Quote Originally Posted by Horseshoe View Post
Noob question: how does a Meerchum pipe compare to a briar? Sorry to HiJack.


Nice looking meerchum!
This is a very broad response.

Meerschaum is more fragile than briar for starters. You can drop a briar (wouldn't suggest it) and walk away with some dents or scratches. Meerschaum on the other hand has the potential to crack anc shatter.

Meers don't need a break in period, unlike briar. Some pipe smokers subscripe to the idea that meerschaum gives you a purer smoke as many meer fans don't want any cake in their pipes thinking it will crack the meerschaum. There is no nutty briar taste when smoking a meer.

From an aesthetic standpoint, meerschaum is much softer and yields itself to more intricate carvings.