I just celebrated my first anniversary of pipe smoking recently and have enjoyed every day thus far. When I started smoking a pipe (a MM Pride), I put a soft bit on it and on every pipe I bought subsequently. After 10 months or so of using them, I decided to try smoking with out the bits and found it easier on my jaw and and that it made for a more enjoyable smoking experience overall as losing the bulk of the soft bit afforded me more options in terms of where on my lips and between my teeth I can hold my pipe. It also forced me to actually hold the pipe in hand which I feel puts me more in touch with how hot the pipe is getting and also forced me to slow down - benefits all around. This all being said, I still do clench from time to time and find that some of my pipes are easier to clench than others. Obviously my lighter, smaller pipes are best for this. Which of your pipes are easy clenchers? I'm always on the hunt for my next favorite pipe and could use suggestions for smaller, light weight briars - under $50 if possible. Thanks as always for your input.
