[Various (1967)] The makers apparently did not know how to thin the stem and their efforts often resulted in a round-based or stud stem, which is characteristic of the first five phases of the tradition. Variety: The Croton Half and Halfs. Asymmetrics as above. These forms are difficult to assign to a specific phase. Phase 3: THE BEACH STRAIGHT-UPS. The blade is narrow, straight edged, and parallel-sided. The stem is the Taconic stud or squared-off. Phase 4: