Corn Cob as Alternative to Briar Pipes

Are corn cob pipes good briar alternatives?

Corn cob pipes are quite a bit different than briar pipes, but they certainly can be good alternatives, especially if you're looking for an inexpensive "throw away" pipe. Each pipe smoker will have his own preferences and views on which pipes are "superior" or "better," but there are several points that could be made when comparing briar pipes to corn cob pipes. Here are a few general comparisons:

Benefits of Briar Pipes

• Durable and long-lasting
• Beautiful (grain, finish options, etc.)
• Wood becomes "seasoned" by the tobacco and smokes increasingly better over time

Benefits of Corn Cob Pipes

• Inexpensive
• Little to no impact on the flavor of tobacco

In most cases, cobs do not tend to build cake like briar. But when they do last long enough to build up cake, the same basic procedures can be used to maintain them. If the cake gets too thick, it will interfere with the tobacco chamber and could cause the pipe to crack or split. But again, with cobs costing only a few dollars each, many who smoke them simply get a new one when they get to that point.

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Although I don't smoke them as frequently as my briars, I like to have several cobs on hand. I use them for trying new tobaccos or for times when I may be concerned about damaging or losing a valued briar pipe (such as when I'm working outdoors). I have absolutely no problem with corn cob pipes and find them to be a great option for enjoying the hobby. But I still prefer the beauty, variety, and craftsmanship found in briar pipes.