While admittedly I was not around during the height of pipe smoking, it does seem that we are right now in a golden age of pipe smoking.

Pipe carvers from around the world are creating truly wonderful pipes, amazing pipes in everything from traditional shapes to freehands that boggle the imagination. Additionally, many of these great pipes are affordably priced. There is also a very vibrant estate pipe market bringing the treasures of the past back to us today.

Small tobacco blenders are creating amazing blends, and new blends on a regular basis. Some old favorites may be gone or changed forever, but new favorites continue entering the market.

Fancy tampers, extremely functional lighters, it seems we have it all available, and importantly, most within the reach of everyone.

We also have pipe clubs around our country, and indeed around the world. Great friends, fellow pipemen whom we can enjoy a bowl of fine tobacco with. This social aspect of pipe smoking is perhaps one of its most valuable assets.

All of this said, I think that we, as people who love the pipe, must make some efforts to expand our numbers. To make sure that our pleasure does not die away due to interest falling below what is necessary to sustain the commercial pipe smoking industry.

Pipe carvers, tobacco blenders, retailers, and estate pipe sellers all need a certain level of business to survive. If too many pipemen are lost, without replacement these small businessmen who serve our community so well will no longer be able to meet our needs.

I think that the Pipe Party is one way we can replenish our numbers show others the joy we find in a great bowl of tobacco. That is why I hosted my party last weekend, to bring non-pipe smokers together with pipe smokers, to let non-pipe smokers see for themselves the pleasures of the pipe. Perhaps it worked, I hope it did.

I can’t claim the idea as my own, for I was invited to two parties hosted for the same reason, and those parties set me on my own path of the pipe. With luck, perhaps it will work the same way for others.

Pipe smoking is a true joy that should be shared with others, not only to allow them to experience what we do on a regular basis, but indeed for the very survival of the industry we rely upon to provide the products we need to find that joy.

I will be hosting future parties in an effort to share the joy of the pipe. If you would like to be invited, please subscribe to this sites newsfeed for invitations will be sent over it.