Briar Burl (Erica arborea) comes from Europe (Mediterranean region). Briar burl is the tumor-like growths between the roots and stem of the shrub. Briar wood has very good heat-resistance properties, and is favored for use in making the bowls for tobaccos pipes.
In pipe-making, there are two types of burl sections: ebauchon, and plateaux. Ebauchon burl blocks are usually rectangular in shape and cut from the center of the burl. They tend to have a more random grain pattern and are the least expensive. Plateaux burl blocks are cut from the outer edge of the burl, and are usually in a quarter-round shape which still includes the bark on the outside edge. They tend to have a more consistent grain pattern, and are more expensive than ebauchon burl blanks.
Uses are Tobacco pipes, knife handles, and other small specialty wood items.
In pipe-making, there are two types of burl sections: ebauchon, and plateaux. Ebauchon burl blocks are usually rectangular in shape and cut from the center of the burl. They tend to have a more random grain pattern and are the least expensive. Plateaux burl blocks are cut from the outer edge of the burl, and are usually in a quarter-round shape which still includes the bark on the outside edge. They tend to have a more consistent grain pattern, and are more expensive than ebauchon burl blanks.
Uses are Tobacco pipes, knife handles, and other small specialty wood items.