Articles

Why Smoke A Corn Cob Pipe?
The corn cob pipe is an icon of American history. Since the early 1800s farmers have been crafting pipes from corn cobs. While briar pipes were more expensive, corn cobs were extremely affordable given the abundance of corn in the U.S. By the mid 19th century a Dutch immigrant and woodworker named Henry Tibbe began manufacturing corn cob pipes. By 1907 his company was renamed, The Missouri Meerschaum Company, which is now the leading manufacturer of corn cob pipes in the world. But why smoke a corn cob pipe today?... Read more...
Keeping Your Pipe Lit
When I first started smoking a pipe one of my biggest challenges was learning to keep it lit. I recall multiple instances of puffing on it like a wild animal trying to catch its breath. One time I had this corncob with a very small hole between the bowl and shank, and I burnt that thing to a crisp in a day trying to keep it lit. Since then I’ve learned through listening to more experienced smokers, and a little trial and error, how to keep my pipe lit for... Read more...
Introduction to Pipe Smoking
I remember when I first started smoking a pipe. My wife’s parents had just gotten me this beautiful French briar for Christmas. I had no idea which blend to choose, or how to properly smoke a pipe at all for that matter. My initial approach was a brute, “what’s the big deal? Just fill it up and smoke it!” But after holding that work of art in my own hand for a while I realized I should learn how to smoke it and care for it. After a few hours... Read more...