Unfinished Briar Pipe - Wax Only?

[rdoss16]

recently picked up an unfinished rustication pipe. similar to something like a Morgan bones. If i didnt want to stain it (tried that once and didnt get the result i wanted on another pipe) but just wanted to shine it up, could i simply just coat in in wax and buff? if so, what kind of wax/shine is recommended? thanks in advance and apologizes for the very basic questions,

 

[Sonorisis]

I'd be afraid that putting anything on it would interfere with the natural aging and coloring you'd otherwise get just by smoking it.

 

[JMcQ]

I had an unfinished one a while back that I just put a light coat of mineral oil on. It just brought out the natural grain.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Halcyon II wax

 

[BROBS]

Halcyon II wax

Exactly. Will keep the same look and feel of the finish but will keep dirt from penetrating the wood.

 

[Rebub24]

Unfinished pipes or Virgin finished pipes are designed to darken with the interaction of the smoke with the natural oils in your hands. These will take on a nice coloration over time with usage very similar in nature to a meerschaum pipe. However if you are set on using a wax for the pipe, I would recommend using Carnuba wax.

 

[agnosticpipe]

Thought I'd post these here. Two Savinelli unfinished pipes, the bottom one being about 7 months older than the top one. The main difference is that the top pipe has just the natural finish on it, whereas the bottom pipe I've waxed numerous times with carnauba wax starting from when it was new. It hasn't been smoked much more than the top pipe, but as you can see it seems to be developing more color. Hopefully this will be of some help in your decision as to wax or not. I have never used any other wax other than carnauba wax applied with a buffing wheel on any of my pipes, so using another type of wax may give you different results.

 

[BROBS]

carnauba wax will make it glossy... also may show fills or imperfections more.
halcyon 2 wax will keep the pipe's satin finish.

 

[upnorth1]

You stated that the pipe is rusticated. Halcyon 2 wax is specifically for rusticated finishes.

 

[craig61a]

I just smoke em...

 

[sisyphus]

yeah I'm inclined to say just don't handle it with dirty hands and let it get its patina naturally

 

[thefishguy]

If you’re in a hurry, I used carmex lip balm on a bones and it turned out nice. Not shiny but a good color that accented the grain.

 

[BROBS]

If you’re in a hurry, I used carmex lip balm on a bones and it turned out nice. Not shiny but a good color that accented the grain.

And it tastes great, too! ?

smoking camphor must be like constantly taking in Vick’s.

 

[weezell]

I just smoke em...

yes! And rub your nose on it ( not kiddin)...

 

[thefishguy]

I started with nose oil but wasn’t getting results fast enough. The smell of menthol disappears rather quickly, like within minutes.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Mineral oil and/or nose oil, with some patience, is what I've used. Waxing later.