The Beginning of Raimo Riberg’s Pipe Craft
Raimo Riberg’s passion for pipes began in his childhood when he discovered his grandfather’s pipe collection. It wasn’t until he moved to Sardinia and received the collection that his interest was reignited. Until a few years ago, Raimo lived and worked in Sardinia, where he ran a media company and first encountered briarwood.
His mother sent him the simple pipe of his late grandfather, sparking a creative process that led to his decision to craft pipes in his homeland, Estonia.
Raimo has always been fascinated by craftsmanship. For him, the pipe is the perfect blend of functionality and art.
He acquired his knowledge of pipe making through books, forums, and numerous online groups. He learned a great deal from other pipe makers and by studying various pipes. A visit to one of the best pipe makers in Poland further deepened his knowledge. However, he learned the most during the manufacturing process itself, discovering what worked and what didn’t.
The Fusion of Practicality and Art in Raimo’s Pipes
For Raimo, the fascination of pipe making lies in the combination of practicality and art. He dedicates days and nights to perfection, ensuring every millimetre fits precisely. This work requires absolute concentration and immersion, similar to meditation.
Raimo Riberg’s Unique Style
Raimo’s style is heavily influenced by the wild nature of the Baltics and the aesthetics of hunting weapons. The workmanship and colour tones of his pipes resemble parts of hunting rifles. His unique style is incomparable to other pipe makers.
Raimo is adept at using social media and has already gained fame in Estonia. Even television has reported on him. We are proud to be the first European retailer to include his pipes in our collection!
The Pipe Making Process and Materials
The manufacturing process begins with selecting the briarwood. The pipe is then designed according to the wood’s pattern and shape. Lines and drilling angles are calculated in advance. The drilling for the bowl and mouthpiece must be precise; a 1 mm error means starting over. If the drilling is correct, the pipe is further shaped, either on a lathe or with sandpaper. After completing the bowl, the correct dimensions for the mouthpiece must be determined. The fit of the parts is tested and adjusted. Finally, the pipe is stained, sanded, and polished to achieve its final appearance and desired texture.
Time Required for Production
The production time varies depending on the pipe and ranges from 2 to 6 days, with 10-12 hours of work per day. Although a pipe can be made in half a day, high-quality details require more time. Since it is a small object visible from all angles and held close to the eyes, even a half-millimetre error is noticeable to the eye.
