Why Ceramics is the Best Material for and Smoking Pipes
There are a lot of things we take for granted in our everyday life, or things we just choose not to question. We just accept things for the way they are regardless. But it is curiosity that has helped mankind progress and inspires further ingenuity and progression.
One of those questions you sure to have asked yourself at some point is “Why ceramics? What mastermind came up with this idea?” It’s all down to years of evolution and engineering our environment to ensure our species’ survival. Yeah, pretty Meta.
At Cosmos Art Ceramics, we are committed to not only providing the best assortment of pipes; but also act as a consistently reliable source of information to inform our consumers about products. they are buying.
So with that in mind, let us explore the question: why is ceramics the best material for bongs and pipes?
Ergonomics
One of the main reasons for why ceramics is such an excellent material for pipes, is all down to the scientific practice of ergonomics. What on earth is ergonomics? Simply put, ergonomics is an applied science that involves designing and arranging things people use regularly so that they may function efficiently, but most of all safely. Every product you come into contact with in your daily life will have been ergonomically designed to some degree so that you may safely use it.
In the case of pipes, ceramics has been chosen as the primary material for a number of reasons, all involving your five main senses.
Touch
We all know that glass is considered one of the most fragile materials for smoking devices, but the ceramics used to make bongs and pipes are not fragile. Ceramics specifically used for pipe goes through a process known as annealing, meaning the ceramics is considerably strengthened.
Ceramics is among the most easily moulded and fastest produced materials for bongs and pipes. Glaze provides a smooth surface that is easy to grip and is very easy to clean.
Taste
If you have ever owned a wooden, silicone or metal pipe, you know there is a very distinct taste that comes from each hit. These flavors compete with that of your chosen herb and can taint your smoking experience. Ceramics is a natural and non-combustible material and therefore adds nothing to the smoke.
This combination of tastes was once valued and considered to be part of the smoking experience, particularly with wooden pipes. Now that we have a greater emphasis on the cultivation of tobacco and herbs, the desire for ceramics material has risen as it results in a much purer and defined smoking experience.
Smell
The majority of foul odors are commonly caused by a build up of bacteria. As mentioned earlier, due to ceramics being a non-porous and relatively uninhabitable environment for bacteria, ceramics remains relatively odor free unlike wooden material. Provided you clean your bong regularly, it should remain odorless, the same cannot be guaranteed for other materials
Sight
Ceramics can be moulded into a wide variety of beautiful shapes, sizes and colors. Ceramic pipes is not made by an engineer or carpenter like most other products; it is made by an artisan which is much different.
For centuries ceramics making has been considered an art, you only have to look at our extensive online range of handmade ceramic pipes to see just how creative the process has become.
There are colors, shapes and textures made from ceramics that simply cannot be done with other materials. Ceramics making is an ancient tradition, a truly rare beauty, and a fascinating process to behold.
Other Factors
Many other factors are at play beyond the basic senses of human beings. The use of ceramics for pipes and bongs is generally believed to be the healthiest option.
Many other materials have been known to release fumes when heated to a particular point. Methane has been known to be produced from burning wood which can have a detrimental effect on your personal health.
This is especially true in the case of wooden pipes, however, metallic and plastic materials are also known to produce various toxins.
With ceramics, you won’t have to worry at all about any harmful chemicals being released when it is heated. Plastic materials also run the risk of being warped and misshapen over time after being subject to incredibly high levels of heat. In comparison, ceramics that is properly strengthened and reinforced needs extremely high temperatures to even begin to melt - around 1100°F (560°C) - a heat that is pretty impossible to reach with your lighter. Compared to a material like glass or metal, ceramics is not as strong a conductor of heat, which makes it the perfect material for ceramic pipe.
From ceramic vase and art sculpture to bongs and pipes, the skill and artistry required to manipulate ceramics into beautiful, functional art forms is nothing short of a marvel - which is often overlooked when you’re too busy lining up your next big hit. So, the next time you’re loading up your pipe, make sure you take a moment to meditate on the skill that went into crafting your piece before you rip it.
