BJØRN THURMANN Pax

Denmark, 1970-80s

The Danish pipe space – if not infinite – is at least impossible to measure with available tools. We keep discovering new names and new makers, and yet it seems we will never get anywhere close to omniscience.

The pipes of Bjørn Thurmann are another remarkable element of this universe and a vivid example of how established traditions can be skillfully blended with genuine openness to innovation. Bjørn’s parents owned a pipe shop in central Copenhagen, and the future artisan had been involved in the family business since the age of eight. At twelve he was sent to London to gain experience in the pipe business, including working in the Dunhill shops, and later at Iwan Ries & Co. in Chicago.

Since 1976, Bjørn has been an independent pipe maker and owner of the Bjørn Thurmann’s Pibemageri chain, which consisted of several shops in Copenhagen. Since 2005, the master has become a permanent resident of the village of Svaneke on the island of Bornholm, where he enjoyed making pipes, communicating with customers and fishing until his last days.

An interesting episode was shared by one of the contributors to the pipesmagazine.com forum, whose mouthpiece on a pipe from Bjørn had oxidized over time. The master kindly offered to have the pipe sent to him and did not charge anything for the service. Between us, deoxidizing or making a new mouthpiece is still a bit of a chore. Clearly, for such people, it’s not about the money—it’s about the pleasure of their craft and the satisfaction of their customers.

Pipe markings “BJØRN \ THURMANN \ HAND MADE \ DENMARK \ PAX”
Length 14.0 cm (5.51″)
Bowl Height 4.8 cm (1.89″)
Outside Diameter 4.8 cm (1.89″)
Chamber Diameter 2.2 cm (0.87″)
Chamber Depth 3.8 cm (1.5″)
Weight 47 gr.

Briar, vulcanite stem, no filter. We had to fix several more and less noticeable scratches and dents on the bowl. In bright light, you can see the characteristic signs of aging of the vulcanite on the mouthpiece – small dots. We had also to slightly raise the bottom of the chamber using activated charcoal (the pipe was tested for several hours at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius – everything is reliable).

The pipe has been thoroughly cleaned, polished, sanitized and now is ready for a new life.