Did you know that pipes have been used by humans for at least 4,000 years? There is evidence that pipes were used in ancient Egypt as early as 2000 B.C.
When you use a pipe, you are participating in an ancient human tradition. However, not all pipes are created equal. Whether you are looking to purchase your first glass hand pipe or you’ve already got a sizable collection, there are a number of considerations you’ll always want to take into account when you are buying a new pipe.
Hand pipes are often the first type of glass pipe smokers acquire, as they are widely available, small, and easy to use.
For that reason, we’ve put together a guide on what to look for when buying glass hand pipes.
Quality of the Glass
When you are looking to purchase glass hand pipes, you might assume that glass is glass is glass. Actually, though, nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s important that your new glass hand pipes are made of high-quality glass.
Some of the best quality options on the market include quartz and borosilicate glass. We highly recommend buying pipes that are made in the US, as they are typically made better and a lot easier to use than imported glass. Glass that comes from outside the US can be hit or miss, sometimes with percs that are placed incorrectly or that don’t work properly.
You’ll also want to take the blower’s skills into account. There can be a huge spectrum of experience and skill when it comes to glass blowing, and you’ll be able to notice the difference between the work of a skilled craftsmen and an amateur.
When you’re looking at a new piece of glass, check it for scratches and bubbles. In small quantities, it’s not a big deal, but too many of these might mean your piece will be more likely to break.
The Thickness of the Glass
Glass thickness is also an important consideration when you’re looking at glass hand pipes online or in-store. Even when you’re super careful, there’s a good chance you’ll end up dropping your pipe at one point or another. The thickness of the glass is what will determine whether it’s just a minor mishap or something that requires purchasing a new pipe entirely.
If your pipe is made out of thin glass, it will shatter easily or at least crack if it is dropped one time. Thick glass, on the other hand, will be able to withstand a bit more roughhousing.
When you are holding a pipe you are thinking of buying, you’ll want to feel its weight. It should feel substantial rather than light.
The range of thickness for glass pipes goes from 1mm on the low end to 9mm on the high end.
Consider Your Smoking Style
Choosing a glass hand pipe is a personal matter. You’ll want to think of your smoking style to make sure the pipe you buy will suit your needs.
For example, as a first-time smoker, you might choose a 3″ to 5″ basic spoon bowl. A more experienced smoker, on the other hand, might have much more specific preferences when it comes to their style of glass piece.
Are you new to smoking? If so, check out our list of ten things every weed smoker needs.
Suitability for Outdoor and Indoor Use
You’ll want to think about where you are more likely to use your pipe when making a purchasing decision. If you tend to use your pipe during outdoor adventures or otherwise in the great outdoors, you’ll want something that is durable, portable, and discrete. You might find that glass one-hitters are the perfect thing to fit your smoking style.
No matter which type of piece you’re looking for when it comes to outdoor use, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a pipe made out of thick glass.
If you prefer to use your pipe in the privacy of your own home, then you might choose something less portable like a bubbler or a steamroller.
Consider the Design
While you’ll want to take into account pragmatic considerations first when it comes to purchasing a pipe, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also think about the aesthetic considerations. There are so many creative and unique pipes out there for sale that you can definitely find one that suits your practical needs while also reflecting your personal style.
Why Choose Glass Hand Pipes?
Glass is a very clean material unlike some of your other options for hand pipe materials. This means that the glass only gets hot when you use it rather than creating toxic fumes or emitting flavors or odors.
Glass pipes can also be works of art in their own right, as glassblowers often mix in color pigments in creative and interesting ways. You can find pipes blown into fascinating shapes that’ll be a great addition to your smoking experience.
Are You Looking to Buy Glass Hand Pipes Online?
Hand pipes are a simple and ancient technology that has been used by humans for thousands of years. While early hand pipes were made from hollowing out animal horns and bones, the finest hand pipes these days are blown, hand-crafted, and practically sculptural.
At Brothers With Glass, we offer a curated selection of glass hand pipes, focusing specifically on American-made pieces. Unfortunately, many of the glass hand pipes online these days are made with super-thin glass that is filled with bubbles.
For that reason, it’s our mission to provide high-quality glass pieces that are one-of-a-kind. When you’re participating in such a longstanding cultural tradition, the last thing you want is to be using a flimsy, fragile, poorly constructed glass pipe.
To see what we have to offer, check out our glass hand pipe collection.
