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Think it has always been cased/topped, maybe stronger now. European blenders are notorious for applying casings etc.

Old Charatans and GBDs, ie, from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s will give you a better smoke than a new pipe of the same price. Just my 2¢.

SG BBF in a Kurt Huhn.

I wash in warm soapy water and use them. I have 12 yr old tobacco with no problems.

C&D Burley Flake #2 in a Ferndown.

Can't really see what you are trying to point out. Pipes do absorb color unevenly according to the density of the briar. That black spot on top of the shank would be a concern though. I would check the draft hole to see if it is notched, or burned. Some maker told me, think it was Mark Tinsky...

Aside from not liking the looks of them, have never bought a cutty for that reason. Actually, expect it wouldn't be a problem though, since the burn is going to follow the airflow, ie, toward the draft hole.

Wessex Brigade Campaign Dark Flake in a Castello 33.

Cobs smoke light and bright to me. They make anything milder and less tasteful. Good for very strong tobaccos. I have read that is because they are drawing air from virtually everywhere. Cob is a very porous material, plus the construction is less than precision, with leaks. I have several cobs...

Sounds like a GH product, they use a lot of strong African and Indian tobacco, which is quite cigarish, moreso the Indian.

SG BBF in a Ruthenberg.

Don't know what you mean by the bowl descending. Granted, a poor design can cause problems, but a hot wet smoker is more often the cause of low quality briar.

SG St. James Flake in an Astley.

Rode thru northern Maine at night a few years ago on the way to Nova Scotia. Won't do that again. Saw as many moose as vehicles. Tried the loud pipe thing many years ago, bothered me more than anything, or anybody else. Besides, except in the city, 90% of the noise is behind you. Nothing worse...

Big N Burley in an Astley Oom Paul.

Experienced pipe makers can predict, but there are exceptions.

FVF in an Astley Square Paneled Billiard.

Considering the makers, I would think rather it is moisture from combustion, which you will get on any pipe. I have had Dunhills to very low enders bleed stain for a very long time, years.

It's not a matter of conscience to not want to pay higher prices, it is economics. I watch what I buy, and try to buy local and USA made goods too. Most the local B&Ms charge over double online prices, one does not, and is competitive. I am willing to pay local taxes and some overhead to buy...

SG BBF in an Astley Bulldog.