Briar is extremely heat-resistant. Nevertheless, it is "only" wood. If the embers are fanned with a strong and sustained pull, even the best wood can be damaged.

You'll notice an excessively high temperature by the hot exterior of the pipe and often by the deteriorating taste of the tobacco.

Then put the pipe aside and let it rest for a while.

If the wood has already been damaged, the pipe will taste and smell unpleasantly of burnt wood.

Please do not continue smoking the pipe under any circumstances.

Small damage to the wood inside the pipe can still be repaired.

But how do you distinguish a material defect from a burn-through caused by smoking too hot?

A material defect usually results in a localized burn. At this point, the wood had an irregularity in density or an invisible foreign object embedded in it, such as a small stone.

In contrast, improper smoking leads to larger areas of damage, usually with a typical cracked appearance (charcoal-like).

Overly aggressive cleaning while the pipe is still warm and damp can also damage the bottom of the bowl with the cleaning wire, leading to a burn-through the next time it's smoked.

In most cases, a burn-through occurs in the pipe bowl above the draw hole. The heat can become particularly intense there due to air turbulence.

A hole on the side of the upper part of the bowl is also occasionally found. The damage here was usually caused by the lighter being held rigidly in one spot instead of being used in circular motions.

In windy weather, remember to use a pipe lid, as the strong draft can cause a hot ember to form.