Twenty years ago I was living in the Bavarian Alps where pipe smoking is much more popular than here in the U.S. I remember hiking through the mountains one day when a man smoking a pipe walked past me. The aroma was wonderful; kind of a woody campfire note mixed with a subtle cherry flavor. I remember thinking how pleasant it would be to have that fragrance surrounding me all the time so the very next day I borrowed a pipe from a friend, poured a generous amount of his dry tobacco into the bowl, struck a match, and…I hated it. Yes, it seemed it was much more pleasant to have someone else do the smoking for you while you just sit there and enjoy that delicious roomnote. What I didn’t know is how important a good pipe is to the smoking ritual. Since then I’ve learned how the mechanics of a pipe affect the smoke and thus, the entire smoking experience. If I only had access to a good pipe that day I would not have wasted so much time in appreciating the wonderful qualities of a good pipe smoke. I make my pipes with these mechanics in mind, considering everything from the draw and how the smoke travels through the pipe to the materials I use.
In addition, I try to create pipes that are aesthetically pleasing. By manipulating the pipe’s angles I search for the shapes that best show the wood’s grain whether it’s a stunning display of straight grain running up the bowl and shank, or a brilliant show of birdseye adorning the rim. The end product is an Edwin pipe; a pipe that smokes well and is beautiful to the eye.
As I continue to create new shapes and carve pipes distinctive to the Edwin name, I keep one eye fixed on artisans who have inspired my craft. As colleagues, customers, and collectors I also consider you as part of the story to help encourage and influence my work.
Kris Edwin Barber
Listen to the “Pipes Magazine” radio interview with Kris Edwin Barber here.
Hi I’m Dylan I’m on Instagram ds_camellia I commented on a pipe you are currently making. Not sure if it will be for sale in the future or what the price range is but I would be interested in the pipe if it becomes for sale! Thanks Dylan
Sir , im from Malaysia. Your beautiful pieces of art really catch my eyes ! Would love to know more about the system about your pipes. And interested to own one too .mind to share more with me ?
Hi Dex. Thank you. I’ll shoot you an email.
Any pictures of pipes for sale and prices?
Hi William. The pipes pictured in the “Available Pipes” section are for sale. I have one or two others that are available also. Is there on you are interested in?
Edwin, I received my Lord of the Rings pipe set and treasure box container and needless to say, I am very pleased with what I saw when I opened the shipping box. The treasure box is very beautiful in and of itself. However, the pipes are stunning. I had planned to smoke the pipes, but now having seen them, I believe that they are too magnificent to smoke so I’ll just put them in my collection and admire the beauty and craftsmanship of the set. I’ll smoke the Dunhill and SBangs and leave the Lord of the Rings to admire. Thank you for a beautiful set of pipes. After the holidays, I think I will order a “smoker” from you. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Hi Albert. Thanks so much and I’m glad to hear that you’re so thrilled. I was very pleased with the set myself and am tickled that they’ve found a good home.
Nice talking to you today outside Stone Harbour. I just checked out your web site, you do have a nack making pipes, very very nice.
I will definitely keep you in mind for my next
Pipe, I am also spreading your name around.
Like I said, I have a birthday coming up this summer, what a perfect time to get I new pipe
Regards
Barry Catton
Thunder Bay Ontario
Hi Barry. It was great meeting you too. Keep me posted with your birthday status. Don’t hesitate to stop in and say hello next time you’re in town.
Kris, really handsome designs with flowing lines. Where are you located?
Todd Platek
Hi Todd, Thanks for your interest in Edwin Pipes. I’m located in Northern Minnesota on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It’s in the middle of the Superior National Forest. I’ve sent you a few PM messages on FB with more information on available pipes.
How much is the LOTRs set?
Hi Russell. Thank you for your interest in Edwin Pipes. The LOTR set sells for $2,400 plus shipping. It includes all six pipes which represent the various races of Middle Earth, the storage chest, Leather carrying pouches for each pipe (except the ashtray Troll pipe). This set has been sold already so I would create another similar one for you. All Edwin Pipes come with a one year warranty against defects in craftsmanship. Let me know if you have any further questions or if you’d like to move forward with a purchase.
Hello Edwin:
Came across,Your work(Instagram Post).I’ve been,a Pipe Smoker/collector(Over 25years). Very Impressed;your Artisan-approach,in Your pipe-making.My first Otc-pipe,was Cdn-Medico(Dr.Grabo-equivalent). My first(quality briar)pipe;Peterson 317-Plip-Standard. There was a time;my collection was over 175.
Was wondering if,you did any 9mm(Commission Pieces)? Regards, E. Fraser
Hi E. Thank you for your interest in Edwin Pipes. I’ve done a couple years ago but haven’t done a 9mm for some time. I typically make the regular variety. If you’re interested we can discuss what you’d like. The best way is probably contacting me through email: edwinpipes@yahoo.com
All Edwins come with a leather carrying pouch and a one year warranty against defects in craftsmanship. The drilling and mechanics are top-notch to ensure that they smoke beautifully. My pipes start at $300 and go from there depending on design and materials. Let me know if you have any further questions or if you’d like to move forward with a purchase.
Kris Edwin Barber
Edwin Pipes
Do you ship to Malta? ( Europe)
Hi Rene. Yes I will ship to Malta. For shipping outside the US the price is $35. Is there a specific price you are interested in? Feel free to contact me directly at: edwinpipes@yahoo.com
I absolutely love the artistry of each handcrafted piece, but I only smoke cannabis. Would it be possible to get one commissioned for such a purpose, or is that something you’d not be interested in crafting?
Hi Dravn, I don’t know a lot about what makes a good cannabis pipe but I know I have a couple customers who use them and say they work fine. I have, however, stopped doing commissions for a few months. I am still posting my latest work on Instagram so if you see something there that grabs your eye, shoot me a message and we can discuss a purchase.
Hello there Mr. Barber,
I saw the Tripod pipe and was just curious of the price point? Beautiful work!
Hi Alex. Thank you for your interest in Edwin Pipes. Unfortunately I have stopped doing commission work for a few months but plan to pick it up again sometime later this year. My prices start at $350 for the more simple models and go up from there depending on materials and design. All Edwins come with a leather carrying pouch and a one year warranty against defects in craftsmanship. Let me know if you have any further questions.