Jon’s Pipe Shop

First of all… the gentleman who works there is named Wayne, not Jon. Wayne is one of the most knowledgeable tobacconist you will ever find. As to whether he is rude or not, it really depends on the customer. If somebody blows in to his shop and cops attitude about him not carrying clove cigarettes, I can guarantee that he will be snide as hell. He doesn’t suffer fools very well. Columbia is damn lucky to have this shop as most brick and mortar pipe shops are gone now. I started going to this shop in 1980 and I make it back there every time I visit Columbia. Wayne is one of a kind and a good friend.

Jon is a very helpful man, albeit when one has more than a minute to talk with him. He takes some time to get used to, but is very nice if you have time to sit and smoke a bowl of tobacco. He loves his trade, and truly enjoys the art of tobacco. I agree with Jordan; as a young person Jon can come off a little gruff, but he is very knowledgeable in his trade. My friend and I went in today to decide on some pipe tobacco, and he encouraged us to smoke a bowl. We decided on a roasted Virginia, and he answered all of our questions with a few hearty laughs. My friend and I will be back soon!

After purchasing a pipe from this establishment, I left with mixed feelings, albeit feelings that leaned towards the positive side. Being 24, I can understand the perspective of an older man (the proprietor) who has seen the resurgence of popularity with pipes and considers it a bit overwhelming and even annoying to someone who has stood steadfast in his love of all things tobacco. Even though this resurgence may be fueling his trade, he probably feels that the idea and mere essence of tobacco and pipe smoking is being tarnished by young people seeing it as a trendy thing to do.
Upon entering the place, I immediately liked it, as it was simple and messy, as if it was the domicile of a man who lived there and read books intermittently and stopping only as people came through the door throughout the day. Yes, the proprietor was a bit stiff, but this lended him an air of authenticity and authority over his trade. I ended up buying a very nice pipe and a bag of tobacco that was recommended to me and left with an overall interesting experience. Do not enter in this place if you are expecting customer service. Expect the knowledge and wisdom of a tobacco connoisseur.

Over the years I have had similar experiences as Brian… rude rude rude. Of course, I have not been there since they moved from the 9^th Street location, and I don’t even know if Wayne is still there. Perhaps I should give it another go.
That being said. For pipe tobacco it is not a bad place. The decent selection, and they sell it fast enough that it always seems fresh.
On the other hand, I have always regretted buying cigars from here. Usually they are somewhat dried out.

I’m surprised that someone would describe the man who owns the pipe shop as rude! I almost wonder if they’re confused with The Nostalgia Shop (who has similar wares), since they were extremely rude and dismissive to me when I went in, but that’s for another review.
Every time I’ve been in Jon’s Pipe Shop, he’s been just as sweet as pie and very helpful (I’m usually looking for a gift and have no idea what kind of tobacco to get). I’d highly recommend this shop to anyone looking for pipes, cigars, or a large selection of tobaccos.

I first went here in 1993 and they were rude to me. I returned ten years later and they were rude again. Next year I’ll give them a third try.