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There is a large range of pipe shapes available on the market worldwide, and there can sometimes be a little discrepancy between pipe makers and smokers as to the shape names. In this guide I will focus on the most popular English shapes that are commonly smoked throughout the world. We stock a huge range of pipes here at C.Gars so do take time to browse our range, and read on for more information…
SHAPES
Billiard
This is the most common shape of straight pipe on the market. Billiards have straight stems and straight bowls, set at a 90degree angle. Most pipe makers will have their own Billiard shape pipes and many shapes are derived from this. These stem on these pipes is usually the same length as the bowl height.
Apple
This is another common pipe shape which is similar to the Billiard, but the bowl has a more rounded ‘apple’ shape. The stem is the same length as the bowl height and the mouthpiece is normally tapered.
Churchwarden
A popular classic shape of pipe. Churchwardens are known for their long stem and they are made with a variety of size bowls to suit every smoker. The long stem on this pipe allows for a cool smoke.
Calabash
These classic pipes feature a full to half bent pipe stem and then finished with a lip on the rim of the bowl.
Bent (Billiard)
A Bent pipe is classed by the severity of the bend, such as ¼ or ½ bend. The benefit to the smoker for the bend in the mouthpiece is that it is more comfortable to hang from the smoker’s mouth so they can go ‘hands free’.
Bulldog
A Bulldog pipe can come in straight, bent and curved styles. They are defined by their square shank and the tapered rim of their bowl.
Dublin
These Dublin pipes are very similar to the Billiard pipes but have a tapered bowl which is wider at the brim. These feature a straight stem and the bowl sits slightly angled away from the stem.
Zulu
These are a curved variation of the Dublin shape above. The bowl is angled a little more than the Dublin and with the curved mouthpiece it is well balanced enough for hands free smoking.
Prince
This pipe is named after King Edward VII, former Prince of Wales. It features a longer and slender than most mouthpiece with a short bowl and slight curve. These all add to this style of pipe’s elegant and well-balanced appearance.
Diplomat
This is a variation of the Prince shape above, but with a thicker stem and tapered bowl rim.
Bent Rhodesian
This style is very similar to the Bulldog, but has a rounded shank and normally a shorter tapered round rim too. This pipe has a half-bent stem which makes it ideal for hands free smoking!
Straight Rhodesian
Similar to the Bent Rhodesian pipe above, it has the same features but with a straight mouthpiece and so not as compatible for hands free smoking.
Canadian
These pipes will normally feature a long, oval stem and a shorter tapered mouthpiece. They tend to be around 6 inches long so aren’t suitable for ‘hands-free’ smoking, and they provide a cool smoke.
Liverpool
Very similar to the Canadian pipe, this style just features a rounded stem. Again, it provides a cool smoke, and is popular amongst the taller smokers who can sometimes feel that the shorter stem pipes make them look even taller than they are!
Lovat
This shape pipe is another that is similar to the Billiard. These Lovat pipes have a longer shank than the Billiard pipes do and they are finished off with a small saddle style mouthpiece.
Chimney
This is another variation of the classic Billiard pipe. It features a taller and thinner bowl meaning the tobacco burns slower creating a cool smoke.
Brandy
Another variation of the Billiard, it has a tapered rim to the bowl which creates the shape of a brandy glass, thus the name of this shape pipe.
Poker
A very popular style of pipe, with a basic but appealing shape. It’s bowl and shank are connected at a 90-degree angle.
Hungarian and Oom Paul
These are fully bent versions of the Apple and Billiard Pipes. These are not very common as they are difficult to make, and harder to get a draw out of when smoking due to its bendy shape.
Vest Pocket
This style is unique in that the stem twists round and fits neatly together making it the perfect size for keeping tucked away in your pocket. It has a small chamber space so is only really ideal for quick smokes.
MATERIALS FOR PIPE MAKING
Briar This is the most popular material for pipe making. It is sourced from the root burl of Mediterranean heather. It is resistant to fire, ideal for carving and produces a pleasant natural aroma when smoked.
Other Wood It is rare for pipe makers to make pipes out of any other wood, but it has been known. Those woods that are occasionally used are; Beech wood, Cherry wood, Ebony, Mahogany, Maple, Oak, Olive and Rosewood.
Clay Clay pipes were popular in the 17th, 18th and 19th Century, they are not so popular now due to their fragile nature and the fact that they are difficult to smoke as they get very hot.
Corncob As the name suggests, these are manufactured out of hollowed out corncobs. Originating from the USA, these cheap pipes are easy to smoke and do not need to be broken in. They can be finished in a varnish, stained or kept natural for a rustic look.
Gourd Used to make Calabash pipes primarily, this is an expensive material as the fruit is hand shaped throughout it’s growth period. These are grown in South Africa, then hollowed out and dried. Then a removable bowl cap is made from meerschaum or porcelain and this sits on top of the gourd to create the finished pipe.
Meerschaum This is a soft white clay material which produces a cool smoke. Most Meerschaum pipes are crafted with attractive designs and engravings.
Synthetic Pipe In the 20th century pipe makers have started to breach out of the traditional materials and started manufacturing pipes in plastic, Bakelite and resin. These are inexpensive to produce and so popular for a budget pipe option.
Written By - Hayley Hooker - 04/12/2019
