Finding your favorite shape.

When one considers the diversity of pipe shapes available to the pipe smoker, it’s a bit overwhelming. There are well over a hundred classic pipe shapes, alone. And there are seemingly endless variations on and interpretations of classic shapes that, in some cases, have supplanted the original versions; they are so popular.

Consider the simple billiard. There are chubby billiards, long-stemmed billiards, nosewarmer billiards, classic LB billiards, eighth-bent billiards, quarter-bent billiards, full-bent billiards, long-shanked billiards, bamboo versions of many of the above, saddle-stemmed billiards, tapered stem billiards, stacked billiards, bamboo-stacked billiards, Bing billiards, group 2 billiards, magnum billiards, and on and on and on.

Then, there are the signature shapes, finishes, bowl shapes, varying stem materials, decorative treatments, shank rings, etc., that various makers use to put their personal aesthetic stamp on the shape.

Even factories design and produce idiosyncratically singular versions of a shape. A Comoy zulu differs from its Dunhill, GBD, BBB, Peterson, and Kaywoodie cousins in shank length, bowl cant, stem taper, size, bowl flare, and chamber dimensions. These are all differences that make a difference.

It makes the head swim. So, given the profusion of shape choices and variation available, how do we find what suits us best? How do we choose? How do we find that shape that delights us?

I have fallen in love with the oldest of pipe shapes: the tavern pipe, the shape upon which the cutty is based. Although I am fond of the shape’s appearance, I am enamored by its functionality.

With a long and slender, slightly curvilinear stem swooping down to its be-nippled bowl, the pipe’s spareness makes it one of the lightest pipes in my collection. Aside from mimicking the vestigial nipple of its clay forebears, there is no extra wood on this pipe at all. Its form reflects its function. Nothing more. Nothing less. When I roll this pipe through my hands, I am reminded of the heron, an elegant and graceful bird that is superbly equipped to thrive in its habitat.

Aside from the clays I used in judging the Balkan Sobranie Throwdown, I have never smoked this shape before. Smoking this briar is nothing at all like smoking its clay counterpart, an experience I did not find all that amenable.

Cutty (Cardinal) by Jody Davis I own several pipes in the cutty shape, but the classic cutty is a somewhat different shape from the tavern pipe upon which it is based. For one thing, there is almost always more wood in the shank of the classic cutty. The classic cutty is typically a straight or slightly bent pipe with a forward-canted, tulip-shaped bowl. There are sometimes “spurs” at the bottom of the bowl and sometimes not. The shape has been widely interpreted. The Jody Davis version at right is a favored modern interpretation from my collection.

Although I have always been fond of the cutty shape, I prefer this tavern-pipe shape. It may very well be the smoking quality of this particular pipe that has so enthralled me, but I doubt it. I have many good smokers. In this case the sum of the parts exceeds the whole.

Artisan Jack HowellThis was Jack Howell’s first pass at making a tavern pipe. If there is anything to beginner’s luck, he was most assuredly blessed with it. This is such a successful pipe that it would not surprise me at all to see a spate of commissions occur. I am currently contemplating commissioning a smooth version so that I can give this pipe a rest. It has not left my rotation since I acquired it, something that has not occurred since I had only a couple of pipes to smoke.

Who doesn’t appreciate an even and symmetrical ring-blast? While the pipe’s functionality is unaffected by this happy accident, it is a plus. I would be every bit as happy, however, were the pipe to have one of those gnarly, labyrinthine blasts so typical of pre-war Dunhill’s Shell Briars. Sandblasts may please the eye, but they delight my hands.

While we were at the Chicago show, Jack approached me and asked if he could borrow the pipe for a moment. “I want to show it to Paolo Becker,” Jack explained. “He’s always telling me that my shanks are too thick.” Jack is one of Paolo’s ardent fans, and I think he would readily admit that Becker’s influence is manifest in the shape.

When I told Jack just how much I love this pipe’s smoking quality, my compliments were almost disavowed. “I can’t take credit for that, Neill. I didn’t do anything different with that pipe than I do with all my pipes.”

I have wondered this morning what happened the other day when I was struck by the thought, “This is one of my favorite pipes.”

I have been smoking it regularly since I acquired it. Although I have been satisfied from the get-go, it was not love at first smoke. Each of the fourteen Jack Howell pipes I have acquired is a fine smoker. What sets this one apart?

