Erik Nielsen

Erik Nielsen has been immersed in the world of pipes all his life. Erik started smoking a pipe at a young age and came from a family that appreciated a fine briar pipe. Erik's father, brother, and Erik all became avid pipe collectors. Erik had always like the idea of making his own pipes, and when he retired from the Danish Railroad in 2000, he knew that was what he wanted to do.

Erik was fortunate enough to have plenty of mentors nearby - Kurt Balleby, Tom Eltang, Poul Islted, Kaj Nielsen, and Joao Reis. With some help from Balleby, Erik attended his first Chicago pipe show in 2002. His pipe were very well received by the public, and since 2003, Erik started his own small business making pipes.

Erik Nielsen pipes continue the long tradition of the Danish design aesthetic and devotion to quality. Erik produces roughly 250 pipes per year, and for some time most of his production was exported to China. Fortunately for Blue Room Briars, we managed so snag some of these true Danish classics (Thank you, Erik!).

Erik's pipes are graded by letter with "A" possessing the most covetous grain, and "D" which are mostly sandblasted. Occasionally Erik will produce an ungraded pipe with grain that is less than perfect. These represent a tremendous value, but do not sacrifice any of the quality we've come to expect from Erik. As Erik puts it, "I emphasize nice design and good craftsmanship - I am proud of being a pipe maker."

If you're the least bit interested in the history, quality, and design of Danish high grade pipes, we urge you to pick up one of these wonderful pipes.