They just don’t make pipes like they used to, eh? No really, they don’t! We know because we’ve studied the designs. The parts of a pipe are much simpler these days, or there’s often just one part, as in the case of the increasingly popular silicone pipe. Although these smoking accessories are helpful when you’re on a budget or even on the go, more complex and high-quality pipes tend to have more parts. Read on to learn about the parts of a pipe and the mechanics that go into pipe smoking.
Why Should I Care About My Pipe’s Parts?
Understanding how your pipe works isn’t just a party trick you can whip out to impress your stoner friends at the next sesh. While they might be impressed (I mean, who wouldn’t be) there’s so much more to it than that! First of all, a basic understanding of the anatomy of a pipe will help you in the process of elimination when comes to figuring out why your pipe is clogged or not smoking properly. Secondly, it’s about appreciating the artistry that goes into making a pipe, the design, and even the basic physics of how a pipe works. Geeky, we know!
Traditional Pipe Parts
It’s handy to lay a foundation when it comes to pipe parts. After all, traditional pipes are where today’s modern pipes descended from. Here are the parts of a classic wooden pipe:
Stummel (front end of the pipe)
- Bowl
- Pot chamber
- Draught hole
- Shank
Stem (back end of the pipe)
- Tenon
- Bit
- Button
Of course, these parts will vary depending on the material and design of the pipe. For example, corn cob pipes often have extra parts, including a ferrule, mortise, and filter. Furthermore, Sherlock pipes usually have a special feature called a saddle on the stem that allows for improved grip. Both of these nuances have to do with the material the pipe is constructed from. Consider that the more flammable corn cob pipe will need more filtering, and the added weight due to the Sherlock pipe’s shape means the stem requires more support.
The Parts of the Brockton Mk2
Taking a page from the history books, but still making the design our own, The Brockton Mk2 takes the best of traditional pipes but brings them into the 21st century. Fashioned from chrome-plated brass, this pipe also features the following parts:
- Bowl
- Magnetic lid
- Pot chamber
- Draught hole
- Mouthpiece
- Lip
All pipe smoking experiences begin the same way, packing the bowl and placing your lips on the mouthpiece. In a classic pipe, as soon as the flower is lit, air begins to run through the bowl to the pot chamber and up through the draught hole, and into the stem. However, with the Brockton Mk2, the mechanics of smoking are unique. Mostly, because the flame never touches the flower directly, which minimizes combustion and keeps the smoke cool. Also, since there is a magnetic lid covering the bowl, the airflow is controlled, allowing the smoker to get a smooth, yet full-bodied hit from the pot chamber into the draught hole and finally out of the mouthpiece.
Time to Enjoy
If you’re passionate about pipe smoking, it never hurts to learn the ins and out of your gear. Doing so can help you keep your pipe working properly, as well as guide you in your search for new accessories that fit (or don’t fit) your needs based on their parts and specs. For more smoking accessory tips and tutorials, check out the Parkdale Brass blog. If you are looking for infographics or more cannabis education, hop on over to our Instagram! Also, don’t forget to peruse our accessories in The Parkdale Brass shop!