Happy EntrepreNewYear: For the discerning smoker – Morgan Pipes

Morgan Pipes might be the most compelling craftsmanship I've come across in a long time, and it's not even guns or knives or gear. It's pipes. Old school pipes, for tobacco, like my dad and my grandfather and my great-grandfather (and I'm pretty sure my great-great-grandfather) smoked before me.

These are gorgeous. How do they smoke? I don't know, but you can bet I'm going to find out. I might need to do a review, and enlist my old man to assist.

We’re starting 2016 out right — we’ll be showcasing worthy small American businesses all through the month of January. Capitalism is part of the foundation upon which our great republic stands, and small business is a vital part of that. Join us in recognizing and acknowledging that truth and supporting craftsmen and small businesses. Happy EntrepreNewYear.

Chris Morgan is the man who shapes these pipes. He's been making them for about 10 years now and is self taught, though he clarifies that by saying, “…many have participated in my education.” He got his start in college after finding one of his grandpa's old “Shalom” briar pipes (shown below, now restored) and he's been building them since.

Says Morgan,

“I find that the best pipes come from a compromise between the briar and the pipe maker. I don’t work with any plans or sketches unless a customer wants a specific shape. I do not currently grade any of my pipes based on quality level. Every pipe I make is the best i have to offer at that moment.  From time to time you make see a pipe stamped ‘RAW' or ‘Titan' . RAW pipes are generally void of any finish (bare wood) and sport a proprietary pre made stem. Titan grade pipes are exceptionally large pipes.”

There's more than just pipes in their online store. If you're a pipe smoker, you might be interested in the “Flapjack.” It's an anodized aluminum, airtight container to keep your tobacco safe and dry.

Find Morgan Pipes online here or on Facebook here. You can also follow them on Instagram (@morganpipes). Morgan Pipes is based in Los Gatos, California.

Keep an eye on RECOIL. We'll be talking more about Chris Morgan, and we'll be introducing you to the Briar Cigar. You're going to like it.

You can find my complete roundup of Happy EntrepreNewYear posts right here.