Cigar Weekly

tedski · 09-26-2004, 10:20 AM

There are a few basic types of stem materials:

Acrylic / lucite - These are most widely used these days. Stem material can be any color. Very durable and resistant to scratch and bite marks. Easy to maintain.

Vulcanite / ebonite - Very popular from many years ago. Still made today, but by only a handful of brands. This is the stuff that bowling balls were made (vulcanized rubber). Usually black in color. Many people prefer it because it feels softer on the teeth vs acrylic. The down side is it needs more frequent cleaning and over time it will discolor + taste rancid if not properly maintained.

Cumberland - Similar to vulcanite. Has somewhat of a grained wood apperance - with light and dark brown colors.

Ashtonite - Found mainly on Ashton pipes. This material combines the softer feel of vulcanite with the durability of acrylic.

Amber - True amber is petrified tree sap. Was used long ago, mainly on Meerschaum pipes using a screw-on mortice/tenon. Not found much today except on estate pipes. Amber is nice looking but fragile.

You will also occasionally find stems made of bone, plastic and wood. So if you have a newer pipe (made in the last 35 years), chances are the stem is acrylic or lucite.

09-26-2004, 10:20 AM	#2
tedski Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Looking up at the Pleiades ... Posts: 1,490	There are a few basic types of stem materials: Acrylic / lucite - These are most widely used these days. Stem material can be any color. Very durable and resistant to scratch and bite marks. Easy to maintain. Vulcanite / ebonite - Very popular from many years ago. Still made today, but by only a handful of brands. This is the stuff that bowling balls were made (vulcanized rubber). Usually black in color. Many people prefer it because it feels softer on the teeth vs acrylic. The down side is it needs more frequent cleaning and over time it will discolor + taste rancid if not properly maintained. Cumberland - Similar to vulcanite. Has somewhat of a grained wood apperance - with light and dark brown colors. Ashtonite - Found mainly on Ashton pipes. This material combines the softer feel of vulcanite with the durability of acrylic. Amber - True amber is petrified tree sap. Was used long ago, mainly on Meerschaum pipes using a screw-on mortice/tenon. Not found much today except on estate pipes. Amber is nice looking but fragile. You will also occasionally find stems made of bone, plastic and wood. So if you have a newer pipe (made in the last 35 years), chances are the stem is acrylic or lucite. __________________ There are lies, damn lies and statistics ...