Hand Carved Stems — Is Rod Stock the Only Way?
23rd December, 2007 by gmdibos in Stem Replacement
When the subject of stems comes up, a debate between those who prefer one material or the other—Lucite or vulcanite—usually follows, but the issue never gets settled. Like two people who own exactly half of the properties in a Monopoly game, each has enough fans to keep the dispute going forever.
Shift the topic to the method of creation—carved versus molded—and it’s the other extreme: Virtually unanimous agreement that carved is superior. The perception is that they are sleeker, more comfortable (thinner through the bite zone), more elegant in contour, and better finished. Their being considered “better” is such a slam dunk, in fact, most smokers wouldn’t think twice if they had their choice for the same price when buying a pipe.
Like many things, however, concept is what is sold, but an example is what you buy. A carved stem doesn’t necessarily have the attributes listed above. In fact, because they are labor intensive to make, the same time consuming details that make them potentially superior are often the ones that get omitted or overlooked. Personally, I’d much rather have a well fitted and finished molded stem than a so-so carved one.
There is also a third, “hybrid” category that’s not frequently seen…
…and PSPR&R might be the only repair outfit currently making replacement stems in such a way, though it has doubtless been done before. It is taking a molded stem that’s larger in every dimension than the desired final result, and carving it like rod stock.
This approach captures the best of both worlds: complete control of the shape for the maker, and the economy of molded blanks for the customer. Are such stems still “hand carved?” Of course. Is the draft hole “frozen” at the size it is molded? No, it can be enlarged if desired, the same as any other stem. It’s an engineering axiom that all price vs. performance solutions involve trade-offs, however… so, what’s the downside in this case?
That is a good question, and the reason for this blog entry. There are none that I am aware of. I’ve heard for years that the actual material used in rod stock is of a higher quality than molded, but examples abound that run contrary to what one would expect if that were categorically the case. Further, there’s a correlation vs. causation variable that’s rarely considered: the more expensive the pipe, the more likely it is to have a rod cut stem and the more likely it is to be better cared for… and there’s no question that long term storage, routine maintenance, and post-smoke cleaning significantly affect a stem’s appearance and life expectancy, especially for vulcanite.
To help you decide the issue for yourself, at least with regard to shaping, here are some actual examples of “hybrid” stems.
Click any picture to enlarge.
A Charatan Rhodesian
A stem for a Loewe Billiard:
This stem doesn’t look at first glance like one that would need to be carved from an oversized blank, but it was necessary to capture the proper “wedge” profile. Most molded stems that are closer in size and length to the original are somewhat scooped, which makes for more comfortable clenching for many smokers, but doesn’t look authentic.
A GBD Rhodesian with a massive 15/16″ shank:
This GBD 9438 is an example of the convertible pipe concept. Like a reversible trouser belt, or a churchwarden supplied with a short stem so it can be smoked more often, the owner of this pipe wanted a dramatic, swan-neck “Dunhill CK profile” stem available in addition to the original.
A Klein diamond shank Volcano
This pipe’s deceptively wide, flattened diamond shank, together with the same wedge profile requirement as the billiard above meant that for as small as its stem was, the largest “beer can” blank was still necessary. The bottom photo shows how the scooped profile of even the largest CNC-cut blank kept it from filling the bill.
Until the next workbench adventure, then.
All the best, and Great Smoking,
George