I've accumulated quite a few of these Chinese corn cob pipes since I joined the P&C Pipe Tobacco of the Month Club last winter (they are part of the monthly package). They don't seem to have a substantial woody ring like the Missouri Meerschaums have. The inside bowl diameter is smaller 9/16" vs. 3/4" as well. One of these pipes has been chosen for assessment under fire; I have smoked about half an ounce of tobacco in it over the last few days. One thing for sure, it is a short smoke due to the size of the bowl. Anybody have any experiences with these?