One more statement on this topic..As most folks here know Grabow pipes are made here in Carolina.Several years ago I had a conversation with a representative of the company that makes them.The conversation turned to briar.Here's what he told me..Less expensive pipes such as Grabow and what are called basket pipes use about 80% of briar that is sold.This he said was lower grade briar that isn't used for more expensive pipes.If those who sell briar could not sell this lower quality briar.In order to stay in business they would have have to charge a lot more for the good stuff that high grade pipes are made from.According to him we and our wallets should be glad that pipes like Grabow are still around..As I said this was several years ago.I don't know if the situation is still the same today.
. Spreading the costs benefits everyone.
