Making a Hand-Cut Stem: A Photo Essay

[numbersix]

I am not a pipe maker, but I was perusing the pipe maker's forum and came across this - interesting and well done.
http://www.pipemakersforum.com/photo_essays/handcut_stems/

 

[lumberjakpipester]

That's a lot of work for one stem! Wonderful craftsmanship.

 

[allan]

This just goes to show how much work it takes to make a fine stem.
Most of the work involves working on the button, at least in this photo essay. I realize now how important that is to me on a pipe.
Not owning many different brands (I have Dunhill, Upshall, Castello and some others) Rad Davis makes a great button. Very deliniated inside end towards the bowl with a nice crisp sharp finish.
I know how difficult that is to do when I do jewelry work.
Only wish this was video