Sherlock Pipes - Smoking Pipes | Grasscity

Our Selection of Sherlock Pipes

Sherlock smoking pipes take the classic style described in the novels and use it as the basis for truly stunning glasswork pieces. But these pipes are also functional! A good Sherlock pipe made from glass can pack a real punch, with a huge bowl, and some extraordinary bubbler designs.

As popular as Mr. Holmes may have been, it is not just the nostalgia of it all that draws people to these uniquely shaped pipes. After all, the Sherlock bowl is no larger than the average pipe bowl. The real draw is what the shape of the pipe creates.

The Sherlock pipe doesn’t offer a straight shot from the bowl to the mouth. Instead, it has a curve that gives the smoke sufficient time to cool before being drawn into your mouth and lungs. This simple change of airflow reduces the harshness of inhaling through straight dry hand pipes

The Different Types of Sherlock Pipes

Another reason this pipe is immensely popular is that it provides a number of options for consumers, coming in a variety of forms including:

Glass Sherlock Pipes - While a glass sherlock pipe may be more expensive than other options, they are often preferred by people seeking purer-tasting smoke and an eye-catching design. Just remember to handle these pipes with care to avoid breaking or cracking.

Some glass pipes offer special features like interchangeable bowls, allowing users to have larger than standard Sherlock bowls. Many glass Sherlock pipes also have carbs, typically located on the side or behind the bowl to allow users greater control over the airflow.

Metal Sherlock Pipes - The most durable pipe options, these pipes are easy to clean and offer a futuristic, Steampunk look. However, some people complain that the metal interferes with the smoke’s flavor.
Wooden Sherlock Pipes - Those remaining true to the image of Sherlock Holmes will be drawn to the wooden Sherlock pipe, as will those who want the durability and beauty of traditional hardwoods. Wooden pipes are also perfect for smoking dried herbs as well as traditional tobacco.

Alternatively, you may want to consider a Gandalf pipe (named after the beloved Lord of the Rings character), featuring elongated handles – some up to 12 inches long! This pipe is favored by people who prefer to light herbs at a greater distance, so the heat of the flame isn’t in such close proximity to their faces. Some versions of the Gandalf pipe allow users to add water to create a vapor.

The ultimate novelty smoking pipe. Sherlock pipes take their name and their distinctive look from the perennially popular Sherlock Holmes, the classic fictional detective. Although the pipe was originally made from wood in the novels, modern Sherlock Holmes pipes are usually made from glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sherlock Holmes Pipes - What to consider

Before buying your Sherlock pipe, there are a couple of factors to consider.

Sherlock pipes can be tough to clean since they have long chambers, tight spaces, and intricate glasswork. This leaves plenty of space for the resin to accumulate. While you can clean your Sherlock pipe with typical glass cleaning methods like isopropyl alcohol, you’ll need to take a lot of extra care to reach every nook and cranny.

In addition, Sherlock pipes lack portability. They are more showpieces than something to tote around town because they often have long, protruding parts. They can also be more fragile than a simpler, more compact pipe.

How does a Sherlock Pipe work?

Sherlock pipes feature a bowl at the end, where you place your herbs. Meanwhile, the mouthpiece is curved upwards and is further away from the bowl than spoons, for example. This design of the Sherlock pipe helps to cool the smoke before you inhale it through the mouthpiece.

Are Sherlock Pipes better than Spoon Pipes?

Sherlock Pipes are generally thicker than most spoon pipes meaning they are typically of a much higher quality. However, Sherlock Pipes are also less portable than spoon pipes and more time-consuming to clean.