Briar is more resistant to burning. That is why it is THE BEST wood for pipes.
But it will still burn, if the temperature gets too hot
Walnut, oak, pear wood, apple wood, beech, cherry wood are much softer and burns more easily.
You can get pipes made of these, but they are less durable and inferior to briar
If the pipe feels hot to the touch, you are smoking too fast.
Set the pipe down for a few minutes so it cools down
Your pipe should be barely warm, so it feels comfortable to hold in your hand.
The BAD NEWS: If you taste or smell charcoal, then you are burning wood ie your pipe, and not tobacco.
Learn to sip - slow down your puffs and take smaller puffs
DO NOT aim to produce clouds of smoke like a choo-choo train.
Happy smoking