Resources | Smokingpipes Daily Reader

How to Prepare Rope Tobacco

August 26, 2014 by Andrew Wike

28 Comments

Beginner and veteran pipe smokers alike have always wanted to try their hand, or pipe rather, at rope tobaccos. One of the oldest forms of processing the leaf, rope tobacco is formed mostly by hand with various different processes contributing along the way. In the end, the tobaccos are twisted together to form a thick rope or lanyard that can either be bitten off and chewed or simply smoked in your pipe of choice. ... Read More

An Introduction to Cellaring Pipe Tobacco

August 22, 2014 by Shane Ireland

36 Comments

Much has been said about the benefits of aging pipe tobacco. If you've ever had the opportunity to sample a well-aged Virginia blend, then chances are you are already a believer. The comparison of pipe tobacco to wine may be cliche, but it is certainly accurate. While the vibrancy of youth can be desirable, in most cases, age will only improve a fine tobacco blend. ... Read More

What's Fresh- Our Blog Design!

July 21, 2014 by Kathryn Mann

Welcome to the new blog! By now you've probably noticed considerable visual differences, but in this post you'll find a guide to the navigational changes we've made, helpful features we've added, and how to find what you love.

An Alternative to Matches and Lighters

March 27, 2013 by Kathryn Mann

7 Comments

So, what do you use to light your pipe? Are you a Zippo type of person, with the oh-so-famous click? Do you like to live hot and dangerously with the torch lighter? Maybe just a simple Bic lighter is enough for you, or you like to do with the fancy Old Boy. On the other hand, you might like the classic appeal of plain matches. ... Read More

Black Bamboo

June 7, 2012 by Adam Davidson

I wanted to talk a little bit about pipe making in future blogs because, as Sykes points out, we each have something unique to contribute. And as the only pipemaker here at Smokingpipes.com, I wager there's at least a little bit of pipe making knowledge rattling around in my cranium like a moth in a mayonnaise jar, so here I’ll try to share some of what I've learned and observed over the years. ... Read More

Pipe Light or Die

May 21, 2012 by Ted Swearingen

So you’ve just spent a bundle on a new pipe. You wrestled long and hard with the decision to part with such hard-earned money over a piece of wood and rubber (or plastic; and maybe some silver or horn too), and now that it’s yours you’ve only done as much as stare at it longingly. ... Read More

A Pipe Maker's Perspective on Choosing a Finish

April 2, 2012 by Adam Davidson

Though smooth pipes are extremely popular, and generally command the highest prices, there are quite a few pipemen who prefer other finishes, sometimes because of the less expensive price tag, but also often because of the more stimulating textures. ... Read More

Pipe Lessons No. 65 and 66

October 20, 2011 by Ted Swearingen

2 Comments

Part of the fun of the pipe smoking hobby is learning new things, though, admittedly, we are quite often being instructed as much by our mistakes as we are our fellows. Like, don't take apart a pipe while it's hot - that's a rookie mistake I made once upon a time. ... Read More

Estate Grading Guide

August 9, 2011 by Sykes Wilford

2 Comments

Establishing the estate 'grade' is something of a challenge. It's a somewhat subjective process and there are dozens of possible factors involved. We get questions about it a lot, so in addition to his recent blog series, Adam, with the help of Ted and Pam organized some of his thoughts, and we rolled it into an estate grading guide of sorts. ... Read More

Fixing a Restricted Draw

March 24, 2011 by Adam Davidson

1 Comment

We have a good customer who is a regular in our brick and mortar store come in today and he got to talking with Tom Marsh (one of our pipe restoration guys) about his pipe. He has a nice billiard with a large bowl and hand-cut cumberland mouthpiece, but always has difficulty with the draw. ... Read More