Sometimes you just don't have time to roll one but need a quick puff. That’s why the smoking pipe exists! With a downstem and a bowl on the other side, it’s a marvel of a piece of engineering. But have you ever wondered how they’re made? Well it depends on the kind of pipe, but let’s break it down.
HOW GLASS PIPES ARE MADE
There’s several reasons to try a glass pipe:
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Glass is an inert substance, which means it won’t leach any flavors or smells into the smoke. So, the smoke is purely your herbs.
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Glass tends to withstand temperature changes pretty well, thus making a perfect material for a smoking device.
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Glass offers scope for a stylistic flair to your device. It can be personalized to your aesthetic.
The process of making glass hand pipes relies heavily on traditional glass blowing techniques. You start by adding heat to a tube of glass, which can either be broken into two smaller pipes or one large pipe.
In the case of a single pipe, it begins by applying heat to expand the glass into a fat cylinder. As it expands, the glass blower gently spins and stretches the glass to create the main neck of the pipe.
After the main neck is made, it’s time to make the bowl. Glass blowers do this by applying the torch directly to the end of the neck while simultaneously blowing into the cool end of the glass tube to create a bulb at the hot end. The glass blower maintains the shape by turning the glass as it is blown into.
Once the bowl is shaped, they do a step called the “bowl push” where they use a rod to gently press down in the center of the bulb. This is what creates the depression in which smokers pack their herbs. Then, a tool is used to create one hole for the mouthpiece on one side and the carb hole on the other. After this, they place the bowl on a flat surface so it indents a flat bottom so it doesn’t tip over during use.
For the final step, the mouthpiece is shaped and then they break the entire pipe off the of the initial glass tubing. Any irregularities are smoothened and its good to go!
HOW SILICONE PIPES ARE MADE
Silicone pipe crafting brings together the artisanal experience with modern manufacturing technologies. From the selection of premium-grade silicone to the perfectly crafted final product, each step in the process is meticulous to ensure the highest standards of quality.
After high grade silicone has been picked, the material is then prepared for processing, undergoing treatments such as mixing, degassing and molding to achieve the desired characteristics. Molding is the step where the raw material is transformed into intricate shapes and designs.
Curing and vulcanization are essential processes that impart strength, heat resistance and resilience to the silicone pipes. The pipe is subjected to heat and pressure to facilitate cross-linking of polymer chains. This process is what makes the product durable and long lasting.
At this stage, the pipe can be designed and serve as a canvas for artistic expression. Silicone’s inherent ability to retain pigment allows artisans an endless array of colors to play with in the coloration process. Silicone pipes can also be embellished with various patterns, textures and designs. Pipe design is also looked at in terms of ergonomics and functionality. Since silicone is so easily moldable, it can be shaped to provide the best possible grip to the user.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
If you’re looking to start your smoking journey with pipes today, Jonnybaba Lifestyle has you covered with a wide range of glass, silicone and wooden pipes. For your convenience, we have narrowed it down to our top 5 recommendations:
5. BABY YODA SILICONE PIPE - DESIGNER
Available in 8 different designs, this pipe represents the best of silicone pipes. The Baby Yoda Silicone Pipe is the perfect way to combine your love for Star Wars with your smoking sessions. This uniquely designed hand pipe features the beloved Grogu in his signature robes. Not only is this designed to perfection, but it's also a highly functional pipe.
This pipe is made out of durable, heat resistant silicone and comes with a deeper bowl with multiple holes that help reduce ash interference resulting in smoother hits. It comes with a built-in stash jar and dab tool for convenience. The best part? The components can be detached, making cleaning much easier.
The Baby Yoda Silicone Pipe is available at ₹999 only.
4. ANGELO PIPE CAPRI BROWN RING STRAIGHT
But maybe you’re looking for a classier option. The Angelo Pipe Capri Brown Ring Straight is a beautifully handcrafted smoking pipe that exudes elegance and sophistication. Made with the finest materials and attention to detail, this timeless piece is perfect for the discerning smoker.
This pipe is constructed from ebony wood, valued for its durability and rich, deep tones. This wood offers excellent heat resistance and a cool touch for an enhanced smoking experience. The apple-shaped briar bowl ensures optimal capacity for an even burn and rich flavour.
The Angelo Pipe Capri Brown Ring Straight is available at ₹4999 only.
3. RAW NATURAL PIPE
RAW’s excellence comes through in this beautiful work of artistry. The RAW Natural Pipe is made from hand-carved Bubinga wood, often used by world-famous musicians for their exclusive instruments like the shell of a high-end drum, in harps, luthiers and bass guitars.
The RAW Natural Pipe has a fully removable plastic mouthpiece, a canvas carrying pouch and a pre-loaded Corleone smoking filter.
The RAW Natural Pipe is available at ₹2499 only.
2. YACHTY BLACK MATTE BENT TOBACCO PIPE
If you’re looking for fine craftsmanship, why not try the Yachty Black Matte Bent Tobacco Pipe? This pipe is a refined example of German craftsmanship combining tradition with precision. Hand-carved from premium briar wood, this pipe is valued for its natural resistance to heat and moisture, ensuring durability and a superior smoking session.
The elegant bent design offers comfort and balance, while the 9mm filter system delivers a smooth, clean draw with every use. Each pipe is carefully shaped, polished and hand-finished by skilled artisans.
The Yachty Black Matte Bent Tobacco Pipe is available at ₹9820 only.
1. PIECEMAKER KONJURER
This Gandalf-style silicone hand pipe allows you to comfortably smoke like a wizard without the risk of breaking your pipe. The 12 inch Piecemaker Konjurer is a mammoth pipe with ease of flow and a large stainless steel bowl. Made from Food grade silicone, this pipe also glows in the dark and is dishwasher safe.
The Piecemaker Konjurer is available at ₹2199 only.
ACCESSORIES
But, it’s not just the pipe itself. You also need the correct tools to take care of your smoking pipe as well. We have some recommendations just for you.
PIPE REAMER CLEANING TOOL
Enhance your cleaning and pipework with the Stainless Steel Adjustable Pipe Reamer, tailored for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. This tool guarantees easy and accurate pipe preparation and deburring thanks to its strong design and ergonomic build.
The Pipe Reamer Cleaning Tool is available at ₹799 only.
ANGELO SENIOR PIPE REAMER
The Angelo Senior Pipe Reamer is a must-have tool for any pipe enthusiast, designed to maintain and clean your tobacco pipes with ease. Its primary function is to remove the carbon buildup, known as the cake, from the interior of the pipe bowl, ensuring optimal airflow and preserving the integrity of your pipe for a smoother smoking experience.
The Angelo Senior Pipe Reamer is available at ₹3499 only.
HIGH HEEL METAL PIPE HOLDER
Bring a little bling to your smoking experience with the stainless steel High Heel Metal Pipe Holder. Perfectly petite yet strong enough to hold up most smoking pipes, it is both durable and stylish. The unique “high-heeled sandal” design adds a touch of distinction, making it as much a work of art as a handy gadget.
The High Heel Metal Pipe Holder is available at ₹1999 only.
CONCLUSION
Whatever your smoking needs be, Jonnybaba Lifestyle’s World of Pipes has you covered with pipes of all kinds, be it silicone, glass, marble-wood hybrids or the good ol’ classic wooden pipe.
