ARTIFACT RESEARCH // INSIGHTS

Field Notes

Field notes from the Artifact research lab. Design thinking, product stories, and the occasional dispatch from the road.

a lineup of modern Tempest smoking pipes with the lids off showing the internal cooling pathways

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 classic glass spoon pipe next to a modern designer metal pipe called Tempest

Glass vs Metal Pipes: Taste, Durability, and Cleaning Compared

A practical comparison of glass vs metal pipes based on taste over time, durability in daily life, and how clean “clean” really gets.

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.

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? Learn about the science behind anodizing and why it makes the Tempest so durable and safe.

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.

a dramatically lit photograph of an aluminum designer pipe

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.

an image of a lighter attempting to burn a smooth black anodized object with a dishwasher in the background

Why Can’t I Put Anodized Aluminum in the Dishwasher?

Anodized aluminum is heat-resistant and built to last, but dishwashers are its kryptonite. Learn why tossing it in with your dishes is a bad idea, and why it’s still one of the best materials for smoking.

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.

a designer ashtray with a lid that contains ashes and protects the air

The Main Design Flaw in (Almost) Every Ashtray

Most ashtrays are open trays, so odor escapes and you end up emptying them immediately. Use this checklist to find a modern, sealed, discreet designer ashtray.

a designer metal pipe soaking in a glass of isopropyl alcohol

How to Clean a Pipe With Isopropyl Alcohol

A fast, reliable way to clean a pipe using isopropyl alcohol. Minimal supplies, no boiling water, and results that feel brand new.

magnetic smoking pipe with modular components held together by magnets

What Are Magnetic Pipes? A Guide to the Future of Smoking

Magnets in a smoking pipe? Yep. Cleaner draws, faster access, no gunked-up threads. Here’s why magnetic pipes are the future of modern smoking.

a classic glass spoon pipe next to a modern designer metal pipe called Tempest

Glass vs Metal Pipes: Taste, Durability, and Cleaning Compared

A practical comparison of glass vs metal pipes based on taste over time, durability in daily life, and how clean “clean” really gets.

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.

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? Learn about the science behind anodizing and why it makes the Tempest so durable and safe.

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