On Sun, 14 Sep 2003 23:36:04 -0500 (CDT), (Max
Power) wrote:

I have a rather expensive tobacco pipe made of root briar. The outside
of the bowl has accumulated some grime, due to tobacco and finger oils.
The grain is impecable and even has somee birdseye on the bottom of the
bowl. How do I clean this wood without harming it's smokeability?
Please answer by email.
Thanks.

Buff the outside. You could chuck a buffer in your drill press.
electric drill, or lathe. The natural oils present are enough.