The Art of Sandblasted Pipes: Elegance and Craftsmanship for Pipe Smokers.

A Bit of History on Sandblasted Pipes: Origin and Evolution

Amid the tumults of World War I, Alfred Dunhill with his famous "Shell" line is often credited with inventing the sandblasted pipe and its specific manufacturing technique that involves an oil treatment. This process was used to soften the particularly hard Algerian briar used in the manufacture of the brand's first pipes. Sandblasting involves removing and carving out the softer parts of the wood under the action of high-pressure sand, thus prominently revealing the grain and veins of the wood.

Following the scarcity of Algerian briar post the 1960s, manufacturers turned to Greek and Italian briar, equally qualitative for the creation of these art pieces.

The Purpose of Sandblasting

Sandblasting can sometimes be used to conceal a flaw in the briar, such as a small hole or imperfection, leading to a mistaken perception that sandblasted pipes are of lower quality. However, many contemporary pipemakers, such as French artisan Pierre Morel and Spanish craftsman Jose Rubio, have elevated sandblasting to an art form, creating strikingly beautiful pieces with deep and detailed sandblasting.

Benefits of Sandblasted Pipes

• Durability: These pipes are not particularly fragile and are well-suited for outdoor use.
• Heat Dissipation: The textured surface increases the area of the pipe, allowing for faster heat dissipation, an advantage for smokers who tend to heat their pipes.
• Easy Maintenance: Cleaning these pipes is straightforward. We recommend using a soft toothbrush and diluted black soap in water. After drying, reapplying wax with a toothbrush will help preserve the pipe's finish.

Why Choose a Sandblasted Pipe?

By visiting our site, you can view videos of each sandblasted pipe we offer, allowing you to make an informed choice. Discover our collection and choose the one that speaks to you most in terms of design, functionality, and artisanal tradition.