This one was was my first try with basswood. I expect it not to work very well as a pipe wood... but MUCH to my surprise the bowl is holding up very well. The basswood also doesn't taint the flavor of the tobacco at all. It against all odds has become my favorite pipe. It's so light I can easily hold the stem in my teeth without it feeling like a heavy burden. Who knew basswood would work well...
But I've also made pipes from apple, cherry, and I am going to make my first hard maple today. Hope it works well.