Multi-colored Acrylic Stems - Why?

[aquadoc]

I do not understand the aesthetic value of pairing a bright swirly dayglo purple acrylic stem with a beautifully carved briar bowl. It is similar to putting lipstick on a warthog. Someone change my mind since so many pipe are now sporting acrylic stems in every shade of nail polish.

 

[didimauw]

I agree. I like the colored forever stems on corncobs, but not on briar. I won't look at a briar pipe a second time of it has a blue or green stem. I like classic.

 

[brooklynpipeclub]

It's a headscratcher for me too but I'm a traditionalist.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Well, I don’t feel compelled to talk someone into liking something that they don’t like. Our dislikes sort of define us. I love brindled stems, green, blue, tan, and red, but that is a very subdued color. Some people like things I don’t like, and some may not understand why I like what I like.
We had a member, Kashmir, that had some beautiful (Dunhill I think) blasted billiards re-stemmed with a turquoise acrylic that were beautiful. But, some may disagree.

I don’t understand why someone would listen to death metal. Why do some people want yellow cars? Why do some people wear red tennis shoes? Why would someone want a fat legged ugly Peterson?

I don’t know, but I am thankful that we all have diverse likes and dislikes. If we all agreed on what was beautiful, about 90% of the world would die out because they are undesirable.

Besides, the only thing all pipe smokers agree on is absolutely nothing. And, the only thing that binds us is the generalized abstract concept of pipes and tobacco... but not necessarily. Puf

 

[Chasing Embers]

Besides, the only thing all pipe smokers agree on is absolutely nothing.

We think FDA deeming and regulations suck.

 

[aquadoc]

Cosmic, true. I guess it is the times. I cannot imagine how my dad would react if I pulled out pipe with a brightly acrylic stem while we sat around waiting for the ducks to come in. He might have revoked my invites to hunt with him.

 

[mingc]

I do not understand the aesthetic value of pairing a bright swirly dayglo purple acrylic stem with a beautifully carved briar bowl. It is similar to putting lipstick on a warthog. Someone change my mind since so many pipe are now sporting acrylic stems in every shade of nail polish.

Some people find warthogs with lipstick attractive. And that's OK. ??

 

[aquadoc]

Some people find warthogs with lipstick attractive. And that's OK. ??

True!

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I like some of the more conservative multi colored stems. In fact, I often prefer them. Some of them get a bit out there for me but if nobody liked them, the Carver's would quit making them. Somebody buys them.

 

[SpookedPiper]

I do not understand the aesthetic value of pairing a bright swirly dayglo purple acrylic stem with a beautifully carved briar bowl. It is similar to putting lipstick on a warthog. Someone change my mind since so many pipe are now sporting acrylic stems in every shade of nail polish.

This warthog has some lipstick but I am not sure it's as fancy as them stems you're talking about!

 

[voorhees]

I like color. Even black. There.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Why am I humming Hakuna Matata while reading this?

 

[Chasing Embers]

This warthog has some lipstick but I am not sure it's as fancy as them stems you're talking about!

View attachment 3193

 

[mikefu]

I am generally a traditionalist with pipes, but I really like the multicolored stems on some pipes, particularly Neerups. Something about the chunky Danish stummel with a well-shaped brightly marbled stem just does it for me.

 

[SpookedPiper]

The different color stems on Scottie Persel pipes are very tastefully done.

 

[danimalia]

I like a lot of the colored stems. I am pretty traditional when it comes to shapes, but I think some of the creative stem designs are awesome. Classic cumberland styles, some of the Peterson yellow and red, and marbles colors in general I tend to like. Scottie Piersel stems do look amazing. YMMV of course.

 

[warren]

Doc: You and I are not in the target audience for colored bits. I doubt they miss our moneys though.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I agree inasmuch that colorful swirly acrylic stems can sometimes look cheap or tacky.

Brindled vulcanite on the other hand... love it when paired with a subdued stummel.

 

[npod]

I mostly prefer only black stems. But I have very impressed by Fat Daddy Pipes (Tom Jock). I just confirmed a commission with him for one of his very colorful pokers.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I would add, why buy an Artisan pipe that looks like thousands of other pipes? One advantage to Artisan pipes, among many, is to own something that is at least a bit unique.