I think bamboo is somewhat difficult to blend with other materials. When it works, it is
really striking, but many pipes using bamboo can tend to look patched together; the
bamboo doesn't quite fit. This pipe looks great, the shape of the briar really flowing into
the shank, impressive. Also, I would wonder about the tendency of bamboo to split, as it
does in other applications in furniture. With furniture, minor splitting can be accepted,
since it doesn't affect the strength or appearance of the piece that much, but in a pipe,
that would require some sophisticated repair, more than the basic job. Never mind all
that; this is a magnificent pipe. Now, back to my Missouri Meerschaum!