The Briar Patch carries the finest pipes available today from England, Italy, Denmark, France, Japan and the United States. If you receive a pipe from us that is not up to your expectations, you can return it within 10 days for a full credit, less shipping, toward another pipe or for refund. Returned pipes must not have been smoked and must be received in salable condition.

Ashton pipes have grown to become one of the premier English pipes, well known for their great smoke, light weight, and elegant design. William Ashton-Taylor began his career in pipe carving at age 14 with Dunhill, as a capstan-lathe operator. His first year of apprenticeship was spent making cigarette holders. After gaining notice from the master carvers, they began teaching him pipe carving techniques.

With over 25 years of experience at Dunhill, he ventured out on his own, backed by David Field. He turned his small pipe repair shop in London into a pipe carving workshop. His factory is now located in London, near the Old Church Rise, and turns out around 3,500 pipes per year.

Ashton pipes are known for a myriad of innovations, leading to a superior pipe. The stems of his pipes are made from a material that Ashton developed. It is a compromise between acrylic and vulcanite, known as astronite. The briar is hand selected by Mr. Ashton-Taylor himself. Calabrian briar is used for smooth finishes because of its durability and light weight. Tuscan briar is used for the sandblasted pipes because of the rich patina the grain develops after the top layer is taken by the sand-jet. The quarter decade at Dunhill led Ashton to develop and perfect their oil curing process, leading to a 12-14% lighter pipe. These hand crafted pipes are a wonderful addition to any collection.