Natural vs Polished MM Cob

[Nhassey48]

Hello everyone! I am new to the hobby and have a few cobs on the shelf. A few that are the natural finish and a couple that are polished MM style. I was wondering if anyone knew the difference between the two besides aesthetics? I have read a few things (Corn Cob Primer etc.) about polished being more rugged and naturals will
Burnout but no one has explained the benefits/drawbacks of each. I really like the natural finish but also would like to have it for a long time. Any info would
Be much appreciated!

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've got a fifteen year old unfinished General that will likely outlive me.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Hello everyone! I am new to the hobby and have a few cobs on the shelf. A few that are the natural finish and a couple that are polished MM style. I was wondering if anyone knew the difference between the two besides aesthetics? I have read a few things (Corn Cob Primer etc.) about polished being more rugged and naturals will
Burnout but no one has explained the benefits/drawbacks of each. I really like the natural finish but also would like to have it for a long time. Any info would
Be much appreciated!

I always get the polished ones just because I’m a bladesmith/blacksmith, and I smoke in my shop, often with dirty/sooty hands. The polished ones don’t get as dirty, and are easier to clean.

 

[gerryp]

I'm not an expert, but I think the ones without a hardwood plug might burn out more often than the ones that have them. I don't think polish (lacquer or varnish depending on the pipe's price) makes a difference.

I have a couple Country Gentleman cobs that I sanded, stained, and finished with carnauba, and I didn't detect any difference in the way they smoke. Great pipes, very durable, and quite attractive when the flimsy stock stem is replaced by a Forever Stem.

 

[mso489]

Most of my MM cobs are polished, but I have a freehand with an acrylic stem that is natural, and I like it for its texture and down home appearance. So far, I haven't seen any substantial difference between the two finishes, and the natural is some years old, about eight.

 

[ophiuchus]

Well, I was dumb enough once to smoke a Missouri Pride on a windy day out at Loyola Beach in Chicago and burned through the damned thing ... but that pipe in particular was bought around the time of the corn cob draught several years ago. The unfinished pipes Missouri Meerschaum have been kicking out more recently are far superior.

That anecdote shared, the finished pipes might be more durable, but irrelevantly so. The unfinished pipes are surprisingly tough. You can drop them, sit on them, step on them; you probably won’t break the bowl. I have a few Prides I fully expect to last as long as any of my pipes. It would be an inexpensive experiment to try one out.

 

[J.GANDY]

I have a few polished and few natural. I personally like the natural. While the cobs with hardwood plugs are considered the most durable and recommended, even a lower tier cob will last you a very long time if you care for it. The coated cobs are a bit easier to keep clean as mentioned, however the naturals look good with some smudges if you like a rustic look. They're my dailies even though I have briar pipes I smoke occasionally. Can't go wrong with a cob.

 

[Nhassey48]

Thank everyone. I guess that was part of the question that I left out. The diplomats that I have have the hardwood plug. I would think that would have the most impact on longevity, but I wasnt sure if naturals even with the plug would be less superior.

I really enjoy the cobs but in a weird way would also like to leave my pipes behind when I am no longer here. Wasn sure f cobs would be up to the task.

 

[J.GANDY]

Thank everyone. I guess that was part of the question that I left out. The diplomats that I have have the hardwood plug. I would think that would have the most impact on longevity, but I wasnt sure if naturals even with the plug would be less superior.

I really enjoy the cobs but in a weird way would also like to leave my pipes behind when I am no longer here. Wasn sure f cobs would be up to the task.

I don't consider the naturals less superior necessarily. I have a finished cob that the plaster of Paris is starting to crack and fall out a little. Still smokes perfectly and has seen a lot of use and will continue for years to come.

The corncob pipe has been around this long for a reason. They will last, especially if you take care of them. Heck even if you don't take great care, they will last.

 

[trubka2]

I go for the naturals every time: they're lighter and they dry out more quickly. I also dislike the look of polished cobs. How a pipe smeared with plaster is somehow more"elegant" than the natural finish pipes completely escapes me.

 

[Nhassey48]

That's kind of how I feel about natural ones too. I don't plan on using them for anything other than my after work/kids in bed relaxing in a chair outside. Thank you so much!

 

[Chasing Embers]

That's kind of how I feel about natural ones too. I don't plan on using them for anything other than my after work/kids in bed relaxing in a chair outside. Thank you so much!

I love taking them to work.

 

[FurCoat]

I have 25 cobs in my stable and only two are natural. A Missouri Pride and MacAurther 5 Star. A few are almost 20 years old. I treat my cobs with the same care as my briars. The only two cobs that I have disposed of have been naturals.

 

[marconi]

I have quite a few cobs a true American classic.The Diplomat is my favourite,I like the apple shape and the feel of it in my hand.Why I have ten of them, two in use and eight in reserve is not clear to me at this time.I think it may be that I thought them believing they would only last a few months when in reality they are as tough as old boots.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I just wish their reverse calabash pipes were available unfinished.

 

[redrooster1977]

I prefer the polished a little bit more.

 

[Sonorisis]

Natural all the way. Cool, dry, light weight.

 

[Nhassey48]

Natural all the way. Cool, dry, light weight.

View attachment 43608

Is that a natural mark twain??

 

[canucklehead]

I like both.????

 

[username]

I have both I don’t notice any difference really. *Shrug*