THE BRANDT'S ( OLIVER & MAX )

So who are the Father & Son team of Oliver and Max Brandt? Two, not so well known pipe makers based in Germany. Little known on this side of the Atlantic only.  In their home base of Germany and the growing Russian market their pipes are in high demand.  

Oliver started creating pipes in 1973 after having careers in law enforcement and as a musician.  He also was a student of economics.  He began as a full time pipe carver in 1992.  In the 19 years prior he made pipes on a part time basis for friends and sold some to a few select shops.

Max started creating pipes in 2000.  Max was born in 1986 so if you do some basic math you can figure out he started at age 14!  Max trained for 3 years at carpentry, at which he won a regional award for design.   Currently while carving pipes he has plans for university in the fields of IT and business. 

Oliver is self taught in pipe creation. His first 20 pipes here 100% hand made, or as Oliver says " the hard way".  Max in 2000 walked into his Father's shop and stated he wanted to learn to make pipes.  Max states he also learned the "hard way" as someone ( read Oliver ) was very picky.  The fruits of this pickiness has paid off as you can see.

Both men have spent time with other carvers discussing their crafts at various times. A few of those carvers are;  Rainer Barbi, Kai Nielsen,  Kurt Balleby and Teddy Knudsen.   I can't say for you, but I'd say that IF I wanted to learn to hone my craft those would be four men that would be excellent avenues of knowledge. 

The Brandt's use briar from Italy, Greece and Corsica.  Both men are skilled in all stem materials. Lucite is used on their Brandy Line and Ebonite and Brindle on the Olive and MB and Artline pipes. 

Fills? Putty?  NOT in any of their pipes! 

So how is the quality?  Here are some words from Oliver "  Believing our worldwide customers and fans, every pipe leaving our workshop is one of the best smokers you can buy. We always have preferred a low profile. Our intention is not to make some pipes sell on the highest price. This only happens with 5% of our production, .the "Artline" (a selection of "Oliver" and "Max" pipes)...and sad to say, not one of this pipes has made it in the USA to date). We are very diligent, having fun on working with briar. Every piece of briar is a challenge .  This makes us able to deliver with the" Brandy" a handmade pipeline for the enthusiast with smaller pockets.