New Stem Design for COBS from Walker

[Blackhorse]

Well...stems seem to be a hot topic these days, and for good reason. There's some beautiful and interesting innovation going on. Nowhere is this more eveident than in the exteemed workshop of Walker Briar Works. I've long drooled over their "Forever Stems" that are specifically designed to fit Missouri Meerschaum pipes...all sorts of colors and swirls and translucent Lucites...Vulcanite...etc. as I love and use Cobs very frequently.

But I just finished a pipe using a strummel sawn by a friend out of Cherry. He told me that some folks he had made pipes for reported that the Cherry imparted a unique flavor to the smoke. My experience didn't mirror that on the first use, but did on the second. It was unique and very pleasant.

Be all that as it may, as I sometimes do I cut the shanks hole to accept the dimension of the Missouri Meer stems. That way (Yes, I'm the cheapest dog in the pound) I can get replacement stems for as little as $ 0.25 each, with or without filters...and since I always use a rubber bit protector, what's the difference?

Well, as I was browsing around the Walker site a few days ago I noticed a new (to me) style of stem they were offering and it put me over the top. Called their "Special Edition" model, they feature both Lucite AND Vulcanite and I knew at first glance that one would be ideal for the Cherrywood pipe I had just made (there goes the $0.25 stem thing out the window). lol

One reason these strike such a note with me is that in several ways they mirror some of the knives that I've made, using several materials in the handle of a hidden tang design, spacers, etc.

Pictures, being worth a thousand words (I got one each of the top two stems shown below):

There are eight total color options shown on their site...and all are priced exactly the same as the other Forever Stems they sell.

I ordered on Friday and got an email right away my order had been received, and on Monday they were ready and on their way to my eager mailbox. When they arrive I'll send a few pics along of the Cherrywood and a cob or two with the new stem design.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Somewhat out of character given my nature, but stems, eh? Yeah? Yeah? :cheers:

 

[Richard Burley]

Given your nature, WTF? Lookin' for stem shape inspiration? I'll take the one in the middle, assuming it's female, which I kinda think it is. :lol:

 

[Blackhorse]

Richard - how do these things go so awry? But I agree with your pick. Great gams. But...where's the lampshade??? lol

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Sorry, that one was my fault from the get-go. Just because I can't blame anyone else.

Those cob stems are a treat, I like 'em. :lol:

8)

 

[George Kaplan]

Richard - how do these things go so awry? But I agree with your pick. Great gams. But...where's the lampshade??? lol

It's a major award! I used to have one of those lamps. Ex-wife laid claim to it when she moved out. :x

 

[mark]

Tough lamps to keep in one piece,,,they're so frajeee-lay

thanks for the heads up on the Walker stems BH,,,,

 

[docwatson]

The best part of that lamp is reaching up to turn it on and off!!!!! :lol!:
Sorry, the stems are a bit too gaudy for my taste, I'll go with the regular forever stems. Just personal preference.
Doc