Vulcanite Stem Oxidation Removal. The Natural Way

[bersekero]

Problem is that in the meantime, humanity has progressed, and nowadays we take showers every day, so there isn’t enough skin oil buildup — which means we’re forced to resort to beeswax for the stems.

 

[Briarcutter]

Problem is that in the meantime, humanity has progressed, and nowadays we take showers every day, so there isn’t enough skin oil buildup — which means we’re forced to resort to beeswax for the stems.

I don't think it was ever intended to replacing waxing, just a silly thing guys did while sitting around smoking their pipes. It does shine them though

 

[bersekero]

About barling pipes previously mentioned.
I've searched all European stores and all I could find are filtered pipes with acrylic stems. I'd really like a barling without filter and with vulcanite.
I've had so much of bad luck with estate dunhills from eBay, so from now on eBay will be my last resort.

 

[Briarcutter]

About barling pipes previously mentioned.
I've searched all European stores and all I could find are filtered pipes with acrylic stems. I'd really like a barling without filter and with vulcanite.
I've had so much of bad luck with estate dunhills from eBay, so from now on eBay will be my last resort.

Get a hold of Marty Pulvers at "Pulvers prior briar". He's a straight shooter and may be able b to get his hands on one for you. He's been in the biz for decades. He's not the only reputable seller but one that comes to mind first.

 

[bersekero]

I will check it out. Thanks a lot!!

 

[Sig]

No joke. I remember years ago guys rubbing their smooth pipe against their forehead or nose then rubbing the oil around their pipe. The oil does shine the pipe. I have no idea if it's actually good for the pipe but it dose shine it. I suppose facial oil would be considered natural though.

Except for the fact of what "nose oil" is. Nose oil contains salt, skin cells, and the sweat and skin bacteria that cause body odor. It doesn't smell at first, but once the bacteria dies, it stinks and can spread other bacteria.
Due to ANY oil being readily available in every household (olive, vegetable, grape seed, rape seed (Canola), avocado...), and because it works better at protecting your pipe, I dont really want to put stinky sweat and bacteria filled salt gunk on my pipe!

 

[ssjones]

Except for the fact of what "nose oil" is. Nose oil contains salt, skin cells, and the sweat and skin bacteria that cause body odor. It doesn't smell at first, but once the bacteria dies, it stinks and can spread other bacteria.
Due to ANY oil being readily available in every household (olive, vegetable, grape seed, rape seed (Canola), avocado...), and because it works better at protecting your pipe, I dont really want to put stinky sweat and bacteria filled salt gunk on my pipe!

It does not seem like the best body product to put near or on your mouth.

 

[bersekero]

Beeswax at its best

 

[ssjones]

Beeswax at its best

I have a tub of that, it was my fathers. It has to be 45 years old +.

 

[bersekero]

Mine is around 15 years old and it is still going strong. Great stuff. A minimal amount is required whatever you do with it.

 

[wyfbane]

From inside or outside the nose? I still can't understand if this is a joke or not.

I thought 'Off the side of your nose' was self explanatory. I will endeavor to be more understandable moving forward. It seemed much different than, "Grab a snot from your booger chest and smear".

 

[bersekero]

I thought 'Off the side of your nose' was self explanatory. I will endeavor to be more understandable moving forward. It seemed much different than, "Grab a snot from your booger chest and smear".

Ok the "inside the nose" was a joke. Apparently not a good one.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Ok the "inside the nose" was a joke. Apparently not a good one.

Nobody said "inside the nose" except you, if you knew, why ask? Seems to all be getting a little circular.

 

[GKChesterton]

Great to know! Thanks for sharing!

 

[xrundog]

Okay, I have two Kaywoodie stems from two Hand Made Super Grains. Same era, same kind of stems. Both heavily oxidized. I have cleaned the airways and saliva deposits and grime have been removed. I also brushed them with 000 steel wool to knock down the crusty stuff. I even flamed the bent stem a bit. It didn’t do much except stink. It’s just not for me. Plus, I think this stuff goes too deep. I’ll use Magic Eraser and water on the bent and add lemon juice for the straight.

 

[xrundog]

First session: I’m not seeing an appreciable difference. It’s a push.
I’m adding Soft Scrub cleanser for the bent stem next session.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

First session: I’m not seeing an appreciable difference. It’s a push.
I’m adding Soft Scrub cleanser for the bent stem next session.

On worse than that, soft scrub and very fine little sanding pads were all I needed - just took a lot of patience and way more time than I figured. Hope that's all you need, but if not, plenty here will help.

 

[xrundog]

It’s an experiment. After the second session the bent stem that I used Soft Scrub on looks marginally better. The lemon juice provides no advantage that I’m seeing.
This will take For Ever!
Breaking out the water and 800g now.

 

[bersekero]

That only proves that the american lemons are not so effective like the mediterranean ones!
Seriously now, I am sorry it didn't work for you. So my whole theory is falling apart. So wether the oxidation on my own stems was minimal and not deep or it was actually mouth crud like another member suggested. It looked very much like oxidation though but not at all so extended like in your stems.

 

[Ahi Ka]

That only proves that the american lemons are not so effective like the mediterranean ones!

Are you using limoncello?