Help Me Understand Pipe Prices

[homewaters]

bigpond, a post like your answer to the OP is the reason why I come here to read and learn about pipes. Thank you.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Good stuff, above. No matter how long a pipe has been cured and how carefully, no matter how straight the grain, how beautifully carved, even (gasp) engineered!, nothing can overcome poor briar. Even an area known for great burls may have spots that are poor- too much moisture, too little; too much sun, too little etc. nutrients in the soil or not, competing plants, too much clay. Great pipe makers know how to choose their ebauchons, their blocks of briar. But even the best may end up with a dog or two.

 

[techie]

One carver/manufacturer once reported that briar that has gone through more 'hardship' yields better pipes.

I told my ex pretty much the same thing, that having gone through much hardship it made me a better man. She left anyway.