The tobacco is carefully stuffed into the round opening in the root wood, the pipe lies comfortably in the hand. Then comes the fire. The smoke tastes like relaxation, smells pleasant and instantly takes you away from the hectic pace of everyday life. Despite its long history, the pipe is still close to the spirit of the times.
The pipe, in its centuries-old development, is closely linked to pleasure and rituals in a wide variety of cultures. It was used to make peace, to get high and to enjoy tobacco consumption. From the middle of the 19th century, cigarettes increasingly replaced tobacco pipes as a quick and easy way of smoking. But the pipe did not disappear. It was kept alive by all those who were not interested in addictive nicotine intake and coolness, but in conscious enjoyment combined with great appreciation of the craft.
Even today, there is a large community around pipes. In addition to manufacturers such as V auen from Germany, which can already look back on 175 years of existence, there are renowned pipe makers and collectors who keep pipe smoking alive. These are not the grandfathers, as some people think - but mostly men in their prime. There is a reason for this: while those who have arrived in the hectic everyday working and family life are looking for moments of peace and positive rituals in life, young people are more likely to want to speed up their lives. Finally find a good job , start a family and keep their lives entertaining until then. Although this cannot be generalized. It seems as if some young people are filled with a longing that takes them from the digitalized "smart" world back to the material, analogue world, with vinyl records instead of Spotify, small books instead of mobile games and pipes instead of e-cigarettes - and all this paired with mullets and moustaches.
However, the points of contact for trying out pipe smoking as a newbie are much smaller than with cigarettes and their new-fangled smoking alternatives. You won't find a pipe at a gas station or supermarket . If you decide to buy a pipe, you can usually count on proper advice, which will also include a little instruction in the art of filling, stuffing, lighting and cold smoking - because this is where the ritual begins. Puffing the smoke itself is only a small part of the whole.
Whether you are a pipe beginner or the owner of an entire pipe collection, the connection is to consciously take time for something beautiful. To establish a habit with which you can switch off, let the stress disappear in the smoke and make room in your head for beautiful thoughts and projects. "The process of filling, lighting and smoking requires concentration and thus promotes a form of meditative pause," says Martin Ramsauer, Managing Director of V auen in Nuremberg. "In a world in which everything is immediately available and quick satisfaction is the main focus, pipe smoking represents a conscious alternative. It requires patience and slowness, which in today's world can almost be seen as a subversive act."
The pipe itself is also a symbol of permanence and individuality. The variety of shapes and colors, even though most are made of the same material, briar wood from the root of the "Erica arborea", is immense - tastes are just as varied as the choice of tobacco, which ranges from fruity-sweet compositions to classic, bitter blends. A pipe underlines the personality of its owner and can be used for many years. However, it is rare that a man sticks with just one pipe once he has dedicated himself to this hobby or form of smoking.
Pipe artists like to push the boundaries of what is possible and of craftsmanship with their free forms , while pipe manufacturers face the challenge of constantly surprising their customers despite their classics and existing portfolio. "We see ourselves as a bridge between tradition and modernity. Our collection includes pipes in all facets - from classic to modern. Regardless of whether you appreciate the charm of craftsmanship or prefer the design of a modern pipe - with us everyone will find their personal masterpiece," says V auen , one of the oldest pipe manufacturers still in operation in the world and now the only one in Germany. The pipes are still made by hand here. Experienced pipe makers shape the pieces of wood and other materials, demonstrating not only their skill but also their design flair. For example, the "Shire" series, which is clearly inspired by the "Lord of the Rings" film trilogy, with its long, curved stem is an unmistakable and popular classic. Every year there is also a limited edition pipe of the year, which a pipe maker was allowed to let off steam when designing. But the traditional manufacturer also places great value on innovation, on the one hand in terms of design through collaboration with external designers, and on the other hand through completely new smoking devices. The "Jucan" model has a modern, handy and well thought-out design and always comes with a tamper and replacement filters. It has many uses, and so the historical arc should be closed after the legalization of cannabis and the pipe will once again be able to officially provide a nice high.
With this new development , the company is also reacting to the widespread presence of e-cigarettes with their sweet, sticky liquids. Compact and practical, Ju can also be carried around with you at all times. And pipe smoke can smell good too. In contrast to the smoke with synthetic-looking aromas of the "liquids", real smoke is usually perceived as pleasant by those around you and offers a positive way to start a conversation. Interestingly, even with non-smokers.
Pipe smokers often have a special and direct connection to one another. "The shared passion creates space for exchange, similar to that of whisky lovers or wine connoisseurs. The hobby connects and promotes dialogue in a time when many social contacts have become digital and superficial," says Ramsauer. So it is also about community and sociability - aspects of life that also contribute a lot to balance and satisfaction.
The digitalized zeitgeist, in which people are afraid of missing out and not being able to keep up, seem to be becoming more and more superficial and are constantly bombarded with media, fuels the longing for slowness, disconnection and the real. Pipe smoking is just one of many ways to satisfy this longing. Not the healthiest - although smoking for pleasure cannot be compared in the slightest to chain smoking - but that is not the point. Luxury items, whether alcohol, cigars or sumptuous food, all carry a certain risk that we consciously choose. But they also offer conscious moments of happiness.
Author • Andreas Schmitz
Photos • Vauen