I am reminded of the sage advice offered by experienced pipe men to those who are just starting their pipe journey. Start with straightforward, classic shapes that are properly drilled, well-balanced, and that have a comfortable mouthpiece. Once you find a tobacco you like, smoke your pipe often so you get to know it. Clean your pipe meticulously. Acquire several pipes so that you can establish a rotation. Let your pipes rest long enough to dry out between rotations. Do not expect to find your favorite shape immediately. This takes time, trial, and experience. Be patient. Experiment. Find a pipe mentor.

Favorites can only be selected among the known. If we reflect on those dimensions of quality we value, it is possible to speculate more accurately about what we might like, but we can’t be assured without experience. And not just one experience, but experience over time.

When I think about those pipe traits I value, it makes sense that I would grow to love this tavern pipe. The tavern pipe has traits in common with another shape favorite of mine: the zulu. I value light weight. Rounded bowls feel better to my hand. I am visually attracted to simple, elegant lines. The sandblast texture pleases my sense of touch.

Although I wish I had discovered my fondness for the tavern pipe shape before now, I am excited by the realization that I can still be surprised and delighted by a discovery some 48 years after beginning my own pipe journey. That is what is so wonderful about the pipe. It is an unfolding story with new twists and unexpected turns with each sunrise.

Comments

[Adam Davidson]

A cutty is my favorite shape and always has been. While not the easiest to smoke sometimes (can have thin walls and small chambers), I love the ones in my collection. History is what I base it on, really, as the 18th century is my favorite historical period. Colonial America, especially, is what I'm drawn to. I would smoke a tavern pipe (broken down to a shorter stem) when re-enacting at 18th century festivals in Indiana. The first pipes I made were from clay dug in my parents garden, rolled while watching Treasure Island, and firing in a wood kiln by the garden - at probably 12 years old. The very first pipe I made with my stamp was a bamboo cutty.

Not all appeal to me, though. It must have a little nub or spike under the bowl, be small (most are under 20 grams), and have the feeling (for me) that it's just like a tavern clay. I still smoke clay ones and hold them by the stem. Two Genod pipe acquired a couple years ago were made about a hundred years ago. When you think about it, the first briars were bound to look like cutty pipes. After all, clay pipes were all the rage in the 1700s and 1800s, so it would make sense for a new material to be in a similar shape.

Even though they might not be the easiest pipes to smoke, I like the weight, shape, and history behind the style.

[Dunkeld]

I have diiferent favourite shapes for different tobacco types.

[BigAl]

Sheesh, Neill - Quit it already! Two days after I tell you that your last piece might have been your best yet, you come off with this one! LOL. This was utterly fascinating to me. I've never owned a tavern pipe. I've owned very few Cuttys. I've stayed away from them precisely as Adam stated; walls too thin for me, and too hot to smoke often. And so now I have to start acquiring again. ;-) Will this shape ever replace my beloved billiard or bulldog shapes? Likely not, but every time you write, I'm inspired to follow in the footsteps of your fascinating journey and revel in these new delights with you.

[Colin]

The cutty is a great shape. And I agree with Adam -- it must have the little foot at the bottom in order for it to be a true cutty (at least in my eyes). Variations can be interesting too; Rolando's Walnut Cutty and Bill Shalosky recently made a hybrid cutty incorporating other shapes into the design. I have a vintage Astley's pointed cutty that is very handsome indeed. It is a timeless shape that has a bright future ahead of it.

[J.J.H.]

Another challenge with taverns, cutties, or any pipe with a forward-bent bowl, is that I can't see down into the bowl while I'm lighting. I often get an uneven light due to the fact that I'm just guessing where the flame is hitting the tobacco.

[vaperfavour]

I love cuttys! Every pipe maker should have the cutty in his repertoire.

[Scott Stultz]

Hey Neill, why don't I have a cutty yet?

[Ed Anderson]

I have several favorite shapes Neill. Straight Billiards and Dublins are far and away my favorite for out and about smoking. They just look right and offer an easy carefree smoke while I'm doing other things.

Aesthetically, I favor 'Dog/Rhodie variations and coincidentally the pipe that started this was my very first Jack Howell. Small world! ;-D

[Matt Long]

Hi Neill,

I often come back to this article, one of my favourites. When I first came across it I instantly fell in love with Jack Howells Tavern pipe, a beauty to behold. So after much deliberation and justification I decided to contact the man himself and see if he could spare the time to produce one for me, as close to your version as possible.

To my amazement Jack agreed and now after many weeks I sit here alongside my very own Jack Howell tavern pipe. The bowl is a little taller than your version and when fully loaded she balances en-pointe.

He is a master at his craft and I hope to add more of his pipes to my collection in the future.

It was because of this article Neill that I now have my own and I thank you for writing it.

Cheers!