Same - stumbled on a new, natural 9s (been looking for awhile) and it is on the way. Lucky I just happened to see it this morning (actually just saw this thread as well) --- I'd have probably ordered a 9B next week (not that there's anything wrong with having two new pipes, haha, but I also couldn't resist a natural SH Professor that showed up yesterday). Still can't enjoy them for quite awhile pending healing but I reminded the Mrs. the oral surgeon didn't say anything about not ordering pipes - honestly the off the pipe thing has me much more focused in terms of needs vs. wants and because I can't use them, I'm buying zero tobacco - win.
After closer look, it seems the shank, on the 9B, is less muscular and confident.
