Pipe Finishes

[SeaGarr]

Smooth vs. Rusticated vs...

I note that many here seemingly prefer the smooth finish. Is this purely because of aesthetics? Or is there some "practical" reason one would want a smooth finish rather than a rusticated or a blasted?

 

[javelin377]

I like a rusticated finish.

 

[hopzilla]

I think some pipe smokers prefer seeing the wood, and rustication tends to prevent that.

 

[Mathen]

I'm a wood nerd, so if the grain is good, I want to see it.

That being said, there are some blast finishes that are amazing. I also like some of the mixed finishes out there when done well.

 

[herfdog]

I feel like the only reason you rusticate a pipe is because the finish is not nice. Or, inferior. I dislike that.

As a kid, my dad had a rusticated pipe and I always found it weird. Like it was scorched or something.

Never saw an appeal to the look of rustication.

Now, a nice grain with a nice finish...

all being said, I feel the rusticated ones are easier to maintain. And are comfy to hold.

 

[JustTroItIn]

For me it's strictly cosmetics. I love the look of a good grain.

 

[GWBowman]

I prefer smooth. Seems I read somewhere that rusticated smokes cooler. Can only guess it has to do with surface area. I can neither confirm nor deny such.

 

[herfdog]

I prefer smooth. Seems I read somewhere that rusticated smokes cooler. Can only guess it has to do with surface area. I can neither confirm nor deny such.

It makes sense. Kind of like heat sinks.

 

[thedismaltrade]

I prefer sandblasted pipes. It doesn't always mean it wouldn't have been a beautiful smooth. I have blasted pipes where there are such tight grains it's unbelievable. They smoke cooler, are easier to hold onto, and don't have to worry about the finish. Your dollar goes further in buying from high end makers with blasts as well.
That said no one can dispute the beauty of a smooth pipe

 

[CVAC085]

I prefer having the smooth pipes over others. Although, I've seen a few rusticated, sandblasted that are just as eye catching too. Just can't see myself smoking out of one just yet.

 

[Whtwtrman79]

All opinion/preference I like both but am much more gentle with my smooth briar

 

[mikeman84]

Im a fan of both but i have more rusticated than smooth.

 

[winston596]

I have 2 rusticated and 1 smooth I can of lean towards the smooth.

 

[Shlippy]

Every time I see a rusticated pipe I wonder what specific flaws it had.

 

[Hiram-2011]

I keep both finishes in my collection, but tend to favor blasted finishes. If the grain is stunning, I have no problem going for a smooth finish.

 

[bigbill72]

My father once told me that the outside of the bowl gets hotter on a smooth finish bowl and I agree with him. I like the look of a smooth finsh but prefer the feel of rusticated because it seems to feel cooler and it`s easier to keep a grip on. as far as pipes go though I am a noob lol

 

[Sirspanksalot]

Aren't rusticated also cheaper to make usually?

 

[Shlippy]

Does this look cheap to you???

Which prompts me to ask... Why is Dr Grabow rustication so downright hideous?

 

[hopzilla]

Some rusticated pipes just speak to me.

 

[cgraunke]

There's a reason rusticated pipes are cheaper. As soon as I see one, my first thoughts are either the briar was flawed, had very poor grain (cheaper cut), or the carver is too inexperienced/unskilled to read the grain of his block. A sandblast finish is more forgiving than a smooth, still allowing you to see the natural beauty of the grain, yet hiding some minimal flaws/pitting. A well made smooth pipe with consistent proper grain flow is just a work of art.
I would venture to say rusticated pipes are low-end raw material, or low-end carving. Well made, good looking rusticated pipes usually being the former. (that's why they're "cheap", they have their place, I have some too!)