Pipe Shop Guide: History, Product Selection & More

At 710 Pipes, we’ve built our name around delivering high-quality smoking gear and a knowledgeable, welcoming environment. Whether you’re a longtime collector or curious newcomer, understanding the role of a pipe shop can help you make informed decisions about your setup. In this guide, we’ll break down what defines a pipe shop, how it differs from smoke and vape shops, and why shopping at a reputable pipe shop—online or in person—makes all the difference.

What is a Pipe Shop?

A pipe shop is a specialty retail store dedicated to selling tobacco pipes, cannabis pipes, and related accessories. These shops often focus on craftsmanship, offering a curated selection of hand-blown glass, wood-carved pieces, and other finely made smoking tools.

Pipe Shop History

Pipe shops have existed for centuries in various forms. Traditionally, they served as gathering places for cigar and tobacco pipe enthusiasts—offering blends, humidors, and elegant briarwood pipes. Over time, especially in regions with legalized cannabis, the focus of modern pipe shops evolved to include glassware, vaporizers, and dab rigs, reflecting the growing diversity of smoking preferences.

What Can I Buy in a Pipe Shop?

Today’s pipe shops—like 710 Pipes—cater to a wide audience with a robust selection of smoking tools and accessories. Some of the most common items include:

  • Hand-blown glass pipes and bubblers
  • Water pipes (bongs) in various styles and sizes
  • Traditional wood and meerschaum tobacco pipes
  • Dab rigs, nails, and carb caps for concentrates
  • Pipe cleaning tools, filters, and tampers
  • Stash jars, grinders, rolling trays, and storage cases
Hand-blown glass pipes
Hand-blown glass bongs
Heady glass dab rig
Heady glass pendants
Heady glass carb caps

Pipe Shops, Smoke Shops & Vape Shops

While the terms “pipe shop,” “smoke shop,” and “vape shop” are often used interchangeably, they each carry different meanings depending on the store’s focus and inventory. Understanding these distinctions can help customers find the products and atmosphere that best match their needs.

Shop Type Main Focus Common Products Customer Base
Pipe Shop High-quality pipes and accessories Glass pipes, wood pipes, dab rigs, pipe tools Collectors, enthusiasts, traditional and cannabis smokers
Smoke Shop General smoking supplies Hookahs, rolling papers, bongs, novelties Casual users, mixed interest shoppers
Vape Shop Electronic vaporizers and e-liquids Nicotine vapes, dry herb vapes, e-juice Vape users and former tobacco smokers

Pipe shops tend to emphasize quality and craftsmanship, making them ideal for customers who care about performance and aesthetics. While smoke and vape shops may offer overlapping products, pipe shops provide more specialized knowledge and product selection.

Physical vs. Online Pipe Shops

Thanks to modern eCommerce, you can now find incredible pipe products whether you’re walking into a local store or browsing from your phone. Each shopping method offers its own perks—and a few drawbacks to consider as well.

Physical Pipe Shops

Shopping in person at a physical pipe shop offers a tactile, community-driven experience that online retailers simply can’t match. You can see and feel each piece, talk to knowledgeable staff, and often discover exclusive in-store offerings. For many pipe enthusiasts, visiting a local shop is part of the culture and tradition of the hobby itself.

Pros:

  • Hands-on inspection before purchase
  • Personal advice from experienced staff
  • Immediate availability—no shipping wait

Cons:

  • Limited to in-stock inventory
  • May have fewer high-end or rare pieces
  • Store hours and travel can be inconvenient

Online Pipe Shops

Online pipe shops offer unmatched convenience and access to a wider range of products than most physical stores can stock. Whether you’re seeking a specific artist’s work or browsing late at night from the comfort of home, digital storefronts have made pipe collecting more accessible than ever before.

Pros:

  • Massive selection of pipes, rigs, and accessories
  • Convenient 24/7 browsing and ordering
  • Easy access to product reviews and detailed specs
  • Often features limited-run drops and artist collabs

Cons:

  • No hands-on inspection before purchase
  • Risk of shipping delays or breakage
  • Limited opportunities for in-person advice or repair services

Explore Our Online Smoke Shop
Browse our online pipe shop to order all of the smoking devices & accessories you need – including bongs, dab rigs & more.

Online Pipes Shop

Despite the lack of in-person interaction, many shoppers enjoy the flexibility and broader inventory available online. At 710 Pipes, we combine the best of both worlds by offering expert support through our website and lightning-fast, discreet shipping across the U.S.

Pipe Shop FAQs

Yes—pipe shops are legal, but the sale of certain items like cannabis accessories depends on state and local laws. Most reputable shops require buyers to be 18 or 21+ depending on regional regulations.

Tobacco pipes are typically made from briarwood or meerschaum and are designed for long, cool draws. Cannabis pipes often feature glass construction, carb holes, and designs optimized for short, flavorful hits.

Absolutely. We proudly stock heady glass from local artists across Colorado, including custom pieces made in-house at 710 Studios in Northglenn.

Many modern pipe shops, including 710 Pipes, carry dry herb and concentrate vaporizers alongside traditional pipes. However, their focus remains on craftsmanship and quality smoking gear over mass-market nicotine vapes.

Use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt in a sealed bag to soak and shake your pipe clean. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let it dry before use.

Glass pipes are a great starting point—they’re affordable, easy to use, and widely available in basic and artistic designs. Silicone pipes are also popular for their durability and ease of cleaning.

Yes! Visit our online store anytime to browse our full selection of pipes, vaporizers, accessories, and locally made glass. We offer secure checkout and fast, discreet shipping across the U.S.

Why 710 Pipes is Your Go-To Pipe Shop

Whether you’re stopping by one of our Colorado storefronts or exploring our online catalog, 710 Pipes is here to deliver exceptional products and expert service. Our inventory is carefully curated with both novice smokers and seasoned connoisseurs in mind—offering everything from affordable daily drivers to intricate one-of-a-kind pieces. When you shop with us, you’re supporting a community of passionate glass artists, friendly staff, and like-minded smokers who care about quality, function, and expression.

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