Things I noticed on the first smoke:
1. It whistles when I smoke it too fast/hot. Both a blessing and a curse. I will need to try with a longer stem to see if that's the issue or the smoke hole.
2. I was taken by surprise when it smoked down to ash. Nice dry smoke and no relights.
3. The mouthpiece needs a finish. JW, you're right, beeswax woul be perfect, or Carnauba for the classic shiny look.
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My condolences on the missing meerschaum
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that has to hurt