Field Notes: Pipes, Design & Culture | Artifact Blog

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the entire Tempest designer smoking pipe lineup, with magnetic lids removed, showing off the internal labyrinth smoke pathway underneath. Shown in black Abyss, silver Mercury, gold Radiance, and pink Glimmer.

Modern Smoking Pipe Guide: Materials, Cooling, Cleaning

A modern smoking pipe is built for repeat use: durable materials, built-in cooling, and tool-less cleaning. Use this checklist to compare options fast.

a grouping of butalist designed tempest pipes with interlocking geometry

Brutalist Smoking Pipe Design: Why the Tempest Looks Like Nothing Else

Inspired by brutalist architecture and modern sculpture, the Tempest is the only pipe of its kind. No colors. No curves. Just clean geometry and perfect function.

a dramatically lit photograph of a magnetic pipe opened up to show the internal components inside

Engineered Airflow, Real-World Clean: Designing a Magnetic Pipe That Actually Cools

Small pipes are notoriously hot and messy. Discover how Artifact solved this path-design problem using shaped internal geometry and magnetic access to ensure cooler pulls and full-open, seconds-long cleanups.

modern aluminum smoking pipe shown in dramatic lighting

Is It Safe to Smoke Out of Aluminum Pipes? Here’s What Science Says

Aluminum gets a bad rap in smoking culture. The truth is, foil and cans are the problem — not anodized aluminum. Here’s what science actually says.

modern Tempest smoking pipe with a cooling labyrinth pathway illustrated with colorful lighting

Tempest: The Most Advanced Cooling Pipe on the Market

The Tempest is redefining what a dry pipe can be. Its chaotic labyrinth cooling system delivers smoother, cooler hits with no water, no gimmicks, and no hassle.

designer pipe Tempest shown in front and back groupings, in colorways black Abyss and gold Radiance

Still Using That Crusty Pipe? Upgrade to a Designer Smoking Experience

Not all pipes are created equal. Designer pipes bring together smart engineering, premium materials, and intentional design to upgrade the way you smoke tobacco, culinary herbs or botannical extracts. This post breaks down what makes a pipe “designer” and why more smokers are making the switch. 

the dirty labyrinth pathway of a tempest pipe submerged in a glass with isopropyl alcohol

How to Clean your TEMPEST Dry Pipe

Learn how to clean your Tempest dry pipe quickly and thoroughly using just isopropyl alcohol and a brush. Simple steps, no mess, brand new every time.

A raw aluminum Tempest pipe compared to an anodized one

Why Anodized Aluminum Is the Gold Standard for Smoking Gear

What is a smoking pipe made from anodized aluminum, and why does it matter? This post explains the science behind anodizing and why it makes the Tempest so durable and safe.

anodized aluminum smoking pipe components

Common Misconceptions About Smoking Out of Aluminum

Think using aluminum in smoking devices is unsafe? We break down the myths, the science, and why anodized aluminum is a safe, purpose-built material.