Does the soapstone hold up better than a carbide scribe on pipe that's still above 200 degrees, or does it start to dust up after a few marks?

You mention noticing a HUGE difference after swapping pads, but how do you actually know the new pad wasn't just warmer from the start? Manufacturers don't really advertise how much R-value degrades over time, so are we just guessing based on feeling cold? Anyone got a solid way to measure this without buying a new pad every season?

My bender and I have a love-hate relationship, mostly because it keeps winning.

Grab a multimeter and check if it's even opening fully.

Blame a raccoon for anything long enough and people just start believing it... that's how half our household myths get started honestly. @reesea49 you might've stumbled onto the secret to getting away with anything, just gotta pick the right animal scapegoat.