Can You Feel the Grain on an Old Briar?

[MtSiPiper]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in, and Shortened, Title (See Rule 9)

I thought smooth pipes were sanded at production—do they shrink with age?

 

[FurCoat]

Can't say that I do, but yours seems to have a factory finish.

 

[Sonorisis]

Wood grows faster in Summer time than in the Winter. Therefore, Winter wood is denser. When you dry the wood -- or age the wood -- the Summer parts of the growth rings shrink more than the Winter parts. So, what you're seeing is the Summer wood sunken below the Winter part of the growth rings.

 

[kcghost]

C'mon guys give the guy a break.

 

[Waning Embers]

Some stummels with softer sections will become desiccated over many years and shrivel.

 

[mso489]

This is rare. I'd guess it is a smooth finish that was put over an insufficiently seasoned briar. It still looks sound enough, so if it smokes well, it is an interesting oddity. I don't think I'd attempt to sand it down and refinish it, it is more of a conversation piece this way, if it smokes.

 

[anotherbob]

I know nothing but that almost looks like parts have worn off. Possibly a combo of aging and rough handling. Like maybe aggressive buffing.

 

[canucklehead]

I know nothing but that almost looks like parts have worn off. Possibly a combo of aging and rough handling. Like maybe aggressive buffing.

Yeah I have a smooth pipe that the grain stands out like that from the previous owner being too heavy handed with a buffer.

 

[anotherbob]

Yeah I have a smooth pipe that the grain stands out like that from the previous owner being to heavy handed with a buffer.

I have to admit it reminds me of some wood floors I've seen that have either had things dragged over them for decades or have been aggressively buffed using a more aggressive pad then should have been used. Has that weird wrinkly look.

 

[keith929]

I don't know if this counts but I have a 1935/1936 double patent Dunhill sandblast that was enjoyed and buffed so much a side of it is almost smooth.

 

[canucklehead]

I tried to take a pic of my overbuffed pipe, it's hard to see but easy to feel while holding.

 

[Lyle b]

I have a little smooth pete tankard I've had for about 4 years and can feel some of the grain , Thort it just from the oils coming thru and swelling

 

[daveinlax]

I bought a new smooth Castello and a Dunhill Ruby Bark that the grain seemed to pop out when I first smoked them. It was very noticeable.?

 

[shaneireland]

It’s very hard to tell, but considering that some of the “texture” seems to run opposite the grain, I’d say this is just scratched and dinged-up. Right?

 

[jpmcwjr]

I reworded title, not seeing it had already been shortened and corrected for caps. Here's what's been taken out:​

​

" I thought smooth pipes were sanded at production—do they shrink with age?"​

 

[BrokenRecord]

I bought a new smooth Castello and a Dunhill Ruby Bark that the grain seemed to pop out when I first smoked them. It was very noticeable.?

I have a 40 year-old Castello "Castello" that I can feel the grain. It is barely noticeable to the eye and a camera cannot pick it up.