Briar Treetise?

sethile · Post by **sethile** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:34 pm

Hello folks,

Anyone know of a good treatise on the various types and qualities of Briar (Erica arborea) used for pipemaking? I would love to see an outline of the various species and their relative merits in terms of smoking qualities, grain characteristics, availability and perhaps a relative pricing, hopefully including all the various factors that would impact the decision on which varieties one might like inventory. An outline of which makers predominantly use which species would also be of interest.

I can start my own based on what I have read, but thought if someone has already started such a list, or knows of one I’d love to see it. Perhaps there is something like this here on the forum allready, but I have yet to find it... Can anyone point me in the right direction?

bvartist · Post by **bvartist** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 4:25 pm

An interesting idea Scott, I haven't seen anything like that, just a lot of bits and pieces of information everywhere! Let us know when its done!!! :thumb: Might be a long task to complete though.

David

RadDavis · Post by **RadDavis** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 1:52 pm

I don't know if such a document exists.

I do know that the absolute very best briar is what ever is used by the pipe maker whose site you happen to be viewing.

Rad

sethile · Post by **sethile** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:07 pm

RadDavis wrote:I don't know if such a document exists.

I do know that the absolute very best briar is what ever is used by the pipe maker whose site you happen to be viewing.

Very good point! I've done real well with briar from Mark Tinsky. Are you still getting yours from him? At some point I'm hoping to buy in larger quantity, but right now it's just a few pieces at a time. I'm just greatful folks like Mark make it possible to get decent material.

BTW, I really appreciate your time and input on the forum here, Rad. Your pipes themselves, as well as your success with them, are good inspiration.

marks · Post by **marks** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:06 pm

RadDavis wrote:I don't know if such a document exists.

I do know that the absolute very best briar is what ever is used by the pipe maker whose site you happen to be viewing.

Rad

Hey, I think my website resembles that remark!

RadDavis · Post by **RadDavis** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:50 pm

BTW, I really appreciate your time and input on the forum here, Rad. Your pipes themselves, as well as your success with them, are good inspiration.

Thanks for the kind words, Scott.

I'm still getting briar from Mark, but I did get a nice bunch of Mimmo briar from Dave Brooks when he was selling all of his. $12.50 per block was hard to pass up.

That wood is incredible! It's just cut so nice! I will definitely be getting more from Mimmo.

Rad

RadDavis · Post by **RadDavis** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:53 pm

Hey, I think my website resembles that remark!

You're using the best briar available too? Who'da thunk it?

Rad

sethile · Post by **sethile** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 10:36 pm

RadDavis wrote: I'm still getting briar from Mark, but I did get a nice bunch of Mimmo briar from Dave Brooks when he was selling all of his. $12.50 per block was hard to pass up.

That wood is incredible! It's just cut so nice! I will definitely be getting more from Mimmo.

Yeh, I'm sorry I missed the Mimmo briar Dave sold off... I've checked out the Romeo Briar site several times. If you end up placing an order with him and want to sell some off let me know... I doubt I will be in a position to buy much, but would love to try a few blocks.

Mimmo mentions he buys burls from several different countries. The more I look into this the more I think it's just a matter of getting the best stuff you can from where ever you can get it, and especially from a guy like Mimmo who really knows how to pick it out and cut it...