Enrique (David Enrique)

Enrique is the handmade pipe brand signed with his own name by French maker David Enrique. The brand is the product of a one-man workshop that operated in the Jura region between 2007 and 2017, and is counted among the examples of the independent pipemaking that saw a revival in France in the 2000s. Its founder was born in 1980 and comes from Strasbourg; he trained in computer science and worked in information technology until 2005.

The Career Change

Enrique's acquaintance with pipemaking took shape in the mid-2000s around French pipe forums; his first attempt was made using a ready-made kit sold by mail order. His interest in wood carving quickly turned into a career change, and through Alain Letulier, president of the French Pipe Club, he got the chance to see the Saint-Claude workshops up close. Following these visits he left his job, moved to the Jura, and spent two years working at the Chapuis-Comoy group, to which the Chacom brand also belongs. His years at the factory both taught him production discipline and allowed him to accumulate the equipment and tools needed for his own workshop.

He chose to complete his mastery training abroad. In the spring of 2006 he spent a week at the workshop of Italian maker Marco Biagini, who makes Moretti pipes, learning freehand shaping techniques, and in early 2007 he worked for a few days alongside German maker Heiner Nonnenbroich, gaining experience in design and craftsmanship. Trever Talbert, owner of the France-based Talbert Pipes workshop, and pipe writer Erwin Van Hove are also named among those who guided him during this period.