Zehnder
Yosef S. Zehnder discovered the world of pipes in 2012, when he and his younger brother created a reselling business to pursue their entreprenuerial spirits. They happened upon pipes and tobaccos while working together. For them, it wasn’t just a pastime—it was a romantic return to something that felt almost lost to time. Raised in northwestern Switzerland, Yosef was captivated not only by the ritual of pipe smoking, but also by the nostalgic aroma of tobacco—evoking memories of family gatherings, cozy cafés, and simpler times.
From an early age, Yosef was immersed in nature and the arts. He would often spend hours running barefoot in the mountains, forests, creeks… searching for animals, plants, and fossils. There was something awe-inspiring about these living beings and artifacts. It’s as if they held the secret to the very foundation of life itself. In those years of Yosef's life, he fancied becoming some sort of paleontologist /archeologist /biologist.
Growing up in a creative family, he explored painting, poetry, photography, pottery, and more. His mother is a painter who studied under Mexican muralist Juan Manuel Guillén (a student of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera), and his grandfather, a master saddler, once journeyed on foot across Europe in pursuit of his craft. That spirit of devotion and creativity lives on in Yosef’s work.
What began as a relaxing hobby became a personal pursuit of excellence. After modifying corn cob pipes and experimenting with form, Yosef began crafting hand-made briar pipes in late 2018. Working from his own workshop, he applies a deeply thoughtful approach to shaping and finish, always guided by an artist’s eye and a love of natural materials.
Each pipe is shaped with care and precision, hand-finished to the highest standard, and fitted with Hand-cut clean, well-balanced stems. Inspired by classic and modern design alike, Yosef’s work reflects a rare harmony of form, function, and originality. Though relatively new to the craft, Yosef’s pipes display the kind of confidence and detail you'd expect from a seasoned artisan. From bold shaping to subtle symmetry, his pipes offer a fresh take on tradition designed for the modern smoker.
“Art is not rushed. Quality is scrupulous. Precision is calculated.
Every piece I create is given great attention to detail, in order to provide you with my very best.”
-Yosef S. Zehnder
