To me, unfinished pipes that gradually "finish" themselves are one of the major joys of pipe smoking. First they darken a little unevenly, but then they take on a lovely color, and with some, an actual glow and polish. I have unfinished pipes in various stages. The oldest are the best and most lustrous. I highly recommend them. I have three Savinellis, a Casano, and a Nording signature freehand. They tend to be reasonably priced, and they have a unique quality of feeling like they breathe really well, insulate really well, and provide an especially pleasingly dry smoke. I always post and do a pitch for unfinished pipes.