Articles by Andrew Wike | Smokingpipes Daily Reader

5 Facts about Gawith, Hoggarth and Co.

October 14, 2014 by Andrew Wike

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We mentioned some of their products in our recent post on "How to Prepare Rope Tobacco," but what is it about Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. that drives so many fans to its variety of tobaccos? Surprisingly there's not a whole lot of information out there about the company, so here's a few facts to get you going. ... Read More

Luciano Event: October 2014

October 10, 2014 by Andrew Wike

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As some of you who follow us on social media already know, yesterday we had the unique priviledge of hosting Luca di Piazza here in our new home. On his way to the very last Richmond CORPS show, he hapily stopped by to show us some of the great things he's doing with the newly revamped Luciano line ... Read More

Interview: Luca di Piazza Part Two

October 2, 2014 by Andrew Wike

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This is part two of this interview. Check out part one HERE.

Bear Graves: I understand that some very major, some might even say "revolutionary," changes are taking place at Luciano, could you help fill us in?

Interview: Luca di Piazza

October 1, 2014 by Andrew Wike

1 Comment

Bear Graves: I'm here with Luca di Piazza, the promoter extraordinaire of Neatpipes/Italianpipemakers, the owner of Luciano Pipes, as well as the representative for Cavicchi, Radice, Don Carlos, Le Nuvole, Posella, Davide Iafisco, and Tonino Jacono, as well as one of the coolest guys I have had the pleasure of meeting. It's been a while, Luca, how are you? ... Read More

Pipe Accessories Guide: Claudio Albieri

September 3, 2014 by Andrew Wike

Whether we readily acknowledge it or not, our pipes are something of a fashion statement. Rustic and earthy, simple and classic, solid and workmanlike, or polished, elegant, and accented in silver, they reflect our personal tastes, how we view ourselves, and how we prefer others to recognize us. It only follows then that we have fitting and useful accessories to match. ... Read More

How to Prepare Rope Tobacco

August 26, 2014 by Andrew Wike

30 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

11 Secrets of a Bruce Weaver Sandblast

August 14, 2014 by Andrew Wike

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A couple of weeks ago, master blaster Bruce Weaver was here visiting the shop. We're all quite familiar with the quality of his ultra-fine sandblasts. He aggressively attacks the briar to reveal the briar's intricate growth rings for a finish unlike anything else out there. Affable as can be, he gladly agreed to share some of his secrets in this exclusive interview. So here they are: 11 secrets behind Bruce Weaver and his one of a kind sandblasts.