                            |
AGE The age of the Briar has a significant impact on the smoking qualities and aesthetic of the Pipe to be carved from it. Before 1950 it was not uncommon to find Briar that was over 250 years old. Well aged Briar has a very tight grain and produces very smooth and cool smoking properties. Currently, most High Grade Briar Pipes are made from 30+ year old Briar. While the age of the Briar effects the density, porosity, and grain pronouncement of the wood, 30+ year old Briar still makes an excellent Pipe. GRADING Over a century ago, a “First” Grade Pipe would have been considered flawless; no Pits, Grain Disruptions, or Fills. Today, many First Grade Pipes have Pits, Fills, and/or Grain Disruptions. Great First Grade Pipes may only have one or a few “insignificant” imperfections. So, it is difficult to say what is a “First” or “Second” Grade Pipe today: there are no comprehensive industry standards. First and Second Grade Pipes are defined by the manufacturer today, so one company’s First may be another company’s Second, Third, or worse. Rather than use First or Second as a Grading system, it is more common today to refer to better Pipes as “High Grade”. Knowing the subjectivity of Grading criteria, Pipe lovers go to extraordinary lengths when selecting their Pipes. It is not uncommon for a potential customer to scrutinize a Pipe for hours, under varying light, and from every angle. While this scrutiny may seem extreme to some, a Pipe lover knows that he/she is choosing a functional companion for a lifetime of enjoyment; so no amount of examination is too much. |
