Anyone Hear Of The Km Kahraman?

[Click]

I assume it would smoke as well as any other KM.
It a Triple Pear KM Hence the 3 colored pear shapes on the stem.
If you want a tall KM. Go for it. The only thing that would be close to that height is the exotica. Which is sold out - http://shop.gothookahs.com/product.sc?cate...mp;productId=22

[mattarios2]

I assume it would smoke as well as any other KM.
It a Triple Pear KM Hence the 3 colored pear shapes on the stem.
If you want a tall KM. Go for it. The only thing that would be close to that height is the exotica. Which is sold out - http://shop.gothookahs.com/product.sc?cate...mp;productId=22

Well I am basically looking for the best KM in terms of pull and build quality in the low to mid 30 inch range, but that one did catch my eye. The tri-metal stem is real purdy imo as well. You have any recomendations for 30 and up KM's ?

[Click]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

[mattarios2]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

[Click]

They pull great that's for sure. The Stainless steel will overtime degrade/rust (credit to Fifth). Brass is easier to repair so I've been told. At this point if you are convinced that you want Brass then there are no KMs for you. New ones are still coming to the states in the next few weeks probably. I saw a picture of one that had a brass stem. So maybe you wanna wait?

[mattarios2]

They pull great that's for sure. The Stainless steel will overtime degrade/rust (credit to Fifth). Brass is easier to repair so I've been told. At this point if you are convinced that you want Brass then there are no KMs for you. New ones are still coming to the states in the next few weeks probably. I saw a picture of one that had a brass stem. So maybe you wanna wait?

Yeah i guess i'll wait. The MYA's I have, (according to the rep there) said they are all brass, and from the beating they've taken and the condition they are in, I'd say that they are all brass, b/c the insides of the stem still look perfect.

But who knows.

I guess I'll be waiting a lil longer.

Thanks click

[Bulldog_916]

http://hookahcompany.com/all_hookahs_37_ctg.htm

New KMs, knock yourselves out.

[NickReppinThe909]

I assume it would smoke as well as any other KM.
It a Triple Pear KM Hence the 3 colored pear shapes on the stem.
If you want a tall KM. Go for it. The only thing that would be close to that height is the exotica. Which is sold out - http://shop.gothookahs.com/product.sc?cate...mp;productId=22

Well I am basically looking for the best KM in terms of pull and build quality in the low to mid 30 inch range, but that one did catch my eye. The tri-metal stem is real purdy imo as well. You have any recomendations for 30 and up KM's ?

tri-metal FTMFW !!!!!!!!!

[mrmonk7663]

Ok guys, next time I go to Egypt I will let the board know and take requests.

[Click]

Those have all been on the site for a while. Maybe not the caramana. The "new" ones are still coming.

[mattarios2]

Those have all been on the site for a while. Maybe not the caramana. The "new" ones are still coming.

Yeah, I was gonna say that is it?

Those are all still stainless steel. I'm assuming the new ones will also be stainless steel still . We'll c

[clickhea]

why did they stop making the mashal

[mattarios2]

why did they stop making the mashal

B/C new ones are comming out, if a new mash'al is comming out, that is prob the one I will get. The mash'als are still brass correct?

[Rani]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

Everyone is always hot for a brass core and I own two myself. One in a KM and one in a Syrian. However, and this is a big however, before everyone gets on the brass is so much better bandwagon, one of the key ingredients in the making of brass is lead. Up to 8%. As brass degrades over time the lead is released. Don't believe me? Check out the new California Law AB1953 which goes into effect January 1, 2010 in which any faucet, pipe, pump, etc., that touches drinking water has to have a reduced lead content of .25%. The pipe and faucet companies are scrambling because they don't have enough substitute materials to make a lead free brass. Brass is an alloy that includes lead and we all know that's one of the worse things you can put into your body. So I have no problem buying new pipes that are stainless steel.

'Rani

[mattarios2]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

Everyone is always hot for a brass core and I own two myself. One in a KM and one in a Syrian. However, and this is a big however, before everyone gets on the brass is so much better bandwagon, one of the key ingredients in the making of brass is lead. Up to 8%. As brass degrades over time the lead is released. Don't believe me? Check out the new California Law AB1953 which goes into effect January 1, 2010 in which any faucet, pipe, pump, etc., that touches drinking water has to have a reduced lead content of .25%. The pipe and faucet companies are scrambling because they don't have enough substitute materials to make a lead free brass. Brass is an alloy that includes lead and we all know that's one of the worse things you can put into your body. So I have no problem buying new pipes that are stainless steel.

