Pipe Finishes

[cgraunke]

But smooth doesn't automatically mean good, either.

 

[atbat82]

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!)

I tend to agree with this, I assume a rusticated finish had some flaw in the briar. That said, when buying from a reputable pipe maker, it doesn't worry me at all. The flaw is almost certainty cosmetic and will not affect the smoke or longevity of the pipe.

Maybe I'm just trying to justify my yearning for a rusticated Boswell

 

[cgraunke]

@atbat82 yup, a pipe maker worth his salt can offer you a quality pipe at a lower price point by not having to buy that perfect block of briar with the desirable grain, and not having to put the time in to sanding and polishing it to that mirror showroom finish.
We can't all buy the Maserati, I know I can't, and we shouldn't feel the need to. Personally, I enjoy driving my '04 VW most days. Both will get you where you need to go, though!