Cob Colouring

[aimlesswanderer]

I've had a few cobs for the better part of three years now, and they've certainly had a fair few bowls smoked in them over that time. However, they don't appear to be taking on much in the way of colour change.
My question here is whether this is due to the fact I'm a low volume smoker, and the pipes are typically drying out before the next bowl. Do cobs take on colour at this rate, or is it only really when folks are repeatedly loading the same pipe multiple times a day, and effectively getting the cob sodden in tobacco juices that it permeates through to the outside?
I'm not lamenting the lack of colour change, as it doesn't matter much either way so long as they keep being great smokes, but the question popped into my head and I thought I'd throw it out there.
For the record, my most used cob is a Mizzou, and it usually gets smoked three or four times a month.

 

[pagan]

It's not just smoking but the handling of the pipe that wears on the finish of the cob, lacquer or whatever was used. The more you smoke and handle the cob the more it will change, give it time, it will gradually change

 

[leacha]

They will color if smoked. These are a members cobs from another forum.

 

[didimauw]

You just don't smoke enough. Haha

 

[voorhees]

Compared to my newer cobs.I have one that is developing some good patina.

 

[aimlesswanderer]

You just don't smoke enough. Haha

I was waiting for that one :mrgreen: Guilty as charged! :nana:

They will color if smoked. These are a members cobs from another forum.

That was the kind of cob picture I was thinking of when I posted the question. These look like they have been utterly sodden with tobacco juices by smoking numerous bowls each and every day, and I can't see my style of smoking getting this kind of penetration.

It's not just smoking but the handling of the pipe that wears on the finish of the cob, lacquer or whatever was used.

Skin oils and grime were something I hadn't factored in. This makes a lot of sense, having a porous exterior. My hands are generally quite clean when I'm smoking. That said, if I had to guess, I'd say the meagre changes that have happened with mine are more likely to be handling than tobacco juices.

Compared to my newer cobs.I have one that is developing some good patina.

If you had to guess, what kind of mileage have you clocked up with it?