KAJ Nielsen Pipes are Made by Kai Nielsen

[Sigmund]

There is an ongoing thread discussing this subject but I thought it best to post it here to help people locate information since Google sweeps this fourm frequently. There is very little beyond speculation elsewhere on the internet. So as usual, you can find the real information here on PipesMagazine.com.

I emailed Kai and he was kind enough to write back. This is what I was told:

In 1993 a stamp made. It was spelled incorrectly. It was some time before a new stamp made. For a period of time Kai Nielsen pipes were stamped like this:

 

[thomasw]

Ah, so it was the stamp maker!

 

[Sigmund]

Its an easy mistake since Kai is often spelled Kaj in Denmark. Someone jumped before looking.

 

[PaulRVA]

Well there’s the resolution and also a cool story!

 

[captainsousie]

Thanks for the sleuthing Sigmund. It's been a mystery for many in the pipe world. I suppose Kaj pipes will be going up in price shortly.

 

[Sigmund]

The Kaj pipes I have seen were priced near kai estate pipes since most folks assume they are by kai. Also while they look like his work they dont fully have the signature shapes we know today. Im probably going to get one because its cool having someone’s earlier work. They still look like a Kai pipe but a bit less stylized.

The nice thing is he is prolific enough that you can grab a lower grade pipe or an estate for far less than a lot of carvers. Of course the high grades are expensive….but still more reasonable than many others.

 

[kcghost]

Another mystery solved.

 

[bayareabriar]

Excellent nail in the coffin on something we long assumed, but never were certain of.