Flemming Jakobsen Pipes: A New Talent from Svendborg
One of the current representatives of Svendborg’s pipe-making tradition is Flemming Jakobsen. Born in 1957, Jakobsen initially pursued a career in metalworking before teaching himself the craft of pipe-making in 2012. Originally, he built pipes solely for himself, but he quickly gained recognition within the Danish pipe-smoking community.
Jakobsen regularly participated in trade fairs and slow-smoking competitions, where he received valuable feedback and critiques from other pipe makers and smokers. This input helped him continuously refine his skills.
The influence of Svendborg’s great pipe makers is clearly evident in Jakobsen’s work. Elements from Ilstedt, Manduela, and Tao merge into his distinctive style. His creations are characterized by exceptional craftsmanship, perfect proportions, and symmetry. Jakobsen uses premium briarwood from Italy and prefers ebonite and Cumberland from Germany for his mouthpieces. He does not produce filter pipes and has a preference for bright, golden tones.
Svendborg: The City of Pipe Makers
Svendborg, the beautiful port city on the Danish island of Funen, is not only a picturesque travel destination but also a significant place in the world of pipe making. A highlight for pipe smokers is a visit to Mac Baren, a renowned tobacco manufacturer. But Svendborg offers more than just tobacco – it is the home of numerous famous pipe makers, making it Denmark’s pipe-smoking capital.
Legendary Pipe Makers
Svendborg was once home to Poul Ilstedt, one of the world’s finest pipe makers. His masterpieces remain legendary to this day. Sadly, the talented craftsman passed away in 2017. However, he left behind a gifted apprentice, Manduela Riger-Kusk, known for her delicate, small pipes, which she considers jewelry-like creations.
Another major pipe maker from Svendborg is Jens Tao Nielsen, renowned for his robust yet harmonious shapes. His work has influenced an entire generation of pipe makers and smokers.
Collaboration with Mac Baren: Flemming Jakobsen Pipes
A special source of inspiration for Jakobsen is his role as a test smoker at Mac Baren. Every Wednesday, he evaluates current production and new blends in blind tests. This demanding task requires great passion and expertise and significantly contributes to the development of his own pipes.
Jakobsen’s pipes have already gained international attention. At major pipe shows in Las Vegas and Chicago, he is celebrated as a “Rising Star.” Noted pipe collector Mads Maaløe stated: “Everyone who saw Flemming’s work in Las Vegas said he would be the next big Danish star.”
Freehands by Flemming Jakobsen
Flemming Jakobsen has established himself as a talented pipe maker, carrying on the legacy of Svendborg’s great masters. His pipes are true works of art, combining craftsmanship with creative design. We are proud to be among the few retailers worldwide to offer Flemming Jakobsen’s pipes. We highly recommend taking a closer look at his extraordinary creations. Such beauties are a rare find!
