pipemakersforum.com

A customer recently asked me if olivewood darkens/colors over time with smoking. I don't have enough experience with it to know so I told him I'd ask you guys. Anyone know?

I made myself a pipe from olivewood that I smoke in the shop from time to time. It does darken a little over time, but not a ton in 2 years. We also have some olive wood nativity carvings that are about 40 years old. I don't know exactly what was used for the finish, but they don't look too much darker than my shop pipe.

The get dark for sure...my personal experience with carnauba finish .

I would hazard a guess and say its like Meerschaum. Some pieces will darken considerably with use, some will look the same years from now. It certainly has the ability to darken and develop a patina from use.

In my experience, yes, it darkens.