Did the shop ever offer briar (the wood used to make smoking pipes) as an option? I assume a model 8 with briar has customer-supplied wood, but I am curious as to expert opinion. Also, if you order or supply wood for a model 8, is there an upcharge, since stag is standard?

It ought to make a good handle - it is dense, and when properly dried, should be stable. Plus, it is resistant to burning.

Don't know if they offered it or not.I doubt it.You would have to supply the wood and yes there is an upcharge,

Weren’t the Stoddard knives offered with a briar handle (now the Sergeant’s knife).

I ordered one from Stoddard’s, but never got it. But I did get a Sergeant with a green micarta handle with a compass in the butt of the knife from the Captain. It is with me all waterfowl season and when I am canoeing.

I have now seen a couple of mentions that Stoddard offered their special with briar, but I have never seen one. Of course, there are lots of things I haven't seen.

Here you go
Sunburst Briar Stoddards Special

Peter,

That knife is a real beauty.

I ordered my Stoddard’s right around when the dealership was shutting down. That was too bad. But my Sergeant for the Captain rocks.

I didn't record this one specifically as briar but it could be based on the previous pics.
It's S/N 071.

It is hard to tell what a wood is in a photo, but it looks like briar.

Mike,

I believe it is Briar.

Alan

I looked at my reference notes from my purchases and I wrote it up as being briar when I purchased the knife.