Away from Cigarettes
Reiner Thilo Bindschädel, born in 1961, has been a pipe smoker since the late 1980s. Initially, his wife gifted him his first pipe to help him quit the bothersome habit of smoking cigarettes. Although this only partially succeeded, he has been interested in pipes ever since.
Helpful, Solid Background
However, his interest in wood began much earlier, thanks to his father, a master tailor who enjoyed working with wood. After finishing school, he trained as a metal turner but never quite "warmed" to the cold material of metal. So he undertook another apprenticeship in construction and furniture carpentry, finally getting to work with his favourite material. This was followed by the master craftsman's examination.
Master Carpenter
As a master carpenter, Reiner Thilo Bindschädel brought enough expertise, tools, and know-how when he began to take an interest in pipe making in the 1990s. At that time, without the internet, it was not easy, as there were no "textbooks" on pipe making, and the internet essentially did not exist.
Pipe Repair as Training
It was only through contact with specialised retailers that he acquired the necessary connections to get tips and obtain the necessary materials. His training as a turner was particularly useful in operating the required lathe. From then on, he could perform pipe repairs for the local specialist dealer, which gave him many insights into pipe making. Like many pipe makers before him, the transition from pipe repair to pipe making was then very short.
Over 20 Years of Reiner Thilo
Thus, at the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, he made his first own pipes and founded his pipe brand "Reiner Thilo" in 2002. His philosophy in pipe making has always been to combine the best craftsmanship and precision with aesthetics and elegance. Additionally, he has an uncompromising quality standard for materials and tools. These principles have been a consistent theme throughout his work to this day.
Own Distribution
Until a few years ago, his pipes were almost exclusively distributed through Kopp Pipes, the leading pipe importer in Europe. However, freehand pipe making and the distribution structures of a growing company did not fit well together in the long run, so they parted ways amicably. Since then, Reiner Thilo Bindschädel has been distributing his pipes himself. He is also often found at pipe fairs.
Own Style
His style is distinctly Danish-influenced but also shows his own signature. Flowing shapes, small complications, and sharp edges and corners that provide grip are often found in his pipes. He predominantly uses briar, but also bog oak for pipe making. Arbutus (strawberry tree) is also more commonly used by him than by other pipe makers. He appreciates the structure of the wood, which is particularly well-suited to sandblasting. Reiner Thilo exclusively uses ebonite and Cumberland for his hand-cut mouthpieces.
Our Recommendation
We are delighted to have been working with Reiner Thilo Bindschädel for some time now. In our opinion, his pipes are among the most beautiful made in Germany. They also offer excellent value for money. Friends of aesthetics and high craftsmanship will be thoroughly satisfied with his work!
