The French pipe-making industry, associated with St. Claude but located other places too, established briar as a major tobacco pipe material and originated a number of classic shapes some of which were coopted as "English" classics. The industry is close knit, highly competitive, and several steps above its average price range in quality. The long standing brands are rock solid, and Ropp sells a lot of interesting pipes made of vintage stummels fitted and finished with current materials. These include horn stems that are admired by many. I have a bent poker sitter that is both compact and lightweight as well as a snappy smoker. Ropp is recommended.
By the way, for a longer smoke with pipes with smaller bowls, just shift to flake, coin, plug, or rope cuts which burn slower and longer for a full-length smoke in a smaller chamber.