Pipe Making: Difference between revisions

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=== Other Materials ===
=== Other Materials ===
Most pipemakers and collectors would probably agree that Briar (a term with considerable range) is the choice for tobacco pipes. Briar grain can be excellent aesthetically for the small-scale work that tobacco pipes are.  Briar can also have other properties which are desirable, a sweet, mild aroma when cured properly, and a resistance to burning.  Still, some pipemakers use other materials, like Ebony (wood), African Blackwood, Morta (fossilized or petrified wood), and other wood. Some wood contains sap which is an irritant and can sensitize. Others are toxic, carcinogens even.  Although the exact origin of briar is often unknown, the fact that it only seems to flourish in remote, mountainous areas, means it probably has less chance of being affected by the pollutants of industry and civilization.   
Most pipemakers and collectors would probably agree that Briar (a term with considerable range) is the choice for tobacco pipes. Briar grain can be excellent aesthetically for the small-scale work that tobacco pipes are.  Briar can also have other properties which are desirable, a sweet, mild aroma when cured properly, and a resistance to burning.  Still, some pipemakers use other materials, like Ebony (wood), African Blackwood, Morta (fossilized or petrified wood), and other wood.
 
The dust of most wood is an irritant and can sensitize. The dust from Beech, Hemlock, Oak, Oleander, Quebracho, Redwood, Sassafras, and Yew are listed as carcinogens, but little is known about their smoking properties.  Although the exact origin of a particular block of briar is often unknown, the fact that it only seems to flourish in remote, mountainous areas, means it probably has less chance of being affected by the pollutants of industry and civilization, and briar has been used in pipemaking since about 1840 A.D.   


I, personally, have seen no examples of European classical pipes made of Catlinite, the Red or Black "Pipestone" used by Native American (Indian) pipemakers.  
I, personally, have seen no examples of European classical pipes made of Catlinite, the Red or Black "Pipestone" used by Native American (Indian) pipemakers.  
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