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.