'Rani

Hmmm, I def beleive you but i'm gonna look into this right now to see what I can find.

Wouldn't you say though as long as you clean your pipe every 2-3 hookahs or so, and dry it with a blow dryer or use paper towels, there will be very little to no corrosion of the brass, and that lead will never get released? I would think as long as a brass hookah is cared for, there is nothing better. No?

Also i just found this : There is a method used by some small-scale beer brewers to reduce the amount of lead salts on the surface of fittings that come into contact with the beer using mild acid passivation . One simple method is to mix 2 parts common vinegar (5% acetic acid) with 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%), then soak the object in the solution for 5-10 minutes. The brass should turn a pale, dull yellow color; if it darkens, then the immersion was too long so the part should be cleaned and re-done in a new batch of the solution. There are also some commercial solutions designed for passivation of lead on brass fittings and fixtures. Do an Internet search on "brass passivation" to locate additional resources.

from this link : http://www.finishing.com/101/95.shtml

You think we could soak our brass hookahs in this solution to remove some of the lead? Edited June 14, 2008 by mattarios2

[Rani]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

Everyone is always hot for a brass core and I own two myself. One in a KM and one in a Syrian. However, and this is a big however, before everyone gets on the brass is so much better bandwagon, one of the key ingredients in the making of brass is lead. Up to 8%. As brass degrades over time the lead is released. Don't believe me? Check out the new California Law AB1953 which goes into effect January 1, 2010 in which any faucet, pipe, pump, etc., that touches drinking water has to have a reduced lead content of .25%. The pipe and faucet companies are scrambling because they don't have enough substitute materials to make a lead free brass. Brass is an alloy that includes lead and we all know that's one of the worse things you can put into your body. So I have no problem buying new pipes that are stainless steel.

'Rani

Hmmm, I def beleive you but i'm gonna look into this right now to see what I can find.

Wouldn't you say though as long as you clean your pipe every 2-3 hookahs or so, and dry it with a blow dryer or use paper towels, there will be very little to no corrosion of the brass, and that lead will never get released? I would think as long as a brass hookah is cared for, there is nothing better. No?

Also i just found this : There is a method used by some small-scale beer brewers to reduce the amount of lead salts on the surface of fittings that come into contact with the beer using mild acid passivation . One simple method is to mix 2 parts common vinegar (5% acetic acid) with 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%), then soak the object in the solution for 5-10 minutes. The brass should turn a pale, dull yellow color; if it darkens, then the immersion was too long so the part should be cleaned and re-done in a new batch of the solution. There are also some commercial solutions designed for passivation of lead on brass fittings and fixtures. Do an Internet search on "brass passivation" to locate additional resources.

from this link : http://www.finishing.com/101/95.shtml

You think we could soak our brass hookahs in this solution to remove some of the lead?

The lead molecules are bonded into the alloy.... Alloys are various base metals mixed together and heated into molten form prior to casting or milling. There's no way to remove it. It's part of the brass itself. It becomes "available" as the metals disentegrate over time and exposure to elemental molecules in water. So no, you really can't avoid exposing yourself to it. Brass fitting in piping systems are known failure points because brass is a relatively soft metal. Bronze is a close relative of brass, however, it uses different base metals and is then hardened. The safest longest lasting hookah in the world would have bronze interior, but bronze is very expensive to make and mill. For example a brass saddle for a 4" pipe runs about $300 (used to seal leaks in public water systems). A bronze saddle costs twice that and then some. So it's never going to happen that bronze is available in recreational products. Stainless steel is actually one of the safer materials for these kinds of applications because as steel disentegrates it reverts back to is base metal - iron. Complete harmless and even necessary in the human body unless you multiple the amount tenfold or more.

'Rani
'Rani

[mattarios2]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

Everyone is always hot for a brass core and I own two myself. One in a KM and one in a Syrian. However, and this is a big however, before everyone gets on the brass is so much better bandwagon, one of the key ingredients in the making of brass is lead. Up to 8%. As brass degrades over time the lead is released. Don't believe me? Check out the new California Law AB1953 which goes into effect January 1, 2010 in which any faucet, pipe, pump, etc., that touches drinking water has to have a reduced lead content of .25%. The pipe and faucet companies are scrambling because they don't have enough substitute materials to make a lead free brass. Brass is an alloy that includes lead and we all know that's one of the worse things you can put into your body. So I have no problem buying new pipes that are stainless steel.

