When it comes to pipes and cigars, there are a variety of shapes and designs available on the market. From the classic straight tube to the more unique shapes like the bulldog, billiard, Dublin, Lovat, Brandy, Apple, Canadian, Vest Pocket, Egg, Raised Hand, Poker and more, there is something for everyone. The most common form of a straight tube is the classic billiard shape. It has a straight stem and straight bowl placed at a 90-degree angle.
Most pipe manufacturers have their own billiard-shaped tubes, and many shapes are derived from this. The shank of these tubes is usually the same length as the height of the bowl. The bulldog shape is defined by its square shank and conical edge of the bowl. Dublin pipes are very similar to billiard pipes but have a conical bowl that is wider at the edge.
The Lovat pipe has a longer handle than billiard pipes and is topped with a small saddle-type nozzle. The Brandy pipe has a conical edge on the bowl that creates the shape of a brandy glass. The Apple pipe has a more rounded “apple” shape with a shank that is the same length as the height of the bowl and a nozzle that is normally conical. The Canadian pipe has a taller and thinner bowl than billiard pipes, which means that the tobacco burns more slowly, creating cold smoke.
The Vest Pocket pipe has an oval or oblong bowl that is compressed on the sides to obtain a thin width and without a perceptible shank. The Egg pipe has a slightly egg-like bowl with high, oval sides and a thin chamber. The Poker pipe is a straight tube with a cylindrical bowl and a flattened heel. It has a suction hole drilled at a downward angle from the back of the container to the inside of the chamber with the rod mounted vertically and bent approximately 90 degrees to obtain a tube with a very reduced profile whose shank can be rotated to hang over the container. Regardless of their shape or design, all pipes produce an excellent smoke that many people enjoy. Pipe filters may reduce the taste of tobacco smoke but do very little else.
When it comes to choosing your perfect pipe or cigar, it's important to consider all your options so you can find one that suits your needs.
