Pipe Stem Manufacturing

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lgoldberg

lgoldberg

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This is a question more out of curiosity than anything, but I've been wondering for some time where pipe stems are manufactured. While reading about the origins of vulcanite, I stumbled across this site:

https://vermontfreehand.com/
But that's just a retailer. I can't help but wonder who makes these things. Seems like kind of a niche thing to turn out, in the grand scheme of things.

Ideas?
 
I had thought that myself as well, but it just seems awfully un-economical to do it that way. I mean, plastic/acrylic/vulcanite manufacturing is like, a whole 'nuther industry.
 
I don’t think there’s a big stem making industry out there. I think that many of the pipe makers out there do make their own…but, like from rod or square or whatever stock blanks. Factor in the multiple applications for acrylic…pen blanks, knife handles, etc. To me it seems like there’s an “art acrylic” industry populated by artisan as well as “standard” materials. Then factor in other resins (plastics) and related materials like G 10 and Micarta…there’s a lot going on to be sure. Just some disjointed Saturday morning thoughts.

As an addendum…here’s my favorite stem folks. They now do the “Forever Stem” for use with cobs, plus all the other stuff. Good folks.

https://vermontfreehand.com/vulcanite/
 
I don't pay particular attention to this, because I really do not care for the upkeep of vulcanite, but I believe the best is German. As others have said, the big boys charging oodles of money for their pipes are usually pouring their own. I've seen discussions elsewhere about which to avoid, which changed their compound, etc. If a pipe is going to be $800, I like the idea of the maker pouring their own. JTCooke comes to mind. I'd rather have a home-poured stem than metalwork on my pipe.
 
lgoldberg said:
This is a question more out of curiosity than anything, but I've been wondering for some time where pipe stems are manufactured. While reading about the origins of vulcanite, I stumbled across this site:

https://vermontfreehand.com/
But that's just a retailer. I can't help but wonder who makes these things. Seems like kind of a niche thing to turn out, in the grand scheme of things.

Ideas?
Click to expand...

Steve has a great website loaded with stuff. He comes to the Chicago show. Super nice guy.


As far as the resin rods. There are various materials. Some of which is used in fountain pens and other craft ideas. Sometimes it's made into sheets.
 
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