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A wide variety of pipe shapes have developed over time. Basically, the shape of the pipe is determined by the bowl. The original shape of the pipe is the billiard. Another distinguishing feature is the shape of the mouthpiece, which is divided into three categories:

  • Pipes with a strongly curved mouthpiece – ‘bent’
  • Pipes with a slightly curved mouthpiece – ‘half bent’
  • Pipes with a straight mouthpiece – ‘straight’

Below, we provide an overview of the most common pipe shapes.

Bent pipe shape

Pipe shapes with curved mouthpiece


Bent Tomato Pipe

Pipes with the tomato shape, as the name suggests, resemble a fleshy tomato. The bowl is bulbous and voluminous. The walls are thick, and the shape is round. The mouthpiece is usually bent, as the bowl is relatively heavy and easier to hold with a curved mouthpiece.

Bent Bent Pipe

The bent pipe shape isn't just one shape. It's the classic bent pipe. The shape varies slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. But generally, the bowl shape is slightly bulbous, and the walls are of medium thickness. The bowl height is also in the medium range. It also sits comfortably in the hand.

Bent Calabash Pipe

The Calabash pipe gained fame through Sherlock Holmes. The mouthpiece is strongly curved. The bowl is substantial, yet its gourd-like shape prevents it from appearing clumsy. The walls are very thick, and the bowl is quite tall.

Bent Classic Pipe

The Bent Classic pipe shape is not significantly different from the Bent or the Billiard pipe. It sits well-balanced in the hand, is somewhat slimmer than the Bent, and yet slightly bulbous compared to the Billiard pipe.

Bent Egg Pipe Shape

This shape is, of course, named after the egg. The bowl of this pipe is slightly oval and tapers towards the top. This gives the pipe an elegant appearance despite its size. It is suitable for long moments of enjoyment.

Bent Panel Pipe Shape

The Bent Panel pipe shape is characterized by the faceted cut on the pipe bowl. This gives the pipe an angular look. Different pipe shapes serve as the basis for a panel shape. The wall is usually somewhat thinner than in the basic shapes due to the faceted cut.

Bent Pocket Pipe Shape

The special feature of the Bent Pocket pipe shape is its oval bore, which allows it to hold a decent amount of tobacco despite its small size. The mouthpiece can be folded inwards, so this pipe fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Only for experienced pipe smokers.

Half-Bent Pipe Shape

Pipe Shapes with a Slightly Bent Mouthpiece

Half-Bent Albert
The trumpet-shaped bowl of the Albert is slightly tilted forward at the shank. This results in a bore that slopes backward. It is one of the more elegant pipe shapes.

Half-Bent Author
Pipes of this shape are characterized by a flattened bowl and a thick, sturdy shank. They resemble the Prince, but are thicker and therefore larger. They sit comfortably in the hand and exude authority.

Half-Bent Ball
This pipe shape is very similar to the Brandy. However, its bowl is not quite as wide. The bowl tapers towards the top. The bowl height is average, and the body thickness is standard. It is well suited for beginners.

Half-Bent Belgique
Pipes described as Belgique are essentially Cutty-shaped pipes. However, the Belgique lacks the heel. It is elegant, the mouthpiece is slightly curved and relatively long, and the bowl is angled forward. In some countries, it is simply called a Cutty, or, if it has a heel, a pointed Cutty.

Half-Bent Brandy
Pipes of the Brandy shape owe their name to a brandy snifter. The Brandy has thick walls, making it suitable for heavy smokers. The shank and mouthpiece can vary considerably. The stem usually resembles the base of a snare.

Half-Bent Bulldog
A distinctive feature of the Bulldog pipe is its angular stem. The bowl is shaped like two stacked cones with truncated tips. Two horizontal grooves adorn the thickest part of the bowl. The brilliant-cut stem flows into the equally angular mouthpiece.

Half-Bent Classic
The Classic is available with a wide variety of stems and mouthpieces. The slightly bulbous bowl is often used for untreated pipes. The transition from bowl to stem is smooth, and the bowl height is somewhat greater than that of the Ball style.

Half-Bent Cutty
This pipe shape was common in the 16th and 17th centuries and has recently experienced a revival. The unique feature is the small heel on the underside of the bowl. This was originally used to protect the delicate underside. The bowl shape is visually reminiscent of a tulip blossom.

Half-Bent Diplomat
The Diplomat's bowl is visually similar to the Prince. It is rounded and compact, with a flattened underside. Unlike the Prince, the Diplomat is larger and more robust. The walls are significantly thicker.

Half-Bent Dublin
The Dublin's shape is elegant, like the Albert's. The main difference is the funnel-shaped bowl that slopes straight upwards. The funnel-shaped combustion chamber creates a special effect. The aroma collects in the lower part of the combustion chamber while smoking and is released gradually.

Half-Bent Egg
As the name of this pipe suggests, its shape resembles an egg. The bowl is round and tapers towards the top. The bowl can hold a lot of tobacco, making this pipe shape well-suited for longer smoking sessions. Half-Bent Freestyle All pipes made by individual pipe makers and featuring a very unusual shape are called Freestyle.

Half-Bent Pipe Shape

Pipe shapes with a slightly curved mouthpiece

Straight Apple
The Apple's bowl is rounded at the front and sides, resembling an apple. It therefore sits comfortably in the hand and, due to its thick walls, is well-suited for beginners. The Apple's shank is straight.

Straight Billiard
The Billiard is a classic and very popular shape. Its bowl sits straight on the shank and rises at a right angle. The bowl flows seamlessly into the shank. The bore is usually medium-sized, although the shank height can vary.

Straight Canadian
Strictly speaking, the Canadian is a family of pipe shapes. This family also includes the Lovat, Lamberman, and Liverpool. The Canadian has the bowl of a Billiard but is usually thinner-walled. The shank is twice as long as the height of the mouthpiece. This produces a softer and cooler smoke.

Straight Lovat
The Lovat belongs to the Canadian family. The bowl is similar to a billiard bowl, and the shank is twice as long as the bowl's height. It has a short saddle mouthpiece.

Straight Prince
The Prince's bowl is squat and spherical. Similar to the Apple, the Prince exhibits an asymmetry at the front and back edges of the bowl. The shank is short and round. This makes it one of the slimmest and lightest pipes.

Straight Poker
As the name suggests, this is a standing pipe. Its cylindrical shape gives it an elegant appearance. The bowl is flattened at the bottom, allowing it to stand upright comfortably. It is very popular among pipe-smoking poker players, hence its name.