I've never used a one of the pre-made kit things, but I have been looking into prices for briar burls. My father does quite a bit of woodcarving and I've been talking with him about the two of us starting to make hand carved pipes as something that we may both enjoy. He does not smoke, and doesn't know I do because out of respect for my parents I do not smoke nor drink... or even talk of it around them. However he has always loved the smell of pipe tobacco because his father used to smoke a pipe quite regularly.
When I mentioned starting to make hand carved pipes, and more than likely branding our own label, it caught his interest. We'll see where things go from here... I'll be sure to keep you guys up to speed if/when we do start making them.
On a connected note, an ancestor of mine who was in the civil war, was a very prolific woodcarver who had carved a pipe while he was on the battlefield. It does not appear to have ever been used. The detail all around it is amazing. Along with the incredible patriotic pictures (Eagle, flags, shield, stars...), he has carved " Simeon N.J. Roosa Co.F. 145, RIC PV", "E Pluribus Unum", and "Union & Liberty
If anyone is interested in seeing pictures of it I can post them upon request.