Stem replacements

[Winnipeger]

If the pipe is a good smoker, I'd still spend the forty bucks or so to have a new stem cut to fit.

In Canada, I was looking at having a new stem made for a meerschaum and it was going to cost me at least $130. For forty bucks I wouldn't hesitate either.

 

[WhiteCrown]

If the pipe is a good smoker, I'd still spend the forty bucks or so to have a new stem cut to fit.

I agree, but I didn't used to see it this way for grabow-class pipes. However, I realized a pipe with no stem is useless and I either have to spend the money to make it smokeable, or spend the same money to get a new one. Either way that same $40-50 gets me a smokeable pipe. With a stem replacement, I get one that's already broken in and is customized (as long as its a good smoker).