I don't take any special precautions breaking in a new cob because at the cost of less than a tin of decent tobacco I consider them disposable. With a briar, it's a different story altogether. The most important thing is to smoke slowly and keep it cool. You don't know the meaning of the word heartbreak until you've had a new briar crack from overheating. Take it slow, build that cake, and a briar pipe can last a lifetime.