Pipe Basics

The History of Meerschaum Pipes

April 18, 2025 by Kayla Ivan

35 Comments

As a history lover, I actively seek out and absorb as much interesting information about the past as possible. Fortunately for me, that curiosity translates well into my current job and my interest in the pipe-smoking hobby as a whole. That endless, enthusiastic drive for wisdom is a foundational pillar for Smokingpipes ... Read More

The Why and How of Estate Pipe Purchases

March 22, 2025 by Chuck Stanion

30 Comments

When I first learned about estate pipes, back when I didn't know a Billiard from a bathysphere, I was horrified. Used pipes? Pipes that had spent years in the mouths of who knows who smoking who knows what while fraternizing with who knows who from who knows where? Why would these pipes have any value? Sanitizing a used pipe, I deduced, must require an hour in boiling water. ... Read More

Words Every Pipe Smoker Should Know: Pipe Terms

March 13, 2025 by Kayla Ivan

13 Comments

If you're new to pipe smoking, you've probably already noticed we have some pretty unique jargon. When we write our pipe descriptions, blog posts, and newsletters, we try to describe the pipes as accurately as possible; often that means using a specific set of terms recognized by the pipe community to mean very ... Read More

In Appreciation of the Czech Pipe Tool & Friends

August 15, 2024 by Kayla Ivan

6 Comments

We talk often about the many facets of pipes and cigars here on the Daily Reader, and it is quite obvious why: Smokingpipes is the hub for all of these products, and the Daily Reader serves as its partner in providing content to dive deeper into your knowledge of this niche industry. Along with these products, accessories are no doubt essential to successful smoking. Today, I'd like to chat about ... Read More

A Smoker's Guide to Palate Refinement

May 17, 2024 by Rose Kiser

10 Comments

If you've ever watched "Tasting Notes" and wondered how Shane Ireland identifies those complex flavors during a smoke, when all you can taste is "tobacco," then this is the guide for you. There is nothing more intimidating than refining your palate except possibly drunkenly signing up for a Russian bear wrestling competition. ... Read More

How to Ream a Pipe

May 10, 2024 by Chuck Stanion

27 Comments

Remember when we used to carry coins? They're quaint artifacts now, convenient for stabilizing table legs, but they used to be practical for things like parking meters and purchases. Now everything costs more than coins can cover, parking meters require credit cards, and debit cards are the preferred exchange ... Read More

Top 10 Best-Selling Mac Baren Blends

March 6, 2024 by Kayla Ivan

7 Comments

Mac Baren began in 1826 as a small snuff and chewing-tobacco production facility in Svendborg, Denmark. Originally dubbed S. Bønnelyckes Tobaksfabrik, the factory continued for 60 years with little renown before its proprietor lost ownership in a poker game in 1887. The winner, then, traded it to Harald Halberg for a horse ... Read More

How To Prepare Plug Tobacco

December 7, 2023 by Truett Smith

4 Comments

Hi, everyone. Truett Smith here with Smokingpipes, and today we're going to be talking about plug pipe tobacco — specifically how to prepare it and how to pack it in your pipe. ... Read More

How To Clean A Tobacco Pipe After A Smoking Session

September 29, 2023 by Truett Smith

20 Comments

Hey everyone, Truett Smith here with Smokingpipes, and today we're going to be talking about the end of a pipe bowl. Specifically, how do you know when the pipe is done and when you've smoked through the majority of the tobacco that's in your pipe chamber? ... Read More

Five Tips For Beginner Pipe Smokers

July 27, 2023 by Zachary Podl

1 Comment

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