Maintaining Vulcanite Stems in Canada and US!

[Sacred_summit]

I've always searched pipe questions followed by pipemagazine forums. It brings up a great deal of information. I'm sure I am not the only one!

I wanted to post an excellent solution, both for members of the forums and outsiders googling.

On amazon, you can find what is called butchers block conditioner (photo will be attached)

It is ready available with quick shipping for prime members and works fantastic!

It's essentially mineral oil, carnuba wax and bees wax all in one.

After every smoke I lather my stem with it and leave it be. Prior to my next smoke I buff it off and so far so good!


The first time I got my dream pipe I ran some of it through the inside of the stem via a pipe cleaner and will do so from time to time as well.


It is also excellent for rubbing on the outside of the pipe itself for shine and protection.


Here is a photo.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Such items not limited to Canada! Most hardware stores sell a similar (or same) product, some big chains as well. Mineral oil is even more widely available...

 

[Sacred_summit]

Such items not limited to Canada! Most hardware stores sell a similar (or same) product, some big chains as well. Mineral oil is even more widely available...

Thanks for the heads up!
I was never aware tbh. I knew about mineral oil, but not a product that had beeswax and carnauba wax mixed in.
I have to say this product is amazing. I have 4 Vulcanite stem Petersons now, soon to be 6. After using this stuff a few times a nice coating develops and the protection from oxidizing is amazing, it also keeps an extremely nice shine. After a smoke I simply rub down the stem with a tiny bit on my finger and leave it until I grab the pipe again, at which time I buff it off. I'm sure I have enough coating that if I went somewhere and couldn't maintain the stem for a few days I'd have nothing to worry about.
This stuff is awesome!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Expanded title, as Howards (and other products) are available in the States.

 

[Sacred_summit]

Expanded title, as Howards (and other products) are available in the States.

Thank you!

 

[mingc]

I use Obsidian oil and Paragon wax on my rubber bits religiously after every smoke before I put a pipe away. But the most important bit of maintenance anywhere in the world is to keep the bit away from light. Light tarnishes vulcanite without fail. I even go to the extent of making tubes out of black paper to go around my stems in order to keep light out.

 

[Roach1]

I use Obsidian oil and Paragon wax on my rubber bits religiously after every smoke before I put a pipe away. But the most important bit of maintenance anywhere in the world is to keep the bit away from light. Light tarnishes vulcanite without fail. I even go to the extent of making tubes out of black paper to go around my stems in order to keep light out.

Good tip. Thanks

 

[Choatecav]

You mentioned lathering up stem after a smoke, and leaving it until next needed and then you buff it off. So, I suppose it does best when left a while?? What if you want a quicker turnaround? Does it do well with an apply, dry and buff?

 

[sparker69]

I use mineral oil after every smoke, once I've passed the pipe cleaner. Let it sit overnight or for a few hours and buff it off. Works great. Even if it doesn't have the carnuba & bees wax. Don't seem to really need them.

 

[proteus]

I made my own version of Paragon and Halcyon. I find it's just as good and way way cheaper. I use it all over the pipes and it makes a deep rich finish and protects from burning the pipe edge too. I suppose mineral oil and wax combo would do that too. Lots of choices.

 

[revnatorade]

I use Burt bees chap stick when I'm done. It doesn't go away until I wipe it off for the extra smoke.

 

[Choatecav]

I use Burt bees chap stick when I'm done. It doesn't go away until I wipe it off for the extra smoke.

Ironic that you use chap stick for the stems. I carry some with me as I use it when smoking a cigar as it is perfect for repairing a cigar that has a loose wrapper leaf trying to unravel.

I'm starting to think chap stick has more uses than duct tape and Dawn dishwashing liquid.....