Nording vs Generic Briar Block

[rybo]

I'm finally at the point where I'm ready to attempt to make my first pipe. I'm about to order the briar block, but I thought I would ask everyone's opinion on something real quick:
I originally looked at the briar blocks available at pipesandcigars.com, which are very reasonably priced. It works out, too, because I wanted to place an order for tobacco as well. However, I then found a Nording pipe block for sale for only a few dollars more on another site. As someone who has always wanted to own a Nording pipe, I am wondering if I should go with this one instead.
Would the Nording smoke better, or is this completely dependent upon my pipe-carving skills?

 

[mlaug]

If this is a pre-drilled block, then its more depending on how good the drilling is.
Unless grain is a consideration and the Nording was specifically selected for that, the other block would be just fine.

 

[ejames]

Assuming both are drilled correctly I'd say it's a toss up. You never know what you are going to find in a block of briar until you start carving it. Either one could have huge flaws or none at all.The Nording name is no guarantee of better briar.I'd order from P&C and maybe save a buck or two on shipping.

 

[smokindawg]

Your carving skills won't have much at all to do with the smoking Characteristics of the pipe you make. I don't know much about blocks from either. If it's your first attempt at making a pipe, I'd go with what saves you some money. You can always go with better blocks later if you enjoy doing this and want to continue.

 

[jcsnaps]

I'd check that pipesandcigars doesn't have any Nording predrilled. I was looking for some back at Christmas time and they were able to get a couple for me. Mine smokes OK, I don't know how the one I gifted turned out.

 

[unclearthur]

I echo the idea of a cheap block first. If it's drilled properly it will smoke well even of it turns out to be less than gorgeous.

 

[rybo]

thanks for the input guys - think i'll go w/ the cheaper one

 

[romeowood]

I've wondered this myself, and note that they don't give any real indication of the provenance or treatment of the blocks. My (entirely uneducated) guess would be that they are from blocks that don't meet a quick visual inspection for grade by the major manufacturers--knowing from my own experience that I can candle hundreds of board feet of wood and make a reasonably good estimation of a plank's viability for a certain application and determine what wood won't work based on little more than sight and touch. Just a guess though.