The Pipe's Mouth Pieces

Though the bit may not seem the most important part of a pipe, it is the only part one holds in the mouth. Therefore, a proper fit is of major importance. Even the smallest defect (too thin, thick, narrow or wide) may result in unpleasant smoking. Mouthpieces come in many materials, of which vulcanite and lucite are the two most frequently used.

Vulcanite: Vulcanite is a dark-coloured variety of Indian rubber which has been subjected to vulcanization. Molded vulcanite mouthpieces have the advantage that they are easy to fit and therefore used on all industrial, machine made pipes. The disadvantage is that vulcanite discolours as a result of the oxidation of the rubber and that this material is not as strong as lucite and can be bitten through.

Lucite: Lucite or acrylic (hard plastic) mouthpieces have become very popular over the last years. This material, that is commonly used for mass produced pipes, does not discolour and is relatively strong. Lucite comes in a full spectrum of colours, ranging from clear to red, green, blue, metallic swirled patterns and deep black.

Amber: Amber, a vulcanised resin, has been used as pipe bit material since the 19th century. It is originally found on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Because of its wonderful colours (ranging from white to yellow to deep red), it is often used for prestigious high grade briars and meerschaum pipes. Amber has a fine structure and as a result, breaks quite easily.

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The Parts Composition of A Smoking Pipe

There are some parts of a pipe, they are bowl, heel, shank, stem, bit, bite-proof stem, amberoid stem, bakelite stem, amber, vulcanite, lucite, horn stem and bone stem.

BOWL: The part of the pipe that holds the tobacco.

HEEL: The base of the inside of the pipe bowl.

SHANK: The part of the pipe that joins the bowl and the stem.

STEM: The part that connects the shank with the bit. Examine it carefully. Its quality, finish and fit will reveal the maker's carelessness or attention to detail.

BIT: The part of the pipe stem that fits in the mouth. Also called the MOUTHPIECE.

BITE-PROOF STEM: A bit designed with a solid center portion at the mouth to prevent the "canine" tooth from punching a hole in it as readily as is done in a standard bit.

AMBEROID STEM: A fusion of Bakelite and pure amber - usually used with meerschaum pipes.

BAKELITE STEM: Trade name for a synthetic resin widely used for lacquers and varnishes and as a plastic. A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes. An alternative to vulcanite.

AMBER: brittle, feels like glass to the teeth - Usually used with meerschaum pipes.

VULCANITE: A dark-colored variety of India rubber that has been subjected to vulcanization : also called "hard rubber." A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes.

LUCITE: Trade name for a plastic. A common material used for the stem, especially of mass produced pipes.

HORN STEM: Animal horn - often found on inferior meerschaum pipes

BONE STEM: Animal bone - often found on inferior meerschaum pipes

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