6.5″ Phil Cobalt Fume Sherlock – Made in USA

The 6.5″ Phil Cobalt Fume Sherlock is a USA-made glass hand pipe built for flower smokers who want American craftsmanship without the boutique price tag. The cobalt fuming technique creates depth and color shifts that develop character over time, while the classic sherlock shape keeps smoke cooler on the draw. At 6.5 inches, it sits comfortably in hand without feeling bulky.

Why this pipe works

  • Cooler, smoother hits — the curved sherlock neck adds distance between the bowl and your lips, giving smoke time to cool before it reaches you
  • Color that evolves — cobalt fuming reacts with use, meaning your pipe develops unique patterns the more you smoke it
  • American glass, American hands — made in the USA by Phil, not mass-produced overseas
  • Comfortable daily size — 6.5 inches gives you enough length for cooler draws without being awkward to hold or store
  • Color accents add personality — multiple color options available so you can pick one that fits your style

Best for

This sherlock is ideal for flower smokers who appreciate American-made glass and want something with more character than a basic spoon. The fumed finish appeals to collectors who like watching their pieces change over time. It's sized right for home sessions but portable enough to bring to a friend's place without stress.

How to use it

The sherlock design has been around forever because it just works. Pack your ground flower into the bowl at the end, cover the carb hole on the side with your thumb, and light while drawing slowly. Release the carb to clear the chamber. The curved stem naturally positions the bowl away from your face, so you're not squinting through smoke while you light up.

One thing about fumed glass — it changes. The silver and cobalt worked into the glass react with resin over time, shifting colors and revealing new patterns. Some smokers clean religiously to keep the original look. Others let the patina build because they like watching it transform. Either approach works. Just know that a brand new fumed piece looks different from one that's seen a hundred sessions, and that's part of the appeal.

For cleaning, let it cool completely, then soak in isopropyl alcohol and rinse thoroughly. If you want to preserve the fumed color development, go easy on the alcohol and use it less frequently. For a deeper clean that resets closer to the original look, let it soak longer.

About cobalt fuming

Fuming is a glassblowing technique where vaporized metals — in this case, cobalt — bond to the glass surface during the heating process. This creates the blue-tinted color and that distinctive depth you see in fumed pieces. Unlike painted or coated glass, the color is actually in the glass structure itself, so it won't chip or peel off.

Cobalt gives a cooler blue tone compared to silver fuming (which tends toward amber and gold) or gold fuming (which runs warmer). The color accents on this particular piece add contrast to the cobalt base, giving it more visual interest than single-color fumed work.

Specifications

Attribute Detail
Length 6.5 inches (165mm)
Style Sherlock
Material Borosilicate glass
Fuming Cobalt with color accents
Origin Made in USA
Artist Phil

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a sherlock and a regular spoon pipe?

The main difference is the curved neck. A spoon pipe runs straight from bowl to mouthpiece, while a sherlock curves upward like the pipe Sherlock Holmes famously smoked. This curve adds length to the smoke path, which cools the hit before it reaches your lips. It also positions the bowl further from your face, making it easier to see what you're doing when you light up. Some people find sherlocks more comfortable to hold because of the natural grip angle.

Will the colors change over time?

Yes, that's one of the main appeals of fumed glass. The cobalt fuming reacts with the resin that builds up from regular use, causing the colors to shift and deepen. A new fumed pipe looks quite different from one that's been smoked regularly for months. How much it changes depends on how often you clean it — heavy cleaning keeps it closer to the original look, while letting some buildup remain accelerates the color evolution.

Is this pipe fragile?

It's glass, so it can break if you drop it on a hard surface. That said, American-made borosilicate glass like this is more durable than the thin imported stuff. The sherlock shape actually helps too — there's no flat bottom to crack if you set it down wrong. Still, treat it with respect. If you need something truly unbreakable, check out our silicone pipes instead.

How do I know it's actually made in the USA?

This piece is made by Phil, an American glass artist. The quality of the fuming work and the consistency of the glass thickness are good indicators of domestic production. Mass-produced imports typically have thinner glass, less precise fuming, and more inconsistencies. Supporting American glassblowers keeps traditional techniques alive and ensures fair labor practices.

What size bowl does this have?

Standard hand pipe bowl size — enough for a solid personal session or a couple rounds with a friend. It's not a party bowl, but it's not tiny either. Pack it tight for a slower burn or loose for quicker draws.

Does this come with a screen?

No screen included. Some smokers prefer glass screens or metal screens to prevent ash pull-through, while others just pack their bowls with slightly larger pieces at the bottom to create a natural filter. Either method works fine with this pipe.

Can I use this for concentrates?

This is designed for dry herb only. The bowl isn't set up for concentrate use. If you're looking for something for dabs, check out our nectar collectors or dab rigs instead.

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