Kenly Bugg’s Vision
When looking for a new pipe one may stumble across the futuristic looking Falcon pipe, made from aluminium with a unique design and interchangeable bowls.
You would be forgiven for thinking that this is the cutting edge of pipe technology. Rather, the classic Falcon design has been around since 1936 when it was first created and patented by Kenly Bugg.
Bugg, an engineer from Fort Wayne, Indiana had a revolutionary idea for an easy to maintain pipe that would be less prone to moisture and condensation build up within its stem.
He went to work bringing his dream pipe to life, testing different materials and prototypes before finally settling on aluminium for the stem and traditional briar for the bowl.
The decision to use aluminium had been made after rigorous testing proved that it could disperse heat in a fast manner and was also conveniently lightweight. Using his engineering ingenuity he created a moisture trap by making the removable bowl fixed with a four start thread and below it the humidome, thus creating what is termed a condenser. This prevents any moisture from reaching the tobacco, dries the smoke and allows the user after each use to simply remove the bowl and wipe out any tar and moisture from within.
Falcon Goes To Market
In 1940 Falcon pipes would see their first sales in the USA, but, due to wartime restrictions, would be limited in production as the materials used in their production were being conserved for the war effort.
When the war ended the company would be sold to George Hunt, who ran Diversy Machine Co. in Chicago. Once in Hunt’s hands the production would ramp up and by 1954 a staggering 6 million Falcon pipes had been purchased in the USA.
Crossing The Pond
After the huge popularity of Falcon in the USA, David Morris of A.Lewis (Westminster) Ltd arranged to meet with George Hunt in a bid to gain distribution rights to Falcon in the UK. After an overwhelmingly positive reception Morris moves to gain manufacturing rights for the UK.
After brokering a deal it took two years for Morris to get the correct machinery necessary to produce the detailed design of the Falcon stem. Once this is perfected Falcon Ltd hits the British market.
In 1968 manufacturing of Falcon pipes in Chicago would cease and in turn UK became the new home of Falcon, where it has remained to this day.
Falcon International
Falcon International was introduced in 1977 the new model featured a new mouthpiece, and later further accessories and iterations in the “International” line offered more modern, different materials and designs.
The Falcon International Pipe features an acrylic stem, setting it apart from the traditional or classic Falcon metal stem design it had become renowned for. Unlike these standard Falcon pipe stems that use a metal spiralling stem to cool the smoke, the Falcon International is designed to accommodate a 6mm stem filter. This allows for a cleaner, smoother smoking experience, as the filter helps to reduce tar and moisture on intake.
The acrylic stem is sleek and modern looking, while maintaining the modular functionality of the Falcon pipe system with interchangeable bowls.
Dental vs Non-Dental
The Falcon Classic & Extra (an anodised version of the Classic) come with two options of mouthpiece, the dental or non-dental.
First off, the dental mouthpiece. This is designed primarily for those with dentures or pipe smokers with a penchant for clutching their pipes within their teeth, hands free. A simple lip has been added to the top of the mouthpiece that allows it to affix itself comfortably behind the front teeth.
Next up is the non-dental, or Fishtail as it is more commonly known. This mouthpiece is more conventional with its flat design with a shape that slightly tapers outward making it reminiscent of a fish’s tail.
Bowl To Bowl
A fantastic part of the Falcon’s design is undoubtedly the interchangeable bowls. Whilst most pipes are unsuitable for everyday use, the Falcon allows the user to simply rotate between bowls, eliminating the need for multiple whole pipes.
Simple to screw and unscrew, the bowls are made to be effortless in their interchangeability, even when recently used. The crafty design and high quality briar means that the bowl will not jam as it doesn’t expand or contract.
To add to this the wealth of options is genuinely impressive and ensures there is an option for everyone. Whether you are a fan of big or small, smooth or rustic, Falcon has a design for you!
Dry Rings
Despite being the driest and smoothest smoke on the market, some users are wet smokers or use a particularly moisture exuding tobacco that can require an extra preventative measure for moisture build up.
For these pipe smokers, the simple to use Falcon Dry Rings can be placed below the bowl, acting as an extra moisture barrier by being highly absorbent, drawing in tar and moisture.
Available in packs of 25, each Dry Ring can be used for multiple smokes. How many depends on the user and tobacco, its your discretion to decide when you see it fit to change.
Made from steel wire and cotton, Falcons Dry Rings are 100% safe and hygenic to use.
Even if you don’t think you need them, it is worth trying these Dry Rings at least once just to see the differnece it can make.
Accessories
The Falcon brand was not content to be known for only pipes and would go on to create pipe accessories for potential customers. Keeping in line with their quality pipes, Falcon produces filters and pouches as well.
These accessories are reasonably priced and made from only the best materials making them an excellent choice.
I used your services for a good while but unfortunately can’t seem to get your listing of products, was grateful for your invitation to visit your store when in Edinburgh for my birthday near the end of COVID restrictions which was very appreciated but I still can’t seem to get the pages of your stock,would appreciate any help