Thread: Sterilizing the stem of a pipe

Originally Posted by Pyrateknight

Thanks JimmyHAD. The only thing I could find was the bleach treatment and I knew that would be bad on the metal. There isn't really any oxidation. I was thinking about just alcohol and a scrubbing and you seem to agree.

Yeah I've done a lot of them like that. I've used the bleach treatment on badly oxidized stems too. That will leave a 'pebble grain' finish to the vulcanite. I've been told that it can be brought back shiny with 1k grit sandpaper but I just hit them with a bit of olive oil and a paper towel after the bleach. If you ever use the bleach you need to rinse them out well. It doesn't add to the flavor of the tobacco.

+1 On bristle pipe cleaners soaked in alcohol. I normally use the 90% isoproplyl as it evaporates a bit more thoroughly but 75% would work just fine. Run the pipe cleaners through until all internal goo is removed and your pipe cleaner comes out clean. After that run a dry one through a couple times to remove any excess and you'll be in good shape.

For the exterior of the bit mild abrasive is the key. Over the years I've had good luck with anything from figernail buffers to xtra fine steel wool to baking soda on a tooth brush. Once all the oxidation has been scrubbed off, I normally apply some rubbing compound and buff with a dry, soft cloth.

+1 on bristle cleaners and alcohol for germ killing.

For oxidized bakelite stems I first soak the stem (NOT the briar) in something akin to ArmorAll (I do not use this product). After a few days I then start buffing with rubbing compound or very fine sandpaper. If necessary, I will resoak the bit and then resand/buff. IIRC, the oxidation is a result of oxyen, UV rays and the sulfur in the bakelite.

Once the stem is all black I buff until it is nice and shiny. Then I apply several coats of carnuaba wax. Also, keep the newly restored pipe out of sunlight. PM me if you want the manufacturer's name of the products I use.

Dave

There are two things here: sterilizing and polishing.

As mentioned, bleach is not recommended because of the aluminum tenon, though I did a couple of aluminum tenon pipes with a 50/50 bleach/water solution and others with Oxyclean and they are none the worse for wear. My polishing went through a progression from 600 right up to 12k micromesh. Then I used some stem polish to protect them. Probably overkill, but it was fun.

Here are my restored stems from a few different pipes, all with aluminum tenons:
Before:


After:


Full thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/finer...sportsman.html

A couple more:
Before