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Ask a room full of experienced pipe smokers which pipe shape is best and you are unlikely to receive a unanimous answer. This is part of the appeal of pipe smoking.
Choosing a pipe is as much about personal preference as it is about tradition, craftsmanship and practicality.
For someone buying their first pipe, however, the sheer variety can be bewildering. What is the difference between a straight and bent pipe? Where do some of the more unusual shapes fit into the picture?
Here is a guide to some of the main pipe shapes, and what to consider when deciding which might suit you.
Straight pipe guide
The first distinction to make is between straight and bent pipes. A straight pipe has a stem that runs in a relatively direct line from the bowl to the mouthpiece. The billiard is probably the best-known example, with its cylindrical bowl and straight stem.
A classic example of this style is the Peterson Aran 107 fishtail pipe.
This rugged yet tactile pipe is undeniably masculine and carries all the hallmarks of expert craftsmanship from the renowned Peterson brand at an accessible price point.
The billiard is one of the great classics: a cylindrical bowl with a straightforward stem and a shape that has inspired countless variations. It is a particularly useful reference point because so many other shapes are related to it.
The Dublin has a bowl that tapers towards the rim, creating a distinctive conical appearance. The pot has a shorter, broader bowl, while the prince has a more elegant, elongated profile and typically a slightly bent stem.
The bulldog is instantly recognisable thanks to its squat, angular bowl, often featuring a diamond-shaped shank and a series of grooves around the bowl. The Rhodesian is closely related but generally has a more rounded bowl.
Then there are shapes that are variations on these classic forms. The author, for example, is a substantial shape with a rounded bowl and broad shank.
Bent pipe guide
A bent pipe, meanwhile, has a curved stem and mouthpiece. The curve can range from subtle to pronounced, creating very different silhouettes.
Bent pipes can be particularly comfortable to hold in the hand or rest in the mouth, and the curved design is one reason they have remained popular with generations of pipe smokers.
A beautiful example of a bent pipe is the Alfred Dunhill White Spot Bruyere Pipe Group 4, Shape 4102.
The smooth bruyere finish and elegant curves make this pipe a joy to handle, while the Group four size offers a generous smoking experience.
Churchwardens: long, elegant and distinctive
Few pipes are more immediately recognisable than the churchwarden. Its defining feature is the exceptionally long stem, giving it an elegant, almost theatrical appearance.
The name is associated with the traditional image of churchwardens using long-stemmed pipes, although the exact historical development of the shape is rather more complicated than the popular story suggests.
The long stem has practical consequences as well as visual appeal. It keeps the bowl further away from the smoker’s face and creates a very different balance in the hand.
Churchwardens can be particularly enjoyable when you have time to settle into a long, leisurely smoke. They are less convenient to carry around than a compact pipe, but that is hardly the point.
Two-chambered and unusual designs
Most pipes have a single tobacco chamber, but there are also more unusual constructions. Two-chambered pipes divide the internal structure into separate chambers, allowing the pipe maker to explore different approaches to airflow, cooling or moisture management.
There are also shapes whose construction is particularly distinctive. The cavalier, for example, incorporates a separate moisture chamber into its design.
The calabash is another famous shape, traditionally associated with its large, curved bowl and distinctive internal construction, while the reverse calabash incorporates an enlarged chamber intended to influence the smoking experience.
These designs can be fascinating for experienced smokers who enjoy exploring the mechanics of pipe construction as much as the aesthetics.
Freehands and the art of the pipe maker
At the other end of the spectrum are freehand pipes. Unlike traditional shapes, which follow established proportions and silhouettes, a Freehand gives the maker considerably greater freedom. Grain, texture and the natural character of the briar can influence the final form.
This is where you may encounter particularly dramatic shapes such as the blowfish, volcano, nautilus, horn, tomahawk or pickaxe. Some freehands are sculptural enough to resemble pieces of contemporary art.
That does not necessarily make them better smokers than a traditional billiard or Dublin. Their attraction lies partly in individuality.
No two pieces of briar are identical and a skilled pipe maker can use the grain and natural contours of the wood to create something genuinely distinctive.
How important is pipe shape?
Ultimately, the best pipe shape is the one that feels right for you. If you appreciate traditional proportions, a billiard or Dublin from Irish pipe brand Peterson could be a natural starting point.
If you prefer something with more curvature, explore bent billiards or other classic bent shapes. A churchwarden offers something more distinctive, while a freehand can appeal to anyone who sees a pipe as both a smoking instrument and an object of craftsmanship.
For a first pipe, it is worth prioritising good construction, a comfortable mouthpiece and a shape that feels natural in your hand rather than getting too caught up in terminology.
As your experience develops, you may find your tastes becoming more specific. Perhaps you discover that you prefer a compact nosewarmer for everyday use, or a dramatic Blowfish or Volcano simply because you appreciate beautiful briar.
That is really the pleasure of exploring pipe shapes. There is an extraordinary amount of history, craftsmanship and individual character contained within what, at first glance, might appear to be a fairly simple object.
