Hand Blown Glass Pipes

With all of the variety available to consumers in the blown glass realm, smokers can find exactly what they are searching for in terms of portability, durability and effectiveness. Some of the more popular styles in glass pipes are spoons, hammers, bubblers, stand up water pipes, sherlocks, and chillums.

Each of these styles of glass pipe serves a different purpose for smokers. Some are small and portable, while others are large and cumbersome, meant for use in a single location. Depending on the smokers needs, some people may have 3 or 4 different varieties for different occasions.

Spoon pipes are very common amongst the smoking community. Typically the cheaper, more commonly purchased variety, spoon pipes are often the first style of pipe people acquire. They are typically very inexpensive, and will often last a long time if properly cared for. Pocket pipes are basically the same thing as a spoon pipe. They are meant to be very portable, often carried in a small pocket.

Chillum style pipes originated in India, where they are commonly used for smoking tobacco, cannabis, and other herbals. Typical glass chillums can range in size from 3-5 inches in length, and can accommodate anywhere from one to four "hits" or inhalations. The basic shape of a chillum is conical, meaning slightly cone shaped. Most glass chillums contain, or need to be outfitted with a metal screen, which prevents ash and other particles from entering the mouth/lungs of the smoker.

Glass bubblers and stand-up water pipes have drastically increased in popularity over the last few years. Smokers worldwide are realizing the health benefits associated with water filtered smoking devices, because they reduce the amount of unhealthy chemicals and ash that are present with dry pipes. Bubblers and stand up water pipes can be configured in many different ways, depending on the glass blower, and are considered to be some of the more artistic pipes you can purchase.

Hookahs are a very popular larger sized pipe model that are best used by multiple individuals simultaneously. A typical hookah pipe contains 2-4 hoses, through which smoke is inhaled. The inhaled smoke passes through water to filter out harmful deposits, as well as ashes, giving smokers a cleaner tasting tobacco or herb. Hookahs are typically large and immobile, making them a good choice for a stay at home piece.

After using a glass pipe for an extended period of time, you will notice deposits of tar and resin beginning to build up on the interior of the pipe. From time to time it is a good idea to clean your hand blown glass pipe because of a few factors.

• Clean Pipes Smoke Better


• Clean Pipes Taste Better


• Clean Pipes Look Nicer

To properly clean a hand blown glass pipe, there are a variety of methods to choose from. Using solvents like rubbing alcohol, and nail polish remover can quickly eradicate any resin or other harmful deposits, however you must ensure that when using these solvents you thoroughly rinse and dry the glass pipe.

Another method which has been used commonly is a saltwater bath, which is done by placing a glass pipe into a small tupperware or other plastic container along with 4-5 tablespoons of coarse salt and either water or alcohol. Place the lid firmly on the container and being shaking the container violently to ensure that salt and fluid enters the interior of the pipe. Combining the rapid shaking with the grit of salt and the solvent power of alcohol will quickly remove nearly all interior deposits and resin. With this method be sure to rinse thoroughly as well.

One other method which many claim works well is to place a glass pipe in the microwave tilted upward so that the mouthpiece is pointing down. Then microwave the glass pipe for 2 to 3 minutes, which will liquefy the resins and deposits inside the pipe, making them leak out of the bottom. this can get a little messy if you are not careful, and can also severely burn you. Take extreme caution when handling a microwaved glass pipe, as it will remain hot for a while.