A number of months ago I suggested to Neil Flancbaum at Smokin’ Holsters that he consider creating a new product that would 1) hold more pipes and 2) fit into a briefcase. I described it as a sort of folio that would hold pipes instead of pens and papers.

Neil and I talked about this several times. He expressed interest in trying to work out a design but was understandably reluctant to make a commitment until he’d had a chance to really consider the idea.

To a layman like me, it doesn’t seem like a big deal to design a pipe bag, but after talking to Neil and hearing what’s involved in making a new bag product, I seriously wondered if I’d ever see one made. There are so many considerations, chief among them “Will this bag be of interest to more than one person?” Given the time and energy it takes to think a bag through – create and measure dimensions, cut patterns, then rework things to improve fit and utility – well, I well understood that it may never happen. It’s not a matter of sewing a bunch of pieces together.

I had hoped I might see and purchase the bag at the Chicago Show, but it didn’t happen. Neil was still cogitating about it. At one point he flatly asserted “I HATE designing new pipe bags.” It was at this point that I heard a dissertation about how much is involved. One of the biggest problems is cost of materials. If a bag doesn’t work, the cost of time and materials is considerable. Not only is Neil out his time and materials, but he’s also out the profit he might have made on another bag.

Yesterday I got the bag. It is better and more practical than I ever might have dreamed. It easily holds four pipes and could hold eight. It has pockets for lighter, tamper, pipe cleaners, and a tobacco pouch. More importantly, it fits perfectly into my computer brief bag - lengthwise or standing up. I can’t tell you how happy I am about this.

As anyone who travels much by air will tell you, traveling compactly is the only way to go. I refuse to put my pipes in my checked luggage. Further, I have to carry a lot of stuff in my briefcase. If I carry a separate pipe bag, I’ve lost the ability to carry on my clothes. (There is a two-bag carry-on limit in the United States. In Europe, many carriers limit you to just one.)

With this pipe folio, my problems are solved. It is only two inches thick. It doesn’t bulge when its complement of pockets are filled. The pipes are protected. Everything is easy to find. Total dimensions are : 12” x  8” x 2”.

The Pipe Folio you see pictured above is made of bison and laced with kangaroo, just like my other Smokin’ Holsters bags. I’m sure that Neil will make it available in other leathers as he has with his other line of bags.

As a postscript I will add that even Mr. Flancbaum is happy with this bag. He expressed no little surprise at just how well the design works. As happy as he is, however, I’m happier. For me, I’ve got the perfect place to carry my pipes when I’m traveling on business. I couldn’t be happier.