'Rani

Hmmm, I def beleive you but i'm gonna look into this right now to see what I can find.

Wouldn't you say though as long as you clean your pipe every 2-3 hookahs or so, and dry it with a blow dryer or use paper towels, there will be very little to no corrosion of the brass, and that lead will never get released? I would think as long as a brass hookah is cared for, there is nothing better. No?

Also i just found this : There is a method used by some small-scale beer brewers to reduce the amount of lead salts on the surface of fittings that come into contact with the beer using mild acid passivation . One simple method is to mix 2 parts common vinegar (5% acetic acid) with 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%), then soak the object in the solution for 5-10 minutes. The brass should turn a pale, dull yellow color; if it darkens, then the immersion was too long so the part should be cleaned and re-done in a new batch of the solution. There are also some commercial solutions designed for passivation of lead on brass fittings and fixtures. Do an Internet search on "brass passivation" to locate additional resources.

from this link : http://www.finishing.com/101/95.shtml

You think we could soak our brass hookahs in this solution to remove some of the lead?

The lead molecules are bonded into the alloy.... Alloys are various base metals mixed together and heated into molten form prior to casting or milling. There's no way to remove it. It's part of the brass itself. It becomes "available" as the metals disentegrate over time and exposure to elemental molecules in water. So no, you really can't avoid exposing yourself to it. Brass fitting in piping systems are known failure points because brass is a relatively soft metal. Bronze is a close relative of brass, however, it uses different base metals and is then hardened. The safest longest lasting hookah in the world would have bronze interior, but bronze is very expensive to make and mill. For example a brass saddle for a 4" pipe runs about $300 (used to seal leaks in public water systems). A bronze saddle costs twice that and then some. So it's never going to happen that bronze is available in recreational products. Stainless steel is actually one of the safer materials for these kinds of applications because as steel disentegrates it reverts back to is base metal - iron. Complete harmless and even necessary in the human body unless you multiple the amount tenfold or more.

'Rani
'Rani

So once again, after you wash a brass hookah, as long as you dry it and not allow it time to corrode, you should never reach the point of lead or wear down of the brass much at all, right?

After I wash my brass hookah's I turn on my blow dryer and leave it in front of the pipe for about 3-4 min until it is really hot. then i let it sit for about 20 min to cool and when i put my hands in it or a paper towel it comes out completely dry. I would think as long as we take care of our brass pipes, the lead in the brass should never be an issue. But clearly you know more about metal than I do so what do you think?

[Bulldog_916]

I think in the long run, stainless is a better solution. It's lighter in weight, very durable, and is cheaper to make. Brass, while it's heavy and somewhat nice to smoke out of, is more expensive and exposes you to metal that one would probably rather not have in them. Just my .02

[Rani]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

Everyone is always hot for a brass core and I own two myself. One in a KM and one in a Syrian. However, and this is a big however, before everyone gets on the brass is so much better bandwagon, one of the key ingredients in the making of brass is lead. Up to 8%. As brass degrades over time the lead is released. Don't believe me? Check out the new California Law AB1953 which goes into effect January 1, 2010 in which any faucet, pipe, pump, etc., that touches drinking water has to have a reduced lead content of .25%. The pipe and faucet companies are scrambling because they don't have enough substitute materials to make a lead free brass. Brass is an alloy that includes lead and we all know that's one of the worse things you can put into your body. So I have no problem buying new pipes that are stainless steel.

'Rani

Hmmm, I def beleive you but i'm gonna look into this right now to see what I can find.

Wouldn't you say though as long as you clean your pipe every 2-3 hookahs or so, and dry it with a blow dryer or use paper towels, there will be very little to no corrosion of the brass, and that lead will never get released? I would think as long as a brass hookah is cared for, there is nothing better. No?

Also i just found this : There is a method used by some small-scale beer brewers to reduce the amount of lead salts on the surface of fittings that come into contact with the beer using mild acid passivation . One simple method is to mix 2 parts common vinegar (5% acetic acid) with 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%), then soak the object in the solution for 5-10 minutes. The brass should turn a pale, dull yellow color; if it darkens, then the immersion was too long so the part should be cleaned and re-done in a new batch of the solution. There are also some commercial solutions designed for passivation of lead on brass fittings and fixtures. Do an Internet search on "brass passivation" to locate additional resources.

from this link : http://www.finishing.com/101/95.shtml

You think we could soak our brass hookahs in this solution to remove some of the lead?

