his earlier years, he continued to make pipes until a few months before his death.
I met him in Tokyo in 2002. It was my first time in Japan and my first serious trip for Smokingpipes. I was 21, but ... Read More

Five Tips For Beginner Pipe Smokers

July 27, 2023 by Zachary Podl

2 Comments

Getting into pipe smoking can be intimidating; any pipe smoker will tell you that mastering the art takes time. Considering there are countless techniques for packing a bowl, lighting said bowl, drawing smoke, and exhaling, it's unsurprising that no one smokes a pipe perfectly the first time. However, learning one's way ... Read More

Introducing Small Batch: Sun Bear Tupelo, The Latest Iteration of C&D's Most Popular Summertime Blend

July 21, 2023 by Chuck Stanion

16 Comments

What often differentiates good tobaccos from great tobaccos is nuance. It's the subtle alterations that commend a particular mixture, perhaps through a well-aged component, the minimalist addition of a proprietary top note, or the application of long-term pressure. It doesn't take much to modify a blend in interesting and ... Read More

40 Years of Kurt Balleby Pipes

Pipe God of War: The Story of Semyon Danilovich Nomokonov

Pipe Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: September 2023

The History of the MacArthur Corn Cob Pipe

The Victory Cigar: The Story of Red Auerbach

Pipe Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: August 2023

Introducing Peterson's Pipe of the Year 2023: The X160

A Legend Passes: Satou Smio

Five Tips For Beginner Pipe Smokers

Introducing Small Batch: Sun Bear Tupelo, The Latest Iteration of C&D's Most Popular Summertime Blend

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