Slight Bubbling on BC Rim

[sisyphusm]

I will admit upfront that I'm not a particularly careful smoker. I like a little charring in the rim, it makes the pipe feel... mine. I have thought about reselling some of my pipes and obviously that lowers their value, but I guess not being too careful with my pipes is part of how I enjoy them.
But when it comes to some of the cheaper ones, that causes bubbling. I don't mind it on the real low-tier pieces that I have for the purpose of quite simply not treating as well as the pricier ones, but I was disappointed when it happened to my new Butz Choquin. Not the crown of my collection by any means, certainly not expensive either, but I like it. Apparently, it's lacquer coating that's the culprit.
I have never messed around with the exterior of my pipes before but I'd like to try and fix this. I have found ways online to restore it, but would you suggest I try them or send it to a professional, seeing as how I'm a novice at this and would rather not mess it up?

Edited by jvnshr: Links fixed.

 

[Waning Embers]

When it's warm from smoking, you may be able to buff it down with a Tshirt.

 

[cortezattic]

I have a BC D'Accord bent bulldog (1024), and over time its shiny lacquer finish began to annoy me -- for purely aesthetic reasons. So one day, in a petulant mood, I sanded the pipe down to bare wood. It was much easier to do than I thought it would be. It turns out the lacquer and stain was applied merely to conceal a few fills. After a coat of carnauba wax the pipe looked great, and I think it smokes better too.

 

[jpmcwjr]

 

[jpmcwjr]

Try the scrubbing side of a kitchen sponge and hot water. Murphy's oil soap if you have it. Dry then a very light coat of mineral oil.

 

[whiteburleydude]

I bought a BC on tobaccopipes.com the other day. It was entry level pipe under $75. I thought for the money what the heck, I'd try it. As soon as I held it in my hand I repackaged it and sent it back. It was just the way it felt in my hand. It felt cheap and insubstantial. I have owned $40 Rossi's that are built like a tank. On a positive note, tobaccopipes.com was fast with their response and credited my card less then 24 hours after receiving the pipe back!

 

[sisyphusm]

Many thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely try some rubbing. If I feel brave, I might strip down the rim and wax it.
whiteburleydude: One of my favorite pipes is a BC that I bought for a similar price. It's gorgeous, smokes beautifully, and is a great clencher (I like to keep my pipes on the jaw as long as possible). Probably the best purchase I've made bang for buck.