The lead molecules are bonded into the alloy.... Alloys are various base metals mixed together and heated into molten form prior to casting or milling. There's no way to remove it. It's part of the brass itself. It becomes "available" as the metals disentegrate over time and exposure to elemental molecules in water. So no, you really can't avoid exposing yourself to it. Brass fitting in piping systems are known failure points because brass is a relatively soft metal. Bronze is a close relative of brass, however, it uses different base metals and is then hardened. The safest longest lasting hookah in the world would have bronze interior, but bronze is very expensive to make and mill. For example a brass saddle for a 4" pipe runs about $300 (used to seal leaks in public water systems). A bronze saddle costs twice that and then some. So it's never going to happen that bronze is available in recreational products. Stainless steel is actually one of the safer materials for these kinds of applications because as steel disentegrates it reverts back to is base metal - iron. Complete harmless and even necessary in the human body unless you multiple the amount tenfold or more.

'Rani
'Rani

So once again, after you wash a brass hookah, as long as you dry it and not allow it time to corrode, you should never reach the point of lead or wear down of the brass much at all, right?

After I wash my brass hookah's I turn on my blow dryer and leave it in front of the pipe for about 3-4 min until it is really hot. then i let it sit for about 20 min to cool and when i put my hands in it or a paper towel it comes out completely dry. I would think as long as we take care of our brass pipes, the lead in the brass should never be an issue. But clearly you know more about metal than I do so what do you think?

Actually for an expert opinion ask Eric. I only know about the brass issue because I'm a project manager for a large So. Cal. new construction plumbing company and we're dealing with the issue constantly. Now that AB1953 is coming into play, all currently sold faucets are non-compliant with the exception of two new ones from Delta that use no metal in the "wetted surfaces" at all. They're changing their entire product line to this new technology but everytime I ask another manufacturer how they're going to handle it, their answer is "We're not releasing our technology to the public at this time, but we will be compliant." In other words they have no fucking idea what they're going to do. Pumps for boiler and booster systems (high rise), are going completely stainless.

'Rani

[mattarios2]

Looking at this pictures they are all stainless steel. Whether it's galvanized I dunno.

This hybrid has a brass core http://www.hookahcompany.com/hybrid_khalil...h_2190_prd1.htm

That's about it for brass KM's.

Ok so 1.) core means its like plated with brass right? and 2.) I bet KM's pull great, and smoke well and yada yada, but why would anyone want a GS hookah? I thought that was pretty much junk and will rust over some time. Am I way off here?

Everyone is always hot for a brass core and I own two myself. One in a KM and one in a Syrian. However, and this is a big however, before everyone gets on the brass is so much better bandwagon, one of the key ingredients in the making of brass is lead. Up to 8%. As brass degrades over time the lead is released. Don't believe me? Check out the new California Law AB1953 which goes into effect January 1, 2010 in which any faucet, pipe, pump, etc., that touches drinking water has to have a reduced lead content of .25%. The pipe and faucet companies are scrambling because they don't have enough substitute materials to make a lead free brass. Brass is an alloy that includes lead and we all know that's one of the worse things you can put into your body. So I have no problem buying new pipes that are stainless steel.

'Rani

Hmmm, I def beleive you but i'm gonna look into this right now to see what I can find.

Wouldn't you say though as long as you clean your pipe every 2-3 hookahs or so, and dry it with a blow dryer or use paper towels, there will be very little to no corrosion of the brass, and that lead will never get released? I would think as long as a brass hookah is cared for, there is nothing better. No?

Also i just found this : There is a method used by some small-scale beer brewers to reduce the amount of lead salts on the surface of fittings that come into contact with the beer using mild acid passivation . One simple method is to mix 2 parts common vinegar (5% acetic acid) with 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%), then soak the object in the solution for 5-10 minutes. The brass should turn a pale, dull yellow color; if it darkens, then the immersion was too long so the part should be cleaned and re-done in a new batch of the solution. There are also some commercial solutions designed for passivation of lead on brass fittings and fixtures. Do an Internet search on "brass passivation" to locate additional resources.

from this link : http://www.finishing.com/101/95.shtml

You think we could soak our brass hookahs in this solution to remove some of the lead?

