Its All In The Stem...For Me

[hoosierpipeguy]

The only thing that makes the MM stems clench okay for me is they're soft. And the pipe use very light. If that same Stem design were acrylic and on a 55 great pipe, it would be horrible IMHO. Jack Howell does the best stem work of any pipe I've smoked. Rad Davis, Jose Rubio and Ryan Alden are right there as well. Thin, wide, relatively flat and a decent button. Try a really great stem and you won't be impressed with the MM stems.

 

[biz]

Pipes properly weighted and balanced with good stems are good clenchers. That's the only thing that makes a good clencher. Some are some aren't. Grabows, and MM's are small light weight pipes, so it's easier to clench. That's the whole story.

 

[biz]

I also will add, p-lip stems are easy to clench

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

I find I like acrylic stems.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I find I like acrylic stems.

 

[edger]

If the OP is as horrified by oxidization as I am, he will explore custom acrylic stems. You have some control over thickness, width and button. I wish you well.

 

[Chasing Embers]

If the OP is as horrified by oxidization as I am, he will explore custom acrylic stems. You have some control over thickness, width and button. I wish you well.

Juma is another option. Vulcanite softness with no oxidation.

 

[KafkaStoleMyBike]

This has be a very interesting read so far- I’m a clencher, and often smoke while driving and am unable to really dedicate a hand to a enjoyable pipe. I have a couple of MM cobs that I use for aromatics, and find their soft stems easily form impressions with my teeth, thus becoming better “clenching” pipes over a few weeks time. The lack of oxidation is an added benefit, but I’m a glutton for punishment and don’t mind cleaning vulcanite stems.

Another thing to think about is overall pipe weight; a very light pipe is much easier to clench, and I have found a decent selection of light pipes that fit my smoking style. A light pipe also exacerbates other issues, such as heat and moisture, but a more enjoyable smoke and lack of a sore jaw are a good trade-off in my book.

 

[burleybreath]

Get used to the softee bit covers when needing to clench. I went from gagging to distaste to acceptance in only a decade or so. You too can do it! ?

 

[jpmcwjr]

I clench a lot, and cannot stand the feel of softee bits. To each his own.

No chatter marks either, nor teeth problems attributable to clenching.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

Sorry guys, Vulcanite or hard black rubber just reminds me too much of some old Esterbrook pens I've restored that smell like burning tires. Sure for clinching its a better material than acrylic, I will concede. While the cheap plastic stems on the less expensive MM cobs is lite, it feels like ...well, cheap plastic...LOL!!