pipemakersforum.com

I need to buy some more ebonite rod for stems, and saw I can buy it polished or unpolished.

It has been a while since I bought the stuff, and don't remember what I bought. Does it make a difference which I buy?

Unpolished is cheaper, but you lose a millimeter or two in useable diameter, whereas you can use the polished all the way to the widest point.

I prefer unpolished it is a little cheaper but also that skin helps protect it during storage which can be several years for me. I found the polished rod will oxidise slightly on the outside so I end up losing material anyway.

Un-polished, gives me some room and by the time I use it, I have to polish it again!