Wooden Calabash Pipes

Wooden Calabash Pipes:
The typical Calabash is made from the hollowed out hull of a hardened bottle gourd, achieving its desired shape through a special process undergone while the fruit is still growing. Supported by a mound of arid soil on each side of its large base, the gourd's gooseneck is arranged in line with the body, allowing the degree of bend to be manipulated by the grower through pressure. During the early stages of growth, it's crucial that the utmost care be taken to keep the bend consistent and the gourd free of flaws, as a blemish-free Calabash with a tight, perpendicular bend is roughly akin to a briar with a dense 360 degree straight grain.
Calabash gourds (usually with meerschaum or porcelain bowls set inside them) have long made prized pipes, but they are labour-intensive and, today, quite expensive. Because of this expense, pipes with bodies made of wood (usually mahogany) instead of gourd, but with the same classic shape, are sold as calabashes. Both wood and gourd pipes are functionally the same (with the important exception that the dried gourd, usually being noticeably lighter, sits more comfortably in the mouth). They consist of a downward curve that ends with an upcurve where the bowl sits. Beneath the bowl is an air chamber which serves to cool, dry, and mellow the smoke.

Block Meerschaum Pipes:
Meerschaum, also known as Sea Foam is a naturally formed clay which is considered the most porous naturally occurring material on the planet. This highly porous nature clay is ideal for pipe smoking as it acts like a filter removing tar and impurities from the smoke as well as allowing the pipe to breath which helps it smoke cooler and sweeter.

In comparison to pressed Meerschaum ……… erm there is no comparison. Pressed Meerschaum is formed using dust and glue under pressure to form the appearance of block Meerschaum but this totally defeats the object of Meerschaum as glue is not porous and does not breath. If you want something to look good but aren’t bothered about the smoking characteristics then buy a pressed Meerschaum. If you want to experience the true Meerschaum then save for a block meerschaum you will not regret it.

Breaking in Meerschaum Pipes:
Meerschaum does not burn so your Meerschaum does not need breaking in or reaming.

If you look after your Meerschaum you will be able to witness the pipe curing over years as the natural oils from the tobacco are absorbed into the clay revealing deep reds and golden browns. A well carved meerschaum will really show its true quality as deeper carvings will be enhanced by deeper shades where thicker parts of the pipe will stay more Golden.

One off pipes:
You cannot buy Block Meerschaum pipes in a set sizes or shapes as they are all hand carved. You will therefore receive the exact pipe pictured.

Fitted Leather Bound Hard Case:
As with traditional Block Meerschaum pipes from Levent, these pipes come in a fitted leather bound hard case which protects your pipe in storage or if you wish to take your favourite companion on your travels.