While I am not usually a fan of lighter-colored stems, I must confess that in this case the smooth, creamy white of both stem and ferrule are a pleasing match to the deep-red cherry finish applied to this pipe's finely shaped, and rusticated, bowl. Not only does this choice provide an excellently complimentary contrast in color, but also in visual "feel"; the smooth white truly making manifest the difference in texture between bowl and stem.
- Eric N. Squires