Herriot Pipe
Herriot pipes are handcrafted in France by pipemaker Chris Herriot. Characterized by clean lines, balanced proportions, and limited production, they combine the elegance of classic shapes with meticulous craftsmanship. Discover our selection of Herriot pipes and find the perfect piece for your collection.
History of Herriot Pipes
Chris Herriot is a French pipemaker based in Charpey, just a short distance from the workshop of his mentor and close friend Bruno Nuttens.
Although he entered the world of pipemaking only a few years ago, he has already managed to consistently and efficiently produce high-quality handmade pipes, reaching a level of craftsmanship that can normally take decades of experience to achieve.
Born into a military family, Chris moved frequently throughout his childhood. Before becoming a pipemaker, he followed a very different career path: he managed a pub, worked as a chef, and ran a nightclub, first in the United Kingdom and later in France.
His passion for pipes has its roots in his relationship with his grandfather, an avid pipe smoker who was also his woodworking teacher at school. At the age of 25, Chris began smoking a pipe himself, finding in this ritual a moment of relaxation after long days working in the kitchen.
It was while working as a chef that he first approached pipemaking during the quieter periods of the season. Initially self-taught, he learned the fundamentals of the craft and began making his first simple pipes.
The turning point came during a visit to Saint-Claude, the historic birthplace of the French briar pipe. There, he had the opportunity to meet several experienced craftsmen, including Bruno Nuttens, with whom he gradually refined his pipemaking techniques.
The two developed a close relationship that eventually led Chris to make an important life decision: moving to Charpey to work closely with Nuttens and dedicate himself full-time to pipemaking.
Equally important to his development was his encounter with Chris Kelly of Eldritch Pipes. Particularly during the earliest stages of his career, Kelly evaluated his work and taught him various pipemaking techniques, helping Chris rapidly develop his craftsmanship.
The Style of Herriot Pipes
Chris Herriot’s approach begins first and foremost with the pursuit of elegance, while striving, whenever possible, to shape each pipe according to the natural grain of the briar.
His designs are predominantly classic, although he is not afraid to give his pieces a more personal and distinctive character.
Each pipe is entirely handmade using premium Mediterranean briar and German ebonite. Chris also often enriches his creations with decorative accents made from horn and European boxwood.
Ultimately, the main strengths of Herriot pipes lie in their clean lines, balanced proportions, and consistent quality. These characteristics reflect Chris’s ability to pursue elegance without ever compromising on precision and craftsmanship.
Classification of Herriot Pipes
Herriot pipes are divided into two main series: Hand Made and Fledgling.
The Hand Made series includes all pipes made entirely by hand from raw materials. High-quality Italian briar is used, with each pipe drilled and carved by hand. The stems are also completely handmade, starting from raw rods that are drilled and shaped, as are any decorative elements.
The draft hole has a diameter of 4 mm, while the stem is internally shaped to ensure a smooth airflow and a comfortable draw.
Hand Made pipes are available in three finishes: smooth, rusticated, and sandblasted.
The Fledgling series, on the other hand, includes pipes made from pre-drilled, aged French stummels. These are fitted with ebonite or acrylic stems and finished with either rustication or sandblasting. When the quality and grain of the briar allow it, smooth-finished examples are also available.
Why Buy a Herriot Pipe?
Buying a Herriot pipe means adding a piece to your collection that few others can boast, thanks in part to Chris’s limited production.
The small scale of his production allows him to devote great attention to each individual creation, resulting in pipes with a distinctly handcrafted character, where the handmade workmanship is evident at first glance.
Herriot pipes are therefore particularly appealing to collectors looking for uncommon pieces and those who appreciate the value of craftsmanship and careful attention to detail.
At Pipeonline, you can easily find the Herriot pipe that best suits your taste, whether you want to add it to your collection and smoke it yourself or are looking for a gift for a friend or family member who is passionate about pipes.