ebonite/vulcanite on high end pipes, why?

[cigrmaster]

I believe the reason that higher end pipes come with vulcanite is because that is what the customer wants. I know for myself I will not buy a pipe that does not come with a high quality German vulcanite stem. In terms of maintenance the German vulcanite needs little to none. I use a little Obidisian stem oil when I clean my pipes and have never needed to have them sent out for buffing or refurbishing even after a dozen years. Now my older English vulcanite stems are another issue entirely, those have a high sulfur content and oxidize very easily which is why I will never buy another pipe with that type of stem.

Acrylic stems to me are very uncomfortable and very difficult to clench, and since the stems I buy now are not a maintenance problem, I can have the best of both worlds.

 

[juanmedusa]

My new philosophy, personally, is that I don't care what it's made out of so long as it's black. I'm starting to use softee bits on many of my pipes and they look odd to me on any stem that isn't black.

 

[CipsterX]

I like both and have both. The acrylic stems I have are cool because the pipe maker pretty much do anything with the style and or look (graphics) of them. To each his own but the vulcanite are much easier on my teeth.

 

[riff raff]

I just reread the OP, I've never heard of or seen an Ardor pipe with a vulcanite stem. If you have one, it must be a replacement. Ardor is known for their colorful acrylic stems. I don't think any Italian maker (at least the big ones) use vulcanite. I guess that is also tradition.

 

[sisyphus]

 I don't think any Italian maker (at least the big ones) use vulcanite.  I guess that is also tradition.

Amorelli, Il Duca, Maurizio (Le Nuvole), Dal Fiume, Becker

 

[Harlock999]

 I don't think any Italian maker (at least the big ones) use vulcanite.  I guess that is also tradition.

Amorelli, Il Duca, Maurizio (Le Nuvole), Dal Fiume, Becker

Brebbia and Savinelli both use vulcanite as well.