It's been a while since I've browsed AliExpress for pipes, but thought I'd take a look this afternoon. Sure there are still the usual cheap ones, but there also some expensive (for AliExpress) stuff there now. Is this a sign of a maturing Chinese market?
The Chinese pipes have gotten better. I didn't wanna say it out loud, but I noticed it too. They realize if you can make a Briar pipe that looks nice for under 40 bucks it's a big deal. Won't pass a cleaner has a cheaper finish but works.