Fills That Reveal Themselves Later

[admin]

I have a couple of pipes that are about a year or 2 old that I have smoked many times, but I have no idea how many.
Just recently a fill was revealed that wasn't noticeable before. I guess the polish was finally worn down enough from use that the fills are now visible.
Has this ever happened to anyone else?

 

[admin]

I'll see if I can post some before and after pictures later.

 

[bhpdrew]

I have two Savinelli's that did pretty much the same thing. It happens over time. If you hold a pipe in your hand the oils in your skin, the rubbing of your hand against the bowl and so on can cause the finish to wear and make the fill noticeable. Where before it wasn't.

 

[unclearthur]

I have a few that have done that. Mostly small fills that aren't that visible.

 

[archerdarkpint]

I've had fills become apparent on only one pipe; right where my thumb rests when holding the pipe in my hand. I've found that sometimes I'll rub my thumb along the side (think stress stone) when I'm deep in thought, probably making the fills more pronounced by friction.
The pipe was stained to a matte finish but not varnished or sealed and has become much darker over the ten or so years I have owned it. While it is no black tie affair pipe, if you ask me, it has developed a certain character, like a well worn levi's jacket. It's actually one of my better smokers.

 

[pstlpkr]

I've had one do that. I think it was from the natural darkening if the briar through use.

The filler just doesn't absorb the oils at the same rate or "at all" like the briar does.

 

[explodingpenguin]

Every one of my savinelli pipes has done this -.-

When I buy them they seem to have no fills or perhaps just one or two in an area I can live with. Usually within 2 to 4 months as the pipe darkens a bit from use they will begin to turn orange and show through the rest of the finish. I have had 3 of the champagnes I would have sworn couldn't have had a fill only to have one show up later. The ones I hate the most are the fills right on the rim that after the first smoke or two actually lift up and swell from the heat.
... did I mention I hate fills?

 

[admin]

Here's my Savinelli Venezia (606 KS) that recently revealed it's fill after a year and half.

 

[hilojohnny]

I haven't noticed this in any of my pipes....but perhaps it's because my vision isn't what it used to be. Maybe, in this case, that's not a bad thing.

 

[bubbadreier]

This has happened to more than one of my pipes! I think Lawrence's explanation is spot on!

 

[bytor]

My Savinelli (Erica Fiamma) did the same thing.
Beautiful straight grain that I couldn't see any flaws on when I purchased it. Then after a half dozen-ish smokes it shows up plain as day.
From some of the other comments, it sounds like Savinelli is good at hiding fills (at least initially).