Pipe Shapes
Discovering Different Shapes of Pipes
Pipes come in vast array of shapes and sizes. From classic English shapes, to the more free-formed Danish shapes. It can be a minefield when starting out in the world of pipe smoking – with so many shapes to choose from, shape names and of course, personal favourites there are often heated discussions among smokers and pipe-makers alike.
In this article we’ll focus on more traditional English shapes, as these are the most commonly smoked worldwide.
It’s important to note that many pipe makers and smokers disagree on the names of some pipes, these usually involve the Bulldog and Rhodesian shapes. For the purpose of this article, we’ll use the same names that Dunhill and many UK makers use.
Shape Guides
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Common Pipe Shapes
Billiard
This is the most common shape of a straight pipe. A Billiard has straight stem and straight bowl, set at a 90-degree angle. The shank the usually the same length as the bowl height. Almost every pipe maker has their own Billiard and many other shapes are a derivative of this.
Apple
Another common shape for straight pipes. With a more rounded ‘Apple’ like bowl, but shaped much like the Billiard, the stem is again the same as the bowl height and the mouthpiece is often tapered.
Bent (Billiard)
Bent pipes are classed by the severity of the bend; 1/4 Bent, 1/2 Bent etc. The bend in the stem/mouthpiece makes the pipe more comfortable to hang and smoke hands free. A slight drawback to this design is moisture and saliva can run down the stem into the base of the bowl. The Peterson System and other innovations have tried and succeeded to overcome this issue over the years (more Bent shape variations at the end of this page).
Bulldog
A Bulldog shape is defined by the square shank and tapered rim to the bowl. Bulldog pipes also come in bent and curved variations (not to be confused with the Rhodesian shapes).
Dublin
Very closely related to the Billiard, but with a tapered bowl (wider at the brim). The bowl is also tilted slightly away from stem. The stem remains straight (curved Dublins are known as a Zulu).
Pot
Another variation on the classic Billiard, making use of a shorter, often wider bowl. The Pot shape allows for a shorter smoke, ideal if you don’t have time for a full 30/45-minute smoke.
Prince
Named after the former Prince of Wales (King Edward VII), this elegant shape features from a longer and more slender mouthpiece, with a short and squat bowl and a slight curve. The result is a light and well-balanced pipe.
Bent Rhodesian
Compared to the Bulldog shape a Rhodesian features a round shank, and often a shorter tapered round rim. The Bent Rhodesian has a half-bent stem/mouthpiece that makes for a balanced smoke when using hands free.
Canadian
Like its brother, the Liverpool, a Canadian pipe has a longer oval stem with a short and tapered mouthpiece. These often 6" long pipes offer a cool smoke and are suited more to those who like to hold their pipe when smoking. You can leave these to hang from your mouth, but the length really amplifies the weight of the bowl.
Liverpool
This long pipe differs from the above Canadian, by having a round stem. A Liverpool is often considered to be like a Billiard with a much longer stem. These pipes are not as popular as the Billiard, or even its cousin the Lovat. Liverpool (and Canadian) smokers are often tall and find other pipes look too small for them.
Lovat
The Lovat is another member of the Billiard family with the overall proportions being much the same, and is closely tied with the Liverpool shape. The Lovat has a slightly longer shank than the Billiard and uses a small Saddle mouthpiece.
Chimney
Another cousin of the classic Billiard shape, with a taller and often thinner bowl. With a narrow bowl, the smoke is cooler and very well suited for Gold Virginia flakes. The tobacco burns slower and it’s easy to build up a good ash, keeping the tobacco smoother/cooler.
Straight Rhodesian
Like its bent counterpart, the Rhodesian differs from a Bulldog. The shank is round, compared to the square shank found on the Bulldog. The top the of the bowl differs as well, with a more rounded and smaller tapered rim.
Poker
A shape that has always a cult following, the basic and almost engineered shape appeals to many. The Poker shape is two cylinders at 90-degree angles to each other, the larger for the bowl and the thinner for the shank. The shape is now made by many American pipe makers, some are famous for them.
Cherrywood
A shape that has always a cult following, the basic and almost engineered shape appeals to many. The Poker shape is two cylinders at 90-degree angles to each other, the larger for the bowl and the thinner for the shank. The shape is now made by many American pipe makers, some are famous for them.
Zulu
The Zulu is a little more than a curved Dublin, the bowl is angled a little more, while being set off beautifully by the curved mouthpiece. A well-balanced pipe that can be smoked hands free or like a straight pipe.
Panel Billiard
Yet another variation on the billiard, this time with straight side to the bowl. The most common Panel Billiard has four straight sides, but hexagonal and other shapes exist but rarely in regular production. Some artisan makers carve patterns within the panels to produce some spectacular pieces.
Hungarian & Oom Paul
In essence these are full bent Apple (Hungarian) or Billiard (Oom Paul) pipes. An uncommon pipe in regular production and a very challenging shape to make (many pipe makers won’t or can’t make these). The best shape for smoking hands free, a little more effort is needed to get a draw though (the angles are very tight).
Diplomat
A variation of the Prince shape. It differs from the Prince with a thicker, less delicate stem/mouthpiece and a slight tapering on the bowl. The Diplomat benefits from the curved stem, this allows less pull when smoke freely and also less bulky in a jacket pocket.
Brandy
A wide-based Billiard with a bowl that tapers inwards towards the rim. The shape resembles a brandy glass and makes for a comfortable grip. The Volcano shape is very similar but with a much wider base.
Cutty
Based on the classic Georgian clay pipe shape. The long and slender stem is finished off with a small foot and low angled bowl. This classic shape has been in production for centuries in many materials.
Churchwarden
A long-stemmed pipe with a wide array of bowl shapes. Favoured by those who enjoy a very cool smoke, the extra length allows the smoke to cool. Classed as a ‘Reading’ pipe in Germany and many parts of Europe, as the book can be held in front of the pipe.
Calabash
The shape is named after the Calabash Gourde (made from Calabash and Meerschaum). This half to full bent pipe is often fitted with a horn or precious metal insert and a lip on the rim of the bowl.
Vest Pocket
A clever little pipe, small and slim with a rotating stem. It can be twisted and put away in a shirt or jacket pocket. The small chamber makes for a quick smoke and the compact design gives it a little protection in your pocket while working.
Bent Variations
Like the ‘Bent Billiard’ above most pipe shapes can come with either a bend in the mouthpiece or a bent stem and mouthpiece. Here are a few examples:
Bent Apple
Bent Dublin
Bent Pot
Bent Brandy
This is not a complete list, over 100 shapes and styles are produced worldwide. Each country has its own styles and shapes. Many factories release limited edition pipe, often in unique and unusual shape.
Browse by shape
This is not a complete list, over 100 shapes and styles are produced worldwide. Each country has its own styles and shapes. Many factories release limited edition pipe, often in unique and unusual shape.