Hand Crafted Artisan Briar Pipes
The Pipe Wood
Parks Pipes are hand crafted of briar, the definitive pipe wood. Briar was first used for pipe craft 250 years ago. ‘Briar’ is a common name for the root burl of the White Heath (Erica Arborea), an evergreen tree that grows in the arid regions of the Mediterranean. Each root ball is dug by hand. The burl is cut into blocks which are boiled and air dried in a cool environment for many years. This process of collecting, cutting and curing briar at the mill is a time honoured craft. Pipe smokers and makers alike seek out briar because it provides a smooth smoke, possesses enduring hardness and exhibits delightful grain.
Stem Materials
The two main types of stem material are Ebonite and Acrylic. Black Ebonite is ever the classic and iconic choice. Special stem materials available by request are Bakelite, Horn and Amber. Please inquire for current stock.
Black Ebonite
A hardened rubber compound in an earthen jet black colour. The material Ebonite is also known as Vulcanite. When polished it shines to a gloss.
Acrylic
Also known as Lucite, Pearlite or Metacrillato. Acrylic polishes to a mirror-gloss and is favoured for a hardness that preserves its shine. Opaque and translucent acrylics are available in colours like black, ruby, amber, ivory and many others.
Cumberland Ebonite
Traditional Cumberland is dark red and black swirled Ebonite. Its popularity has existed since its early beginnings with classic English Dunhill pipes, when it was known as Brindle.
Swirl Ebonite
A variety of fascinating and creative colour combinations in Ebonite are available.
Bakelite
Vintage/Antique Bakelite plastics can sometimes be found in a variety of colours.
Horn
A beautiful natural material comprised of cream, brown and black coloured tones.
Amber
Sourced from rare antique pipe stems and cheroot holders that have been cut from solid block.
Shank Accents
Different styles of accents are possible in a variety of materials. Please inquire for availability of materials when determining the right accent to complement your pipe.
Accent Styles
Bands (Inline), End Caps, Military Mounts, Rings (Raised), Shank Extensions, etc.
Accent Materials
Antler, Bamboo, Fordite, Horn, Morta (Ancient Bog Oak), Stabilized Woods, Woolly Mammoth Tusk (Fossilized), Damascus, Gold, Silver, Titanium, etc.