I began making pipes in 2014 shortly after my brother-in-law Nate introduced me to his estate pipe collection. I was amazed by all of the shapes, textures, and grain patters on all of his pipes. He asked me to pick one out and join him on the deck for a relaxing smoke. Nate taught me the intentionality behind packing, lighting, and smoking the pipe.

The pipe I chose to smoke was a freehand design that caught my attention, with beautiful plateaux on the top, straight grain on the sides, and birdseye on the bottom. I was captivated by the beauty of the grain, and continuously let me pipe go out due to being too focused on the beauty in the pipe and not focused on keeping it lit. After smoking it, I looked online for one to purchase but I was unable to find one of a similar shape for sale anywhere. Given that I like a challenge and enjoy the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into designing things, I decided to make my own. I purchased two pre-drilled blocks of briar with pre-made stems and set to work with the tools I borrowed from friends and relatives. Though my first pipes were far from perfect, they ignited my passion for pipe making and opened my eyes to a new art form that I have been hooked on ever since. 

There is something therapeutic about spending hours in my shop with an individual piece of wood from which a pipe slowly takes shape. The art of crafting something functional, aesthetically pleasing, and unique is what fuels me to progress in my craft. I put my all into each piece that leaves my shop and hope that each customer appreciates the pipe they receive as much as I appreciated the opportunity to craft it.

I have found that the art of pipe making is a process filled with trials and setbacks which continue to shape my character, produce perseverance, and push me to test my creative limits. Throughout the entire creative process of designing, shaping, sanding and finishing, I am continuously striving to improve my abilities and push the limits of what each individual piece of briar can do. 

If you are interested in any of the pipes you see or interested in having a custom pipe made, I would love to create a one-of-a-kind pipe for you.

Sincerely,

Ryan Branigan