MATERIALS USED TO CREATE A PIPE

Certainly, there are multiple characteristics of a pipe that determine the quality of the smoking experience. The shape, thickness of the bowl walls, and diameters of the drill holes are some examples of elements that play an important role. However, undoubtedly, one of the most important and defining aspects is the material used to construct the pipe.

In fact, based on the material of the pipe, one can expect a specific type of smoking experience. It cannot be claimed that one material is absolutely better than another, but it is up to the smoker to understand what suits their preferences, perhaps based on the type of chosen tobacco or other factors.

For example, tobaccos with a significant presence of Kentucky, according to some, are enhanced in olive wood pipes, while other smokers appreciate meerschaum pipes for the neutrality and lightness that characterize this material.

Now let's explore the various types used in pipe creation and what the differences are.

Briar pipes

Erica arborea, an evergreen shrub widespread in southern Europe and northern Africa, is certainly the most appreciated and widespread wood among pipe smokers, for various reasons. Beauty and flavor are undoubtedly important elements, but what makes it particularly suitable for pipe construction is its strong heat resistance. It is not an easy wood to handle, requiring various precautions from the moment it is extracted from the forests. Additionally, the briar needs boiling to eliminate tannins that would give an unpleasant taste when smoked, along with a slow and careful seasoning. All these efforts are then rewarded with a product of high quality.

Olive wood pipes

The presence of olive wood pipes on the market is relatively limited compared to briar pipes. Olive wood is aesthetically beautiful with fascinating veins. In smoking, the wood flavor is pronounced, especially in the early smokes, when the pipe is new. This makes olive wood pipes challenging, not for everyone. 
Either you hate them or love them.

Bog oak pipes

Bog Oak, a semi-fossilized oak wood with several thousand years of age, has gained popularity among enthusiasts. Generally very dark, tending towards gray, its peculiarity is its lightness. Pipes made from Bog Oak tend to be almost always dry, meaning they can be smoked many times without accumulating moisture and are relatively neutral in flavor.

Meerschaum pipes

Meerschaum pipes are quite common in the market and highly appreciated by enthusiasts. They are made from sepiolite, a white and lightweight mineral mainly found in Turkey. These pipes are extremely lightweight and neutral, not influencing the taste of tobacco. Another peculiarity is that, due to the simplicity of working with this material, some master artisans create pieces of rare beauty, true complex sculptures. It is worth mentioning that the characteristic white color, after several smokes, starts to turn towards yellow/orange, adding an interesting charm to these artifacts.

Corn cob pipes

Corn, or corn cob, is also a material for pipes, generally straightforward and economical. It is undoubtedly a fragile material, but if the pipes are smoked and rested correctly, they can still have decent longevity. The main characteristics, besides the significantly low cost, are lightness and sweetness in smoking.

Strawberry Wood Pipes

This wood is uncommon in pipe making. Comparatively lighter than briar, it tends to heat up more and offers a sweeter and more delicate smoking experience.