Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 448

Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 448! Our featured interview tonight is with Sykes Wilford. This show is our fifth in Volume II in our series of “Seven Questions for Seven Experts”. Sykes is the Founder and CEO of SmokingPipes.com, and Laudisi Enterprises. Laudisi distributes Savinelli Pipes, Peterson Pipes, Rossi Pipes, Cornell & Diehl, G.L. Pease, Gawith Hogarth & Co., BriarWorks, and Kiribi lighters. Over the course of seven weeks, we will ask seven prominent pipe collectors the same seven pipe related questions, and see how their answers compare. At the top of the show, for our pipe parts segment, we will have an “Ask the Pipemaker” segment with Jeff Gracik. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!

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Sykes Wilford
Sykes Wilford

Seven Questions for Seven Experts

1. If you could only cellar 100 tins, would you prefer to have 100 tins of one blend, 50 tins each of two blends, 25 tins each of four blends, or ten tins each of ten blends?
2. What would those blends be?
3. What is the oldest tobacco you have smoked, and how was your experience with it?
4. How has your preference in pipes changed over time?
5. What is the pipe you own that has the most sentimental value, and why?
6. How does situation affect your pipe and tobacco choice, like outdoor versus indoor, morning versus evening, on the go or in a chair?
7. Which famous pipe smoker from the past would you like to share a bowl with? It has to be someone you’ve never met.

The Pipes Magazine Radio Show features interviews with pipe makers, tobacco blenders, pipe and tobacco aficionados, collectors, and more. Episodes air every Tuesday.

Our show is sponsored by SmokingPipes.com, Cornell & Diehl, Missouri Meerschaum, Savinelli Pipes and Tobaccos. Please give them some consideration when making your next pipe or tobacco purchase.

We hope you enjoy our 1-hour show produced just for you—the pipe smoker and collector.

Sykes Wilford Interview




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3 Responses

  • Sykes always comes across as a very well grounded “one of the guys.” For someone who is so deeply involved in the pipe and tobacco industry, he seems pleasantly unjaded in his conversations with you. I found myself often nodding in agreement with his answers to the “Questions.”
    I also enjoyed the fun song from the Newsboys.
    Another entertaining episode, thanks.
    Dino

  • Great show as always- loving the seven questions series! Sykes always seems genuine and approachable. Our hobby is in great hands if one of the leading internet retailers is run by a guy who is so “one of us”. One question though- my old ears couldn’t catch which tobacco Sykes named as his first choice to cellar. If this is not something to publicize for business/trade reasons I understand, but I find it so interesting to know. And sorry Brian, I have to ask you to cut the bird a little slack. We have all been there- just trying to be a good parent. But smoking a bowl while he is building a nest seems fair and sociable.

  • I guess pipe experts come in all veins including commercial. I didn’t find this a particularly informative episode as the first three were. While Sykes had some nice stories to tell they weren’t really about pipes but instead were focused on meeting people. We did learn some things about Laudisi and Smoking Pipes but not much on what Sykes actually knew about pipe smoking. And I suspect the reason for that is that Sykes doesn’t really know a lot about pipe smoking, But, man, he really does run a good business. Their customer service is top notch. I would have enjoyed the show much more if it had been a regular episode rather than one touted as “let’s hear from the experts”. Two rather weak shows in a row.

    I would rather listen to animals fight as to listen to the “Newsboys”. You talk about bland, they make elevator music sound exciting.

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