Missouri Meerschaum Shank Crack

[Akoni808]

This has never happened to my "standard design" corncobs like Diplomat, General, Washington etc. but shank cracking did weirdly occur on all my fancy Cobbit Collection pipes. I think it's because the Cobbit line was crafted with its primary purpose in mind: to be sold mostly as hipster toys or collectible items rather than reliable smoking tools. I won't buy fancy collectable cobs anymore.

Is that possible that the C&D merchandise line could have a similar problem?

I think the problem lies in the tenons fitting too tightly in the mortise. This weakens the shank, which then expands with heat and moisture. I could be wrong though. My emerald cob had a looser stem that fits nicely, and I’ve had no cracking. Both C&D stems fit very tightly.

 

[cersono]

That could be.
I also think it might be because of a slightly different (cheaper?) wood the non-standard shanks are made of.

 

[Akoni808]

That could be.
I also think it might be because of a slightly different (cheaper?) wood the non-standard shanks are made of.

That might be for the cobbit series. The C&D shanks seemed standard. The standard lines use a lot softer plastic for the stem than acrylic, which is more pliable furthering my theory.

 

[Ahi Ka]

That might be for the cobbit series. The C&D shanks seemed standard. The standard lines use a lot softer plastic for the stem than acrylic, which is more pliable furthering my theory.

You should switch out one of the c&d stems for a forever stem and see if there’s a difference.

 

[Akoni808]

You should switch out one of the c&d stems for a forever stem and see if there’s a difference.

Once the shank completely gave out on the C&D MM, I took the stem and put it in a MM country gentlemen. It was a perfect fit and I’ve had no problems.

I do want to get a forever stem though. This is a good excuse.

 

[augiebd]

I have a crack like that in one of my emerald cobs and it hasn’t been smoked a lot. I’m not too concerned, adds character.

 

[mso489]

I have several of the C&D editions over four or five years with no problems, and none on other MM products. MM does very high volume, probably the greatest number of pipes among U.S. factories, so the opportunity for some bad materials and bad pipes is there.

I wouldn't remove the stems unless you have to. Don't make it part of your regular after-smoke cleanup. Just do the pipe cleaner and scoop and wipe out the bowl. Only remove the stem if you have to, to minimize stress on the shank.

The replacement cost on these pipes is modest, but in my experience, they last many years with no problems.

 

[Akoni808]

I wouldn't remove the stems unless you have to. Don't make it part of your regular after-smoke cleanup. Just do the pipe cleaner and scoop and wipe out the bowl. Only remove the stem if you have to, to minimize stress on the shank.

How do you clean the tip of the tenon that is bound to carry moisture and build up?

 

[Bassman65]

I don’t see cobs as disposable, but i am convinced that dirt, grease and a general heavy-handedness (read clumsiness) actually makes them stronger. Interesting that you have found this only with the C&D models.

I’m the same. For the price in U.S. dollars plus shipping they get pricey!

 

[MattRVA]

When I get a cob with a tight stem like that I like to gently run some sandpaper over the tenon, just enough to take a hair off.

 

[bullet08]

Elmer's glue.