Do You Know Mogens Johansen?
Is he familiar to you? Tom Eltang or Former would reply: "Of course, an old colleague". But a reasonably enthusiastic pipe smoker probably won’t recognize the name. Yet many have at least one of his pipes, maybe even significantly more, in their collection.
Pipes by Mogens Johansen: Johs Pipes
Let's solve the mystery: Mogens Johansen was a pipe maker for the pipe merchant Bjarne Nielsen, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in 2008, after working for him for several decades. Almost all mid-range pipes by Bjarne were crafted by him. At the peak of production, this amounted to about 5000 pieces per year!
Bjarne Nielsen – The Pipe Merchant
Bjarne Nielsen was a pipe merchant out of passion. However, he made no secret of the fact that he was more of a professional in dealing with people and making business than in efficiently producing pipes himself. Thus, he employed several pipe makers who, for example, were not happy working for Preben Holm. This included notable figures like Phil Vigen or Tonni Nielsen, and also Mogens Johansen, who was essentially responsible for the "bread and butter" business. Many German pipe smokers likely know these pipes from the catalogue of a North German pipe dealer.
The Sudden End
However, this all came to an abrupt end in 2008 when Bjarne suddenly and unexpectedly died of a heart attack at the age of 66. Mogens (his friends call him Johs) thus lost his main client and had to start trying to sell his pipes on his own.
New Beginning and Independence
Initially, he was able to buy the entire stock of Bjarne's briar wood, which still helps him today. He also built up his own small business in Frederikshavn alongside his pipe making and business activities. German tourists, in particular, were fond of buying his pipes there. However, this phase is also now part of history.
The Beginnings of Johs
Johs began making pipes in 1982. Before that, he had been a pipe smoker for many years. He pursued it as more of a hobby for ten years until he met Peter Hedegaad, who became something of a mentor and inspiration for him. Johs originally trained as a plumber and blacksmith, but some skills and techniques from these trades proved useful in pipe making.
Johs Pipes Today
Johs pipes, which after Bjarne’s death are now known simply as "Johs Pipes," are offered in many countries worldwide, particularly in the USA and in Denmark itself. They are a good example of the high demand for Danish pipes once upon a time. So much so that pipe makers who learned their craft in the 80s work at an incredible pace. Johs currently produces about 300 pipes annually. Fortunately, some are now available for us!
Style and Affordability
His style is quite distinct and characteristic, with a clear preference for Bulldog and Dublin shapes. The way Johs builds pipes is more akin to Poul Winslow, Peder Jeppesen, or the Erik Nørding factory than to Tom Eltang, Chonowitsch, or Former. His pipes are more smoking instruments than works of art, but aesthetics still play an outstanding role. Additionally, it is clear that his pipes come from Denmark. One can easily see the swing, harmonious curves, and balance. He also masters facets like few others in this field. Pleasingly for the pipe smoker, his pipes are very affordable. From €130, you can get a handmade pipe by Johs, a price range usually reserved for factory-made pipes. Incidentally, he makes pipes with and without 9mm drilling and is not dogmatic about the subject.
A Special Addition
We are delighted to now have a couple of his pipes in our range. They have been well received so far, and more are already in the pipeline. Given his advanced age, we consider it a great honour to be part of his dealer circle. We hope for a long collaboration.
