So as I keep smoking I'm becoming even more particular. I really like to clench and if a pipe doesn't clench well it likely won't get much use. The issue I'm having is, the only stems that clench comfortably for me are MM cob and Grabows. MM cob stems/bits are small in width, and the bents bend at the right place and the right way - man they just sit there between my teeth perfect. I also slight prefer the regular black ones as they are softer and take some pressure. I'm a little disappointed because this really limits me in terms of what pipes I'll buy and can experience. So, I'm wondering, anybody else feel the same, and what pipe makers make pipes similar in weight to MM and a similar stem/bend/bit?
Its All In The Stem...For Me
- Thread starter dcicero
- Start date
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As long as they're not acrylic I'm not picky. Never bit down on one either. When I had teeth or use dentures I just hang the button on my lower teeth and balance with the uppers to let the pipe dangle. Without the dentures I hold the button against the roof of my mouth with my tongue.
No issues with clenching any of my pipes. But there are certain pipes that are just more comfortable. And depends on the day, things feel better or worse.
Figure out how to visually inspect from the picture usually given.
I'm sure there are numerous options out there for you. Just a matter of figuring out how to tell what sort of button you like by sight.
You can always commission pipes made to your specifications as well, if you have the means.
You can always commission pipes made to your specifications as well, if you have the means.
While I am more of a "holder" than a "clencher", I really understand where you are coming from. If the bit of any of my pipes doesn't feel quite the way it should, there are no redeeming factors that can set things right for me. That being said, I have encountered bits that felt uncomfortable in pipes from makers that usually work for me just fine, so it is a matter of hit or miss, I guess. The quest for the perfect pipe is part of the whole fun, though, after all. I am sure you will find pipes that'll do the trick for you.
Assuming you’ve tried many other stems from other makers other that MM & Grabow...then it sounds like the bulk of your future expense will be toward quality ?. MMs are great & cheap. ?
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You might try contacting the MM factory or Grabow and see if you can buy some stems. Technically, they are not vulcanite - a hard rubber - but a softer cast plastic. Vulcanite comes cast in a variety of shapes or in rods. In rods it has to be machined and hand cut. They might be able to tell you where they get their softer stem material or sell you some shapes. Any pipe can be fitted with any stem material and filed to a thickness and shape you like.
Not sure if it applies to your situation. Have you tried any full/3/4 bent pipes which changes how the pipe hangs, and requires much less pressure to hold in your teeth. May make a wider selection of bit shapes more appealing.
I thought it interesting you said what you did about MM stems. That's exactly what I said to my first prospective carver for a commission pipe. "I don't know the measurements etc... but the button I like is the MM cob." A pipe carver can certainly match that closely so you get more of what you like. As to hardness, I'm not sure other than acrylic likely isn't too comfy.
Perhaps seek out or experiment with slightly smaller bits regardless of hardness and use some tape wrap or the softy bit covers to bring to desired softness and girth. To me it makes a cob stem too bulky but if the stem were designed slightly smaller it could be a solution.
Perhaps seek out or experiment with slightly smaller bits regardless of hardness and use some tape wrap or the softy bit covers to bring to desired softness and girth. To me it makes a cob stem too bulky but if the stem were designed slightly smaller it could be a solution.
I’ve recently discovered that my MM cob straight, black regular stem fits perfectly into my Stanwell with Miltary Mount. Since it’s friction fit it’s perfect and actually looks like it belongs there.
Using it will preserve the original Stanwell stem and I can change these out for .64 cents each.
Try MM stems on other Military Mounts for fit.
Using it will preserve the original Stanwell stem and I can change these out for .64 cents each.
Try MM stems on other Military Mounts for fit.
A good way to look at it!Assuming you’ve tried many other stems from other makers other that MM & Grabow...then it sounds like the bulk of your future expense will be toward quality ?. MMs are great & cheap. ?
I have. I'm not sure I understand all the terminology really, but the shape and bend that feels the best is similar to this -https://wvsmokeshop.com/cart.aspx - half bent? I actually looking at that to buy now.
I have a couple of large size 6 full-bent pipes (a Peterson Sherlock Holmes Lestrade and a Castello 93 Searock KKKK). Despite their size and weight, they hang/clench effortlessly because of their bent stem.
Also straight or slightly bent pipes with shorter shanks/stems are easier to clench than longer pipes.
It does pay to find out the weight of the pipe - some briars are much lighter than others. I have a Stanwell which is a true featherweight, and clenches comfortably despite being over 6inches in length.
The last consideration is the softness of the stem material. A lot of
Forums members have a stated preference for vulcanite over acrylic stems because of their softer and more "give" bite. The thinness and width of the "bite zone" is another consideration.
I tried to use the web address here, it takes me to an empty shopping cart?
Not your everyday stem deal, but this collection of cheroot holders is priceless. (Though asking only $4K.....)