The lead molecules are bonded into the alloy.... Alloys are various base metals mixed together and heated into molten form prior to casting or milling. There's no way to remove it. It's part of the brass itself. It becomes "available" as the metals disentegrate over time and exposure to elemental molecules in water. So no, you really can't avoid exposing yourself to it. Brass fitting in piping systems are known failure points because brass is a relatively soft metal. Bronze is a close relative of brass, however, it uses different base metals and is then hardened. The safest longest lasting hookah in the world would have bronze interior, but bronze is very expensive to make and mill. For example a brass saddle for a 4" pipe runs about $300 (used to seal leaks in public water systems). A bronze saddle costs twice that and then some. So it's never going to happen that bronze is available in recreational products. Stainless steel is actually one of the safer materials for these kinds of applications because as steel disentegrates it reverts back to is base metal - iron. Complete harmless and even necessary in the human body unless you multiple the amount tenfold or more.

'Rani
'Rani

So once again, after you wash a brass hookah, as long as you dry it and not allow it time to corrode, you should never reach the point of lead or wear down of the brass much at all, right?

After I wash my brass hookah's I turn on my blow dryer and leave it in front of the pipe for about 3-4 min until it is really hot. then i let it sit for about 20 min to cool and when i put my hands in it or a paper towel it comes out completely dry. I would think as long as we take care of our brass pipes, the lead in the brass should never be an issue. But clearly you know more about metal than I do so what do you think?

Actually for an expert opinion ask Eric. I only know about the brass issue because I'm a project manager for a large So. Cal. new construction plumbing company and we're dealing with the issue constantly. Now that AB1953 is coming into play, all currently sold faucets are non-compliant with the exception of two new ones from Delta that use no metal in the "wetted surfaces" at all. They're changing their entire product line to this new technology but everytime I ask another manufacturer how they're going to handle it, their answer is "We're not releasing our technology to the public at this time, but we will be compliant." In other words they have no fucking idea what they're going to do. Pumps for boiler and booster systems (high rise), are going completely stainless.

'Rani

gotcha, I would think as long as you dry em you'd be fine no matter what the hookah is made out of.

[mattarios2]

I think in the long run, stainless is a better solution. It's lighter in weight, very durable, and is cheaper to make. Brass, while it's heavy and somewhat nice to smoke out of, is more expensive and exposes you to metal that one would probably rather not have in them. Just my .02

Yeah but u cant assume all brass has lead in it. You also can't assume you will be exposed to the lead. And from what i've read the ss is galvanized steel not quite pure ss, which im told isn't so great.

[Rani]

I think in the long run, stainless is a better solution. It's lighter in weight, very durable, and is cheaper to make. Brass, while it's heavy and somewhat nice to smoke out of, is more expensive and exposes you to metal that one would probably rather not have in them. Just my .02

Yeah but u cant assume all brass has lead in it. You also can't assume you will be exposed to the lead. And from what i've read the ss is galvanized steel not quite pure ss, which im told isn't so great.

Galvanized steel and stainless steel are not the same thing, not even close. Galvanized steel cannot have water against it without electrolysis occurring which causes the molecules to migrate to the iron pipe. That's why we have to get special permits to use it in plumbing. Stainless steel is impermable to water though the calcium, etc., in tap water will damage it over time. And if "brass" doesn't have lead in it, then it isn't brass. Metal alloys are like any other receipe. You can use the same base to make one thing or another depending on the other materials you put in it. Like yellow, or red, or white gold. Some people can't wear white gold because nickel is used as the add-in to strengthen the gold base metal. But they're fine with yellow gold because it uses something else.

'Rani

[vaypourus]

Okay....

The metallurgy knowledge in this forum is really, really, bad. Y'all need to do some heavy reading before you start typing, because a lot of what I am reading here is wrong. Stop filling each others minds with fallacies.

And in case you want to know, I have heavy background in metals & machining. I studied for 2 years in machining and metal production classes, with the intent of becoming a mechanical/materials engineer. I received my BS in a different field completely, but thats not important. I know what I'm talking about, but go read for yourselves if you aren't convinced.

First off, "galvanized" means that a piece of iron or steel is hot dipped into molten zinc. Because the zinc is not bonded or combined with the steel (its simply a coating) a lot of zinc can be given off. Galvanized steel is used for primarily for outdoor fixtures, fences, roofing, etc. You will rarely find household items that are galvanized due to the health issues of zinc.

