HAND-BLOWN GLASS
Every tobacco shop around carries smoking accessories and tobacco pipes. You might even see the same style of glass pipes at different tobacco shops near you. What makes the glass We carry different from what the other shops carry?
Let me answer that question for you: Quality.
Quick Question - Did you know that the material of glass used for tobacco pipes can vary in quality and coloration? That's right, two pipes can be made in the exact same style but the material used is what makes the two drastically different. The material used to manufacture pipes include Borosilicate Glass, Pyrex, Quartz, and more.
What makes each of the options uniquely different?
Hand-Blown glass is manufactured in a smaller capacity which means that each piece is hand-made with care and is less likely to have manufacturing defects that could jeopardize the integrity of the glass. The glass materials used for the glass-blowing process is ordered by the glass blower and can be specially ordered to achieve different colors, designs or features. (Such as limited-edition colors, black light reactive colors and color-changing materials). When tobacco pipes are made with this material the coloration will remain vibrant, even if you soak it in glass cleaner for hours.
Which one should you buy, and why?
The answer to that question partially depends on what kind of tobacco blend you intend on smoking. Most tobacco consumers use a standard lighter to burn their dry tobacco blends, so the glass pipe isn't being exposed to as extreme temperatures as it would if it was used for consuming concentrates. Tobacco concentrates require a much hotter heat source to vaporize correctly, so consumers need a glass material that can withstand the extreme heat without compromising the integrity of the pipe. That means dry herb tobacco blends can be utilized with most tobacco pipes but concentrated tobacco can not be used with just any glass pipe. I mean, technically you can try.. but you might not get the best results.
Let's talk more about the materials..
Quartz Glass, also known as the best of the best in the smoking world, can endure the highest of temperatures. It is made by melting silica sand, which binds the quartz crystals within them; thus creating a bond stronger than a 1920s marriage. Quartz bangers typically have a melting point of around 1800 degrees Fahrenheit meaning it can endure the highest of temperatures when made properly. That makes Quartz Glass ideal for users who enjoy consuming concentrates because concentrates require a much hotter heat source than dry herbs do.
Why Buy Borosilicate?
Borosilicate glass is made of boron and silica, which is less susceptible to thermal expansion and can typically withstand temperatures up to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. We don't expect the glass to get as hot as the sun, but the close proximity of the heat source to the pipe can expose the pipe to pretty extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures and improper heating methods can cause the quality of any glass material to decline substantially. Borosilicate glass is like the next best thing to Quartz, it can withstand extended periods of heat exposure without melting like regular glass does.
The flavor of your concentrate will not be effected by what material of glass you're using to smoke; however, the integrity of the glass can be effected by how often you're smoking.
Think of it this way - Do you want Quality or Quantity?
Would you rather pay $20 for an item that you know will become unusable, resulting in more purchases down the road OR would you rather invest $80 into one, really awesome item that will last longer than your high-school t-shirt? It's a no brainer, that high-school t-shirt is your fave.
So, in conclusion..
If you're utilizing dry herb product in your tobacco pipe you can get away with using any of the glass options listed above; however, if you are using concentrated tobacco products in your pipe we would suggest that you use Quartz or Borosilicate glass pipes.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for the next Blog Topic.