I don't understand the hesitation of buying a meerschaum or the thought of screwing up the pipe??? It's a pipe, just like a briar, a morta, a cob etc. but only made from meerschaum. Just buy one you like and enjoy it just as if it was a briar. There is no right or wrong way with a meerschaum pipe and there is no right or wrong type of meerschaum pipe; though I would avoid pressed meerschaum pipes. Any good vendor will have block meerschaum.
As I mentioned in the other similar thread, I have 18 meerschaum pipes from a variety of makers with a variety of tenon/mortise setups. They all smoke a bit different, but they all smoke great. I smoke mine in the heat, in the cold, in the shop, on the patio and/or at the park. I travel with mine as well. I handle mine just as if it was a briar, and treat them just like any other pipe. If you try to be extra cautious with the pipe you'll be more likely to probably drop the pipe and break it. Like I said, just buy one you like and enjoy it. You'll be glad you did.
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