Last October saw the passing of one of America’s great pipe makers, Sam Learned, at the age of 79. I’ve always liked his horn designs and was saddened to learn of his death. So on the anniversary of his passing, I thought it fitting to share this beautiful Hunter pipe that Sam made in 2000; a design that became one of his most recognizable and celebrated creations.
Mr. Learned originally obtained his Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering but later received his law degree and practiced as a patent attorney. His fascination with pipes began while in the army after a lieutenant friend of his introduced him to pipe smoking. Sam “learned” the ropes of pipe making from fellow Pennsylvania pipe maker Jim Margroum, the man behind Mr. Groum pipes as well as spending some time with Ed Burak. Much of his output was in the Danish style with the horn shape predominating.
Sam’s Hunter pipe has always been one of my favorites. His use of a stag antler accent is a wonderful touch and is the hallmark of his Hunter pipes. I have an older Crescent grade Hunter that I picked up in 2008 but came across this unsmoked Sun grade – Sam’s highest – last year and promptly snapped it up. It’s very lightweight for being almost 6.5 inches long and has wonderful balance. I’m not sure whether Sam made his own stems or if they were machine made but the quality of the vulcanite is very good and they’re very comfortable. Both this one and my earlier Crescent grade smoke wonderfully; very cool and dry with zero gurgle thanks to Sam’s excellent engineering.
It’s always sad to see a fellow pipe lover pass, and from all accounts Sam was a really great guy in addition to being a great pipe maker. Godspeed Mr. Learned. You will be missed.
Mr. Learned originally obtained his Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering but later received his law degree and practiced as a patent attorney. His fascination with pipes began while in the army after a lieutenant friend of his introduced him to pipe smoking. Sam “learned” the ropes of pipe making from fellow Pennsylvania pipe maker Jim Margroum, the man behind Mr. Groum pipes as well as spending some time with Ed Burak. Much of his output was in the Danish style with the horn shape predominating.
Sam’s Hunter pipe has always been one of my favorites. His use of a stag antler accent is a wonderful touch and is the hallmark of his Hunter pipes. I have an older Crescent grade Hunter that I picked up in 2008 but came across this unsmoked Sun grade – Sam’s highest – last year and promptly snapped it up. It’s very lightweight for being almost 6.5 inches long and has wonderful balance. I’m not sure whether Sam made his own stems or if they were machine made but the quality of the vulcanite is very good and they’re very comfortable. Both this one and my earlier Crescent grade smoke wonderfully; very cool and dry with zero gurgle thanks to Sam’s excellent engineering.
It’s always sad to see a fellow pipe lover pass, and from all accounts Sam was a really great guy in addition to being a great pipe maker. Godspeed Mr. Learned. You will be missed.
