About Accessory Reviews

Cigar Tools: Kick Ass and Cig-harpoon

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:47:20 -0700

PRODUCT: Kick Ass Cigar Tool
TYPE: Cigar poker
MSRP: $25.00 (2 tools)
CONTACT: Bill Mitchell
EMAIL: bill@kickasscigartool.com
WEBSITE: http://www.kickasscigartool.com
REVIEWER: Doc
FORM: 88
FUNCTION: 89
VALUE: 90
OVERALL SCORE: 89.0

PRODUCT: The Cig-harpoon
TYPE: Cigar poker
MSRP: $17.50 + $3 SH (one tool); $25 + $5 SH (2 tools)
CONTACT: Jorge Mendizabal
EMAIL: jmendiza@hotmail.com
WEBSITE: none
REVIEWER: Doc
FORM: 88
FUNCTION: 80
VALUE: 89
OVERALL SCORE: 85.6

ABOUT CIGAR TOOLS
Cigar tools have been a regular feature of the cigar marketplace. They come and go, but one thing they have in common are that they attempt to clear a path through a plugged stogie. I've had my share of cigars that were so tight, the draw felt like trying to suck a boulder through a cocktail straw. If there was some way to unplug said cigar, I would be eternally grateful, share my first born and sing the praises of whatever cigar tool it was that salvaged my sacred smoke.

Using a cigar tool requires patience and technique

That said, the prospect of roto-rootering a stuck stogie is easier said than done. The cause of a plugged cigar is either too much tobacco packed into the blend, or swollen, over-humidified tobacco that does not allow a proper draw. In either case, to unplug the cigar, you will need to create air channels through the filler tobacco of the stick. And therein lies the challenge of the tool; to cut through the interior of the filler without destroying either the natural flow of the draw or the wrapper leaf in the process.

I have found that it is better to avoid a draw tool, whenever possible. The filler tobacco is packed into a cigar so that it creates a natural channel for the smoke and at the same time filters the smoke as it passes through the cigar. When this natural flow is disrupted, you will often get various kinds of burn issues.

Cig-harpoon (left) versus Kick Ass (right)

Tunnels in the cigar filler create pockets of oxygen where the tobacco burns hotter and, thus, faster than the tobacco away from the tunnel. At best, poking a skewer through your cigar creates an unnatural channel for directing the flow of smoke through the cigar, which may result in associated burn issues or a "flooding" effect. Flooding is when there is a hole in the center of the filler, which floods with oxygen creating a hot spot in the burn. This can occur when the tool that is inserted into the cigar is too large in diameter.

But, a plugged cigar will work against a tool because often when a tool is inserted into a cigar and pulled out the tobacco will spring back to its former position and the plug returns; kind of like a failed angioplasty. To counteract this "rebound" of the tobacco, many toolmakers advise users to leave the tool in place within the cigar for 20-30 seconds. However, even if this ploy is successful, it may simply lead to the flooding effect. That is, all the air floods through the hole created by the tool and the cigar smokes hot.

The Kick Ass Cigar Tool

KICK ASS CIGAR TOOL
With the caveats out of the way, I can now talk about a couple of cigar tools that have recently appeared on the market. First is the Kick Ass Cigar Tool, which is patterned after the now defunct "Henry's Draw Correction Tool," which I have reviewed a few times. If you want the basic skinny, be sure to read my prior review. Suffice it to say, I like the basic design and as far as cigar tools go, I find the Kick Ass Cigar Tool up at the top of my list. Though not quite as refined in form as the Henry's tools (yet), the basic design is solid and functions well. The two key features are the diameter of the tool, which cannot be too thin or thick, and the mechanism for creating the channel in the cigar. The Kick Ass Cigar tool uses a chisel-shaped head to do the trick and it works well.

THE CIG-HARPOON
The other cigar tool is known as The Cigar-harpoon. It certainly has that look to it due to the unique hooks that come off the central rod. These hooks are designed to pull tobacco out of the channel created by the tool. In that way, at least in theory, instead of merely pushing the tobacco aside, you remove the excess tobacco that is causing the plugged cigar. The problem is that the hooks work better when the rod is thicker in diameter. But if the rod is too thick, it will split the cigar. When the rod is thinner, it creates a channel, but the hooks don't work as well. I have used varying thicknesses of The Cigar-harpoon and the thinner ones work the best. The tip is different than the Kick Ass Cigar Tool. Instead of being chisel-shaped, it is pointed and symmetrical.

Cigar tools are always evolving and these two represent the creativity and innovation that continues to prod us toward smoking the perfect cigar. Like a surfer looking for the perfect wave, the makers of cigar tools bid us not to be satisfied with anything less than a perfect smoke. Indeed, it is easy to justify the purchase of cigar tools because by remediating just 2-3 cigars, you have recouped your investment.

Xikar EXII Havana Collection Lighter

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:07:52 -0700

This is the first in a series of accessory reviews by Adam Estrem of the Newbie Cigar Blog.

PRODUCT: EXII Havana Collection Wind Proof Lighter
TYPE: Cigar cutter and multi-tool
MSRP: $99.99
CONTACT INFORMATION: Xikar, Inc.
Toll Free: 1-866-676-7380; Email: info@xikar.com
WEBSITE: http://xikar.com/
REVIEWER: Adam

The first accessory I will be reviewing is a lighter that comes from the Xikar Company. Kurt Van Keppel and Scott Almsberger founded Xikar in 1994. Their original goal was to make a cigar-cutting tool that far exceeded the run-of-the-mill, cheap plastic cutters in performance and design.

The first products manufactured by Xikar were actually made in their garages. Over the years they have expanded their product line to include, knives, lighters, and, most recently, cigars. Their Havana Collection cigars (abbreviated HC), have received many favorable reviews and they are very tasty smokes.

Along with the release of the Havana Collection line of cigars, Xikar has produced a line of Havana Collection accessories. This line includes cutters, lighters and ashtrays. The lighter I am reviewing comes from the Havana Collection, and is called the Xikar EXII Havana Collection Wind Proof Lighter.

When I got this lighter, the first thing that surprised me was the weight of it. It is a hefty lighter that feels extremely ridged and well made. The lighter is all silver polished steel, except for a little rectangle of cigar art centered on each side. The cigar art is influenced by the lithography of Cuban cigars of years gone by.

Below from left to right: right side, top when opened, and left side of lighter

After filling up this work of art with butane, I fired her up to try it out. What really intrigued me was that, as the name suggests, the EXII Havana Collection lighter is wind proof. So, I expected it to be a torch lighter of some sort. This is, indeed, a torch lighter, but the flame is not a jet flame. Instead it is what is called a soft flame, much like you would find on a standard BIC lighter. You can rest assured that it definitely sounds like a torch. And, you can’t blow it out, even though the flame remains soft.

This brings up a question: What is the difference between wind proof and wind resistant? Wind proof to me, means that no matter how hard the wind blows, the heat generated by the lighter is hot enough to light a cigar. Wind resistant may offer some protection, but if the wind blows at