Hookahs are not made with galvanized parts. Period.

Secondly, brass is an alloy made of Copper and Zinc. It DOES NOT need to have other materials in it, including, but not limited to, lead...although some silicon is almost always added for stregth purposes. Lead, tin, cobalt, and iron free brasses are available on the open market, and sometimes used when the situation presents itself. The Brass found in hookahs most likely contains all of the above mentioned materials, although the airbourne lead released is negligible, if at all. Any lead that is released is most likely settled in the vase water.

Bronze is another copper alloy created by adding tin instead of zinc. Aluminum, silicon, manganese, and other trace elements are often added to the mix to affect color, hardness, grain size, and machinability. To my knowledge, bronze is not used in hookahs as it is generally more expensive (tin is pricey, which is why tin cans are not made of tin).

While I'm at it, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. Stainless steel is made by taking steel and adding any number of elements, including but not limited to chromium, manganese, molybdenum, suplher, phosphorus, nickel, and silicon. The grade of the SS defines the purity of the metals and the different mixtures. Stainless steel can still rust, as oxidation of the iron found in the SS can still occur. This is commonly observed in exhaust systems in cars. Generally speaking, our hookahs have low grade SS, although you shouldn't experience much rust or corrosion of the SS parts.

The downstem on the KMs is chrome plated steel, to the best of my knowledge. Other metals used in our hookahs includes SS of different grades, copper, brass, steel of different grades, and aluminum (usually chrome plated).

[mattarios2]

Okay....

The metallurgy knowledge in this forum is really, really, bad. Y'all need to do some heavy reading before you start typing, because a lot of what I am reading here is wrong. Stop filling each others minds with fallacies.

And in case you want to know, I have heavy background in metals & machining. I studied for 2 years in machining and metal production classes, with the intent of becoming a mechanical/materials engineer. I received my BS in a different field completely, but thats not important. I know what I'm talking about, but go read for yourselves if you aren't convinced.

First off, "galvanized" means that a piece of iron or steel is hot dipped into molten zinc. Because the zinc is not bonded or combined with the steel (its simply a coating) a lot of zinc can be given off. Galvanized steel is used for primarily for outdoor fixtures, fences, roofing, etc. You will rarely find household items that are galvanized due to the health issues of zinc.

Hookahs are not made with galvanized parts. Period.

Secondly, brass is an alloy made of Copper and Zinc. It DOES NOT need to have other materials in it, including, but not limited to, lead...although some silicon is almost always added for stregth purposes. Lead, tin, cobalt, and iron free brasses are available on the open market, and sometimes used when the situation presents itself. The Brass found in hookahs most likely contains all of the above mentioned materials, although the airbourne lead released is negligible, if at all. Any lead that is released is most likely settled in the vase water.

Bronze is another copper alloy created by adding tin instead of zinc. Aluminum, silicon, manganese, and other trace elements are often added to the mix to affect color, hardness, grain size, and machinability. To my knowledge, bronze is not used in hookahs as it is generally more expensive (tin is pricey, which is why tin cans are not made of tin).

While I'm at it, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. Stainless steel is made by taking steel and adding any number of elements, including but not limited to chromium, manganese, molybdenum, suplher, phosphorus, nickel, and silicon. The grade of the SS defines the purity of the metals and the different mixtures. Stainless steel can still rust, as oxidation of the iron found in the SS can still occur. This is commonly observed in exhaust systems in cars. Generally speaking, our hookahs have low grade SS, although you shouldn't experience much rust or corrosion of the SS parts.

The downstem on the KMs is chrome plated steel, to the best of my knowledge. Other metals used in our hookahs includes SS of different grades, copper, brass, steel of different grades, and aluminum (usually chrome plated).

good to know, thanks!!!

I wish I knew alot about metals. So after all that being said would you prefer a brass or ss stem and why?

Thanks again for the info.

[Bulldog_916]

So if the chroming breaks down and in any way exposes the (I would assume non-stainless) steel underneath, your hookah could rust?

Is the brass in KMs and others generally molded? As in, poured into a mold then popped out? Or is it machined brass? It makes a difference because machined brass is generally leaded. The lead addition makes it easier to machine to whatever shape you need. Edited June 15, 2008 by Bulldog_916