I am an artisan wood carver specializing in tobacco pipes with a horticulture background of 30 years. I typically spend most days in my humble little woodshop in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California hand carving fine Italian briar, olive wood or rare Croatian Morta.

When I began my pipe making journey I already had spent a fair amount of time wood working and carving animals for my friends. After trying to make a pipe with premade stem I sought out some advice from seasoned pipe carvers like Tim West and read through Pimo's Pipe making book. Like a sponge I wanted to soak up as much information as possible to handcraft pipes that not only were appealing , but smoked perfectly. 

I then was fortunate to develop some crucial relationships with experienced pipe carvers and wood workers. The most influential master pipe maker from Croatia, Davorin Denovic, has become my main mentor that has influenced me more than anyone else. He has taught me the correct way to work with Croatian Morta (bog oak) and the secrets that accompany this rare wood. Davorin has made pipes for over 50 years and is a wealth of information and remains a great friend. Davorin likened my style to German pipe maker Ingo Garbe. Davorin said,"Yours pipes are simple in design, but great looking in its elegance and style… I like this way of pipe looking… Its true reason to exist, pipe must be smoking instrument… and good smoking instrument… simple pipes can be smoke much better then very complicate one… One of great pipe makers Ingo Garbe, which I was happy to learn  some of his works, made most simple pipes at all… but every one, is near perfect… something best which can human make…."

I've been especially appreciative of my relationships in the pipe smoking and crafting community and many many customers have become dear friends. Once I develop a relationship with a customer I then begin crafting pipe designs specifically to their unique personalities. I have found that as the customer/friend becomes familiar with my pipes that they return numerous times for further purchases. Some of my customers own over 50 of my pipes and it's not unusual for many to own a dozen. I believe this speaks volumes about my abilities and character as a buisness man.

In my spare time I am either actively mentoring young men or fly fishing or photographing with my beautiful wife. I'm always challenging others to value our waters and fisheries in California and take care of our natural resources.  My satisfaction comes from pouring my whole soul into whatever I am pursuing in the arts and in my communities where I'm engaged.

Go to my Instagram >Paulspipes< For a whole lot of Pipe Pictures that I have made in the past!!
Thank you for visiting!
My email is info@paulspipes.com