Articles by Kayla Ivan | Smokingpipes Daily Reader

First Pipe Stories: Josh Burgess

June 11, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

4 Comments

I had the pleasure of chatting with Josh Burgess, Vice President of Manufacturing, recently about his first pipe story. Every pipe smoker has one, whether it's simple or silly. Josh's curiosity for the pipe began as a child, and he used his creativity and his surroundings to start his journey into pipe ... Read More

Guide to Aromatics with Jeremy Reeves

June 4, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

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In this video, Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender of Cornell & Diehl, discusses a category of blends that may have an image problem with some pipe smokers, and that is Aromatics. Stay on the lookout for a new Small Batch blend coming soon, inspired by the concept of a midnight ... Read More

Breaking Down the G.L. Pease Zeitgeist Collection & Introducing Metropolis

May 26, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

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The parallels between pipe-tobacco blending and artistic movements are quite intriguing to consider, and G.L. Pease's Zeitgeist Collection draws connections in striking ways. The fifth entry in this series, Metropolis, is now available on-site, paying homage to the Art Deco movement with an English blend. Today we will dive into the Zeitgeist Collection ... Read More

First Pipe Stories: Andy Wike

May 21, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

13 Comments

Everyone has a first pipe story. Whether you think yours is a "good" one is up for debate. Recently I shared Shane Ireland's first pipe story and it seemed to resonate with several of you, and was enjoyable to learn and read about. So, without further ado ... Read More

Bamboo as Aesthetic in Pipes

May 15, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

3 Comments

The intentionality behind the use of bamboo in pipe making extends beyond the material itself — creativity flourishes in the bamboo aesthetic even when other materials take its place. Many artisan pipe makers evoke the visual cues of bamboo through alternative mediums like briar, meerschaum, boxwood, silver, and more. This is the final installment ... Read More

Tobacco Selections: Cornell & Diehl Eight State Burley

May 13, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

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The re-release of Cornell & Diehl's Small Batch: Eight State Burley is available now. Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender of Cornell & Diehl, shared more about this exciting blend; a celebration of old-style blends, what might be called codger blends these days, but takes that concept and brings it into a connoisseur range as an elevated style blend ... Read More

In Appreciation of Sandblasted Pipes

May 8, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

4 Comments

The many finishes available, from rustication to smooth, each highlight briar grain in unique ways. One such finish is the topic of today's piece: sandblasted. It's been a little while since my last In Appreciation piece, so let's take a look at the art of sandblasting ... Read More

The Pipe-Smoking Community Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Pipe Show

May 1, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

3 Comments

Pipe makers and collectors are gathered in a small hotel room, smoke clouding the room, and a buzz of energy, chatter, and excitement fills the space. It's 4:00 a.m. and no one has slept. But there's community and joy to be had, so sleep can wait. A picture like this ... Read More

Bamboo in Modern Pipe Making: Natural & Unique Beauty

April 24, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

2 Comments

Pick up a piece of bamboo destined for a pipe and you're holding something a maker may have pulled from the ground themselves, hunted down on eBay, or selected from a pile of dozens for its particular curve, coloring, or the way its knuckles appear. That level of intention, and the craft required to honor it, is what defines bamboo's place in modern pipe making. A few weeks ago ... Read More

First Pipe Stories: Shane Ireland

April 17, 2026 by Kayla Ivan

11 Comments

You never forget your first pipe. Here at Smokingpipes, there are plenty of pipe smokers who have memorable stories for how they began their journey in pipes. I recently spoke with Shane Ireland about his first pipe, and he remembered joyfully starting his adventure ... Read More

Kayla Ivan