Natural Finish Pipes?

[grimpuffer]

Just a quick question in regards to a pipe I saw on a website.
I won’t link the image here because I don’t want to break any rules.
It was a Savinelli Autograph Extraordinaire and was very expensive. The thing that got me though is that the pipe was only sandblasted and was left in its natural state.
Personally, I would think a nice contrasting stain would make that amazing grain just jump out at you but I don’t know how I feel about just leaving it the way it was.
I understand that it is considered an exceptional cut, they only have 2-3 of these if they’re lucky in 5 years, but I must say I don’t see the appeal of natural briar finishes or the price that goes with a block that just looks so plain unless you’re up close. (They’re obviously not plain looking, but you get the point :D )
Any thoughts?

 

[jpmcwjr]

What rule are you thinking of??
Without a photo, a lot is lost......This one?

 

[grimpuffer]

That’s the one. There are also other pipe makers that occasionally put out “virgin” finished pipes.
Didn’t want to post it just in case.
Yeah, I just personally don’t see the draw to that finish. To me, that just screams to be stained to really highlight that exquisite grain.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That's gorgeous!

 

[Chasing Embers]

The blast shows off the perfect ring grain. Staining would get lost in that.

 

[jvnshr]

Just a quick question in regards to a pipe I saw on a website.
I won’t link the image here because I don’t want to break any rules.

Do you own the website?

 

[grimpuffer]

No but I’ve seen mods get bent out of shape for far less on forums so wasn’t willing to risk it.
Back on topic, if I’m spending several grand on a pipe - I just don’t see myself ever appreciating something like that. I’ve held and looked at natural or virgin finished briars and never saw the appeal. Seemed gimmicky to me. BUT I know an experienced eye or someone who has more intimate knowledge would probably appreciate that pipe.
I’m more of a Snail Grade Eltang or Former kind of person when we start talking those prices.

 

[cortezattic]

I feel the same way, grimpuffer. There are few natural things more beautiful than a nicely stained briar pipe with exquisite grain. I have a few unstained pipes, and while they do color over time, which has its own fascination, they turn out murky looking and dull -- the grain just doesn't pop.

 

[saltedplug]

stain it

 

[Chasing Embers]

Pipes like the one pictured are about the ring grain and not the vertical flame and straight grain. When stained, the vertical grain gets lost, and the rings are less visible. Now on a smooth with great vertical grain, stain definitely brings out the beauty.

 

[jvnshr]

No but I’ve seen mods get bent out of shape for far less on forums so wasn’t willing to risk it.

No need to worry. You can check the rules all the time before posting without any problem.

 

[cigrmaster]

I like that pipe not stained. The blast shows really well. Now the shape of that pipe is something I would never own as I am a traditional shape lover.
If grain is your thing, then here is a pipe with killer birdseye.

https://www.alpascia.com/pipes/d/Kurt-Balleby-095-i38333x0.html
For serious straight grain with a birdseye bottom check out this bad boy.

https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/matzhold/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=244358

 

[aquadoc]

Bertram pipes were unstained and look fantastic with a wax coating.

 

[mso489]

It's a call based on taste and artistry, and I don't think there's a correct answer. Some of my lesser unfinished briar pipes actually color beautifully, a sort of deep burnished walnut look that polishes beautifully. I suspect this one would or could be spectacular. I prefer the finish and coloring attained by virgin/natural/unfinished briar pipes to the coloring developed on Meerschaums, which too often can look dirty or discolored. Sometimes meers are gorgeous, but not too often, to my taste.

 

[mso489]

That's a fine piece of briar in the photo, and perfect grain for sandblast. I guess we'd call this freehand? Don't know what else to call it. It occurs to me it is a huge and weighty piece of briar for the chamber it surrounds, but it might make a good pipe when the smoker is seated.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I guess we'd call this freehand?

Freehand, or in this case, "fan".

 

[ssjones]

Personally, I'm not a fan of unstained pipes, they get dirty looking, fast.

Also, there is a big difference between unstained versus a natural finish.

 

[mso489]

I can see unstained pipes might look incomplete. Some of them may always look that way. My success with unfinished pipes (which may only be in my estimation) is based on giving them a good hand polish after every use, to develop a smooth sheen and keep them clean. It's true if you don't do much or any polishing they could end up looking a little grimy and/or muddy. Several of mine are in that long transitional phase when they don't look unfinished, but don't have that deep glow either. To me, they don't look dirty, but maybe more just matte. To me, that's a sort of rugged well-used look, but if you are used to pipes with showcase polish, they look pretty drab.