Hand Crafted Stoneware Ceramic Smoking Accessories
Welcome To The Stone Edge Pipes Preview Web Site
Chances are you're visiting this site because you received my sales brochure, in the mail, at your store. If thats not the case then please feel free to look around but note that this site is targeted at smoking accessory retailers located in northern and central California. If you like what you see but don't own or represent a smoke shop then please visit my retail outlet at http://StoneEdgePipes.etsy.com.
If you have a minute, I'd like to tell you a little about what goes into a Stone Edge Pipe, but if you'd rather get right to the pipe picture gallery then use the Menu button at the top left.
First there are two parts to most ceramic objects. The clay body which is the stony core of the object and the glaze which is the glass coating on the object. I say “glass coating” because the only difference between the glaze on a Stone Edge Pipe and the body of an “all” glass pipe is in the percentage by weight of the various minerals used, because the glaze on a Stone Edge Pipe needs to have a higher melting point so it won't run off the side of the pipe when its fired (baked). IE: 2160 degrees Fahrenheit for Stone Edge Pipes compared to about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit for borosilicate glass (Pyrex™) from which most glass pipes are made.
Second, there are three general types of ceramic objects which are defined by the highest temperature they reach during firing.
- Earthenware
- This type is used to make those ubiquitous red flower pots and bricks, although it can be any color. Its also the type use to make those ceramic water pipes with the metal bowl and water tube that we've all seen. Earthenware is very porous and without a glaze it leaks like a sieve. Its fired to only around 1700 degrees Fahrenheit which is just barely enough to melt the edges of the tiny particles of clay and other minerals. That means the particles are only slightly stuck together, there are comparatively large holes between the particles and its much easier to break than glass.
- Stoneware
- This type is used to make most quality dinnerware which is not either glass (Corelle™, etc.) or porcelain (see below), especially larger pieces such as casseroles, serving platters and pitchers which require great strength. The body of all Stone Edge Pipes, including the bowl and water tube, are 100% stoneware. Stoneware is fired to between 2100 and 2250 degrees Fahrenheit which is enough to mostly melt the clay particles and other minerals. That means the particles are very well fused together, there are comparatively small holes between the remaining unmelted particles and its harder to break than glass (the graininess of the core acts like rebar in concrete). The much smaller hole size between the particles means that water can only very slowly migrate to the surface of an unglazed object. In some stonewares this can be so slight that it evaporates from the surface before it collects in a noticeable amount. All Stone Edge Pipes waterpipes are fully glazed on the inside of the body to ensure that NO water escapes.
- Porcelain
- This type is essentially a glass. It is fired to around 2300 degrees Fahrenheit or more which means the clay particles and other minerals are fully melted and fused together. Since there are no longer any holes between the particles water can't migrate to the surface. It also has the fragility of other glasses.
Well, enough of the ceramics lesson. As you can tell Stone Edge Pipes are made to last. They are stronger than “all” glass pipes but have the same ease of cleaning and lack of after-taste or fuming when over-heated. They also smoke cooler, longer, because they have more mass to soak up heat. And they are made using techniques that can't be duplicated in glass (ever see a glass skull-shaped hookah with carved Celtic crosses and elder futhark runes?)
Also, every part of a Stone Edge Pipe is carefully made by hand in my studio. Even the hoses are hand assembled from high quality materials and designed to match the pipe body. I take pride in making pipes that are not only functional, well designed smoking utensils but are hopefully also a work of art.
So go ahead and take a look at the pipes and if you see anything interesting then use the Contact The Studio form. We'll set up a time for you to check out the pipes at your store.
