Pipe stem and teeth question?

[buffalo96]

Where should you "grip" the pipe stem with your teeth? My older POS pipes never seemed to hang just right from the flange at the tip of the pipe and "clutching" the stem in my teeth has marred up the Vulcanite stems. Now that I have a nicer pipe I was just wondering if the design intended it to be held at the tip or clenched in your jaw?
The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.

 

[captainsousie]

I had to get some softy bits for my nicer pipes since I didn't want to scratch up the stems with my bad teeth. Other than that, not much you can do other than try to hold rather than clench.
Welcome to the forum, it's a great place to hang out.

 

[sal57]

By the teeth for me,everyone I ever had and the new one i just got I did some custom work to the stem to fit me.

 

[gray4lines]

If you can "hang" the pipe from your teeth, with the button anchored in em, then you don't have to clench as hard. As you mentioned, some pipes have an easier stem to grasp.
I can sort of anchor my pipes in my teeth using the button, but when I need to clench, it's usually pretty close to the end of the stem, just short of the button.

 

[metarzan]

The full bent in your avatar looks like it would hang nicely. I prefer them like that, where they rest on the chin and the lip of the bit keeps it from slipping out. On the other hand I have a couple ginormous pipes that I have to do a molar clench if I want to go hands free! When you find a bit style that works for you it sure makes the whole experience more pleasant.

 

[dlattim]

I usually smoke with my pipe clenched in between my second and third molars canted off to the side slightly. It works quite well for me. Not much pressure needed. Having a bent pipe helps. You'll know when you find the sweet spot in your mouth. If clenching is strained or done with much effort you will develop a sore jaw.

 

[taerin]

I designate some of my pipes "clenching pipes" and some "non-clenching pipes" if I want to clench in my teeth a non-clenching pipe, I use a pipe softy, since their rubber makes me sick to my stomach, I generally don't do it. For the car, I have been playing with it, I think I may be pipe softy bound because of the constant movement and my very sharp teeth. Naked clenching works much better for me on vulcanite when I am stationary.

 

[ssjones]

I'm not a clencher, but like buttons where I can hold the pipe for a short period with my top teeth and lip where it can dangle safely (all bent pipes).