In the days of yore...

[xrundog]

I generally handle a pipe at the shank. But I'm not overly careful with meers. Kaywoodies tend to color at the shank anyway because the Drinkless attachment keeps moisture there and it soaks in unless it's cleaned each time. A nicely colored meer is great. But I smoke meers because I like the flavor a good one can impart or bring out in a tobacco. I've heard of the white glove treatment. It's not for me. I will wash my hands if they are really dirty though.