How can a smoker know when a pipe is made from real briar? Do the words "Imported Briar" stamped on the pipe have any meaning?

Unless one is an expert at distinguishing woods, no sure way exists of telling whether a pipe is real briar or not. The best guarantee is to obtain a pipe made by an established manu­facturer and to buy it from a reputable dealer. The words "Imported Briar" do not insure quality in a pipe. Almost all briar, good and bad, is imported from countries bordering the Mediterranean. If you want to be certain of pipe quality, let a reputable dealer or pipe expert advise you.

Next articles: Is it possible to salvage tobacco that has gone stale?