Brentegani Pipes: The Best of Two Worlds
Nowadays, one must have a unique vision of oneself and one’s work to take the bold step of becoming a full-time pipe maker. This courageous choice was made by Michele Brentegani, a young Italian pipe maker born in 1989. His story impressed us, and we found that we and Michele share similar values in many respects. This was one of the reasons we decided to include his remarkable pipes in our selection.
TCM and Woodworking
Michele hails from Verona. In addition to his passion for music, he has frequently worked on other woodworking projects, such as crafting a bow or a flute. He graduated in traditional Chinese medicine and Tuina massage. Michele has been making pipes since 2015, though his journey to crafting his first pipe was far from linear. He encountered a friend smoking a Churchwarden pipe, which fascinated him so much that he grabbed the nearest piece of wood and carved a pipe bowl.
Brebbia's Role
Realizing he needed a stem, Michele conducted a brief online search and called the Italian pipe maker Brebbia to inquire about purchasing one. He was told that stems were only sold in quantities of 1,000. However, at the end of the disappointing conversation, the company asked for his address. To Michele’s surprise, two days later, he received an envelope containing three stems, free of charge, along with wishes for success. This kind gesture from Brebbia “sparked” his passion for pipe making, a craft to which he feels deeply connected to this day.
The Pipe Maker Michele Brentegani
At the beginning of his pipe-making journey, Brentegani was predominantly self-taught. Over time, he connected with other pipe makers and shared ideas. In 2020, he became a member of the Academia della pipa italiana, founded by Mimmo Romeo (of Romeo Pipes). Collaborations with other members, such as Gabriele Dal Fiume, Davide Iafisco, and Gioacchino Sauro, brought fresh perspectives to his creative process and craftsmanship. In 2020, he also decided to pursue pipe making as a full-time profession.
Brentegani Pipes: Truly Unique
Today, his work is clearly influenced by the Danish school, but he also deeply respects English classics, which require great skill to execute as a Freehand pipe maker. Michele primarily works with briarwood, occasionally using morta.
He is also increasingly using olivewood, which he appreciates for its beautiful grain and excellent workability. A signature feature of his work is his azure blue ebonite stems. One glance is enough to recognize: “That’s a Brentegani Pipe!”
Exclusively with Us: Brentegani Pipes with 9mm Filters
We are proud to offer pipes from such an optimistic and courageous young pipe maker. We are also the first and only retailer to provide Brentegani pipes with a 9mm filter drilling. Now it’s your turn to discover his work and his pipes, and support him on his journey.
