Former Pipes – Danish Pipe Art Since 1959
If anyone has had a lasting impact on the world of pipes, it's Hans "Former" Nielsen. A pipe maker since 1959, he is rightfully regarded as a living legend. If anyone can claim to have seen and experienced it all, it’s him.
His journey started early—and typically for the time: In Denmark, it was common for teenagers to receive their first pipe as a confirmation gift. So it happened that Former got his first job at 15, repairing pipes in a Copenhagen shop. The pay wasn’t worth mentioning, but the knowledge he gained there was invaluable. Even back then, he learned what truly matters in pipe making.
By the way, the nickname “Former” originated in his youth—due to a resemblance to actor George Formby. In Danish, the word also means “shaper” or “designer”—a fitting term for someone who made handcrafted pipes his life’s work.
Hans Nielsen – The Road to Pipe Mastery
After his first position, Former worked with Sven Knudsen, who was just establishing his own pipe workshop. He later moved on to W.Ø. Larsen, where he perfected his skills under the guidance of Svend Bang. He spent ten years there, responsible for sandblasting, quality control, and grading—the classification of pipes by quality. During this time, he also set up his own workshop at home—a step that would prove decisive for his later career.
Freehands Made in Denmark – Former’s Success as an Independent Maker
Emil and Jess Chonowitsch encouraged Former to produce his own pipes under his name—and the market was ready. Danish freehand pipes were in high demand, especially in Japan. Former started with 15 pipes per month—and soon gave up his day job as demand skyrocketed. Distributors in Germany also began to take notice.
Former’s Pipes – Design, Precision, and Style
In 1986, he took on the modernization of the “Bru-Bu” pipe factory in Switzerland and was involved in developing the “Bentley” brand. That’s also where he met his wife Daniela. In 1997, the couple moved to Lauenburg on the Elbe, where Bentley production continued. The old factory halls are still used for tobacco production today—one reason Former remains closely tied to Dan Tobacco.
Even today, at over 80 years old, Former still crafts pipes regularly and attends international trade shows and events. His work is seen as trend-setting—both in terms of craftsmanship and aesthetics. One of his most famous quotes: “How well a pipe maker shapes a classic Billiard tells you everything about their skill.”
Many young pipe makers look to him for inspiration—including Germans like Holmer Knudsen and Henrik Kroll. Owning a Former pipe means holding not just a functional smoking tool—but a true work of art.
