Sherlock Pipe Case 101: Do You Have What it Takes to Rock a Sherlock

You’ve seen them in the smoke shops and you’ve seen them on the silver screen but can you see yourself in the mirror with a Sherlock Holmes pipe? No doubt it’s a bold statement which has resulted in the pipe’s popularity among eccentric stoners the world over. There are a myriad of benefits and a few compromises that come along with using a Sherlock pipe as your go-to piece. Today, we’ll try to determine if you can pull it off. You can consider it our very own “3 pipe problem.”

It’s a Look That Requires Confidence

Let’s start at the most obvious point and the main reason you’d contemplate buying a Sherlock pipe in the first place: its unique shape. There’s a definite sophistication offset by a respectable quirkiness that makes a Sherlock a strong choice for lovers of elegance and eccentricity alike. I mean, the fictional characters choosing this style of pipe are pretty high caliber. Besides Sherlock Holmes, you also have Gandalf from Lord of the Rings puffing on this model (and, yes, a Sherlock is referred to as a Gandalf pipe sometimes). If you’re looking to smoke inconspicuously, the long-necked Gandalf piece probably isn’t for you. But if you’re looking to turn heads and start conversations, or just extend your wild card personality into your smoke sessions, few other options are better than a Sherlock.

One other common name for the Sherlock pipe is the churchwarden pipe - a name and style that dates back to around the turn of the 18th century.

Potency and Performance

If you’re looking for a massive hit, the Sherlock pipe may not be your first choice, but did you know it can easily outperform your average spoon pipe? Obviously, the massiveness of the hits is going to hinge on factors like the size of the bowl, the chamber, and so on. But no matter what Sherlock pipe you get, you can often rest assured that the size of the bowl will be pretty generous. In most Sherlocks, the carb is larger than what you’ll get with a glass spoon pipe, too. This all translates to longer smoke sessions and heavier hits.

Ergonomic Comfort

You’ll probably find that a Sherlock pipe is one of the most comfortable hand pipes to use. This all comes down to its ergonomic design that features a lengthy curve conducive to the palm of your hand. The Sherlock design also lends to a more reliable grip so even when you’re puffing on those heavier hits, you’re less likely to lose your hold and end up crying over spilled herb.

Burning Clues

If you’re using a glass Sherlock pipe or glass Gandalf pipe as opposed to a wooden one, you have the added benefit of seeing how your herb burns. This is more than a novelty. It can help you to recognize when it’s time to repack your bowl, whether your bowl is packed too tightly, or if any ash, debris, or resin is blocking the path of the smoke. Why compromise your hits if you don’t have to?

The Challenge of the Sherlock Pipe

One of the biggest challenges of using a Sherlock pipe is a result of one of its strongest features: the unique shape. While a Sherlock is undeniably interesting to look at, it can be a hard pipe to clean compared to water pipes or simple weed pipe models, such as the classic spoon pipe. The slender curvature can easily trap resin and debris and, depending on the length and curve of your Sherlock, a straightened paper clip probably won’t do the trick. A screen can be of particular use to you in helping maintain a Sherlock. You can also boil your Sherlock (if it’s glass or some types of metal) or use 90% isopropyl alcohol to clean it.

So after all the logic and reason, we can deduce that the Sherlock pipe is a bold statement reinforced with a slew of attractive features and one setback that you can get around with a bit of ingenuity. Are you the type of smoker to be able to pull off a Sherlock? We’ll leave you to be the detective on that particular case.