What Materials Do We Feature?

by Darin Doerflinger, Dylan Doerflinger

11/25/21

Outside the Box Studios, the home base for Smoker's Pipeline, searches out materials that strike us as visually unique. We are especially drawn to combining these materials to create a both a conversation piece and a functional, high quality smoking pipe or accessory. 

Below are some of the materials we have chosen to become part of our art.

Briarwood: Erica arborea is a flowering tree that averages about 23 feet in height and is native to Northern Africa and the Mediterranean basin. Briarwood is the cultivated by sustainably removing the large burl from under the tree and then processing it. This involves removing the outer layer to get to the center, harder core and then allowing that to dry under the right conditions for at least a couple of months. Much like gems, the burl, which of course grows underground, is then cut to reveal and exclude areas of imperfection which includes gaps, rock intrusion, and dirt pockets.

  

Padauk: African Padauk (pah-DUKE) is a wood most known for its remarkable color, shifting from a brilliant bright orange to deep brownish red over time and use. Also known as Vermillion, a reference to its natural color, this wood is found in Central and Tropical West Africa growing between 100-130 feet tall, with a diameter of 2-4 feet. Padauk is a favorite among the art community for its exceptional stability and strength in addition to the color and luster for which it is known.

  

Wenge: Usually pronounced WHEN-gii or WHEN-ghay, Wenge is a hardwood with a distinctive brown and black zebra stripe pattern. Wenge can also be referred to as Awoung, Mibotum, African Rosewood, and Bokonge. Growing in Central Africa, these trees range in height from 60-90 feet, with a diameter of 3-4 feet. The blackish-brown grain runs straight throughout, interspersed with streaks of a reddish or tan hue giving the wood a layered appearance. These aesthetic qualities see it often used in the paneling of furniture and musical instruments.

Purpleheart: Purpleheart, Amaranth, Violet wood; the most common names for Peltogyne usually refer to its striking color. When first cut, the purple is a grey to light brownish hue, but upon exposure to air it takes on its namesake violet-purple, which will in time take on a darker brownish hue. Found in Central and South America, the tree grows between 100-170 feet tall with a diameter of 3-5 feet. Purpleheart has the benefit of being extremely durable in addition to its vibrant color, leading it to often be used in choice art and furniture projects.

  

Mahogany: Featured here is African Mahogany, a favorite substitute for the now endangered Honduran Mahogany. Composed of species from the Khaya genus, the trees are native to West Tropical Africa and grow to heights of 100-130 feet, with a diameter of 2-5 feet. The wood’s incredible natural luster shows on the grain, ranging in color from a light pinkish tan to a deeper reddish brown and tends to darken in color with age. Often used as a decorative component to woodwork, Mahogany is prized for its ability to elevate any piece.

Eastern Red Cedar: Native to the eastern half of the United States, the name “Eastern Red Cedar” is actually a bit of a misnomer; this tree is more closely related to juniper trees than other cedars. Standing approximately 100-115 feet tall and growing 3-4 feet wide, these trees are often known for the distinct aroma they produce when left untreated. This reputation has led to the Eastern Red Cedarto also be known as “Aromatic Red Cedar.” This wood tends to have light reddish grain with pale yellow streaks, and the occasional purplish red knotted area.

  

Bubinga: Known by the name as much as the qualities of the wood, Bubinga is also known as Kevazingo and grows in Equatorial Africa. Bubinga bears a close resemblance to rosewood, and is used for many of the same purposes. With a distinguished size of 130-150 feet tall, and a diameter of 3-6 feet, the wood from these trees are able to make pieces of all sizes, from stunning tabletops to musical instruments. Its color ranges from pinkish red to dark reddish brown, with darker purple or black streaks.

Walnut: The Black Walnut tree has a history deeply entwined with the wood hobbyists and builders of the United States. These trees were found by the early settlers scattered through the mixed forests of North America: north through Canada, west through the Great Plains, and as far south as Florida. The tree reaches a height of 50-150 feet tall and a trunk diameter of about 2-5 feet. In both past and present, this wood has been valued for its aesthetic and durable qualities. Its color ranges from a light pale brown to a dark nut brown.

 

For any questions please contact us at info@smokerspipeline.com

This article is copyright of OTBS.  Please contact for permission to use.