A Quick Look at Pipe Finishes

Jack Kerouac

(Smokingpipes.com) A pipe's finish, while not directly related to its function as a smoking instrument, plays a major role in a pipe's aesthetic appeal. It's one of the most obvious visual aspects of a pipe, and the finish is also one of the main features with which a smoker interacts, second only, perhaps, to the lip button.
A finish often makes use of and highlights the briar's natural grain, and it can accentuate texture or attractive color palettes that appeal to collectors as much as the pipe's shape itself, if not more so in some cases. Many pipe smokers have devoted entire collections to specific finishes, and for some, a finish might be the deciding factor for purchasing a pipe. Continued