Why can't Missouri Meerschaum include stronger stems on their cobs?

peter cornbriar · Oct 10, 2024

MM has just recently introduced strong acrylic stems on a 2 or 3 of their pipes- at about double the price. How hard would it be to put strong acrylic stems on most of their pipes? Those cheap plastic stems get crimped so easily.
I figure, adding a $3-4 upcharge to the price and by using identically shaped stems, would not break their bank. Or how about this: Provide an option to choose strong acrylic stems with most cobs at an upcharge, but not doubling the cost of the pipe?
Thoughts?
Peter

Bluecow · Oct 14, 2024

Vermont Free hand. Just a standard stem in black, Lucite, $18.00. Sadly, I think your $3-4 upcharge is a ...... wait for it...... Pipe Dream

peter cornbriar · Oct 14, 2024

Oh that's precious, Bluecow...

Bluecow · Oct 14, 2024

peter cornbriar said:
Oh that's precious, Bluecow...

Thank I was wondering if you would take offence. I'm just too stupid to shut up.

Gaius Marius · Oct 16, 2024

Dohohohoho
That was terrible and what's more terrible is that I laughed at it.

I sincerely wish MM cobs had the option for nicer stems. I love a cob but I really dislike plastic stems and I think it would be much better to have something like vulcanite or some other material.
I think it'd be real cool if somebody who works with stone could make stems out of a soft rock like soapstone.
Stem material is definitely something I think many a pipe manufacturer could and should do some experiments with.

Get yourself a pack of 50 small softy pipe bits for a few bucks off of Amazon. They go on the end of the stem like a foreskin and prevent you from messing up the stem with your teeth. Also make for a better experience in general.

PawPaw · Oct 19, 2024

The Vermont Freehand stems are very nice , but change the feel. They are much thicker.
I just prefer the cheap plastic stems from MM. Replacements are dirt cheap from MM.