I carve pipes all the time......I have about 22 pipes of my own creation, and thats not counting the ones I have given away. I like to use Black Walnut, its hard to come by and is very expensive. Its very worth it in the long run, its very very hard and wont burn through, and its also a nice looking grain with a dark brown natural tint. Luckily, I have two huge Black Walnut trees in my yard, and I can make many pipes out of just one limb. If you have to buy the wood though, be ready to dig in your pocket!! Good luck!-emtpockets