Durability of Briarwood and Live Oak for Pipe Making

An earlier thread revealed there are myths and misunderstandings about the durability, density, moisture tolerance, etc. of briarwood. That got me to thinking so I read up a little on briar and went to the Janka Hardness Scale for wood. The Janka hardness for briarwood is measured at 2,090 lbf. This puts it in the category of Bubinga, Osage Orange and significantly higher in scale than white oak which measures at 1360 lbf. So, briar is not a soft wood by any means, and usually, the denser the wood the more durable and moisture resistant. Comparatively, Osage Orange, 2040 lbf, was used extensively in Texas and Midwest for fence posts and many are still in the ground and in use 100 years later. So, if you question the durability of briarwood... well, I just wouldn't worry much about it. Sure, pipes can crack, split and check, but these maladies are inherent in wood as hidden defects lie unseen in any wood all the way up to a super hard wood like lignum vitae. Black Frigate crew-- you just might have some of this wood on your trusty vessel
Consequently, I began to wonder if live oak could be used for pipe stummles. Its Janka value is 2680 lbf-- comparable to red mahogany and chestnut and not terribly hard to work as I've worked a bit of it myself. Live oak is not commercially available and to cut a live oak tree down around where I live requires a permit. Although, I have some live oak from my property that was a victim of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. So, this leads me back to my topic title. Do you pipe artisans out there know of any reason why live oak couldn't be used for a pipe? Like I stated before I have some of this wood and the thought popped into mind that I'd love to have a commemorative pipe made from it. I know forum members georged, clickclick and zack are pipe makers and there's probably others, too. Do y'all think this could be a viable project and might one of you consider a commission? Thanks.

Eric

No offense taken, sasquatch and the board has spoken. So long Katrina commemorative pipe project. Thanks to all for your input.

I hear ya bigtex! I used to think if it wasn't pork, it wasn't BBQ... until I had some Texas brisket. Don't get no better, brother.

Anthony, I was actually thinking about your new olive wood pipe and and the positive comments as to it's smoking qualities. Without question, briar is tops and while olive wood will not replace briar, it seems it may be a very acceptable alternative and mso comments about mountain Laurel are along the same lines. While I'm not arguing against briar or the sage advice above, I am curious about live oak's potential as an "acceptable" alternative if for no other reason than just to see if it works. Does anyone have experience concerning the longevity of olive wood? The Wood Database says olive wood "has high movement in service and is considered to have poor stability". Yet, it makes a decent smoking pipe but, the question remains, for how long.

Hmmm, interesting information, doc. I'll have to explore the possibilities. Unfortunately, I have no burl and yes, that would be some pretty wood.
A while back you mentioned a job prospect in Mobile. Uni. South Alabama by chance? My son graduated from there and I was just curious. PM me if you like. Thanks for the SiO2 info, Charles.

Eric

Ha, no flaw here, Jay! The oak was a blow down from a hurricane in 2005 and was sawn into planks the same year so it's been seasoning for 12 years. Twelve years this month, come to think of it. Here's a tobacco tray I made from this same oak:

Thanks, Ken. It's a pretty handy little rig.