Popular Wood Pipe Materials

Traditional wood tobacco pipes are considered works of art by many tobacco enthusiasts. The best tobacco pipes in Westminster are crafted with the high-quality materials and centuries of trade knowledge to give you the most enjoyable smoking experience. Whether you are an avid collector or a first-timer, familiarize yourself with these pipe making materials and how they enhance your experience.

Briar

The most common material used to make tobacco pipes today is briarwood. Briar is so popular because it is naturally fire resistant. In nature, the briar wood is known to hold absorb and store water which is great during extended droughts. In pipe form, briar absorbs any excess water inside your tobacco, ensuring a smooth, dry throat hit. Briar is cut from a species of heather called tree heath when it is at least 30 years old. The wood is then cooked for a few hours and dried for several months to remove excess moisture. When carved and polished the wood light or reddish brown in color.

Meerschaum

Meerschaum pipes are some of the most coveted pipes among collectors. Meerschaum is actually a mineral (hydrated magnesium silicate) primarily found in Turkey. It is prized for its ability to shape and carve very intricate designs. The name is derived from the German word for “sea foam” referring to smooth, white color and lightweight of a finished meerschaum pipe. This very porous stone absorbs smoke and other elements while it is in use. Gradually, this causes the pipe to change from white to golden brown. Before purchasing a meerschaum pipe, make sure is it made of solid meerschaum and not meerschaum dust. The dust is collected after the carving process, mixed with an emulsifier, and pressed into a pipe mold.

Corncob

Far from their cartoonish representations, corncob pipes are actually very practical and inexpensive smoking pipes. Unlike briar, corncob does not require a ‘break-in’ period. It is perfect for beginners who are learning how to enjoy this form of tobacco. Experienced pipe smokers who like to sample a variety of tobacco blends often keep a supply of corncob pipes handy. This allows the user to enjoy new flavors without interference from ‘carryover’ flavors embedded in used pipes. Corncobs are dried for at least two years before they are shaped and varnished for use.

These are just a few popular pipe-making materials. Check out best tobacco pipes in Westminster at a local shop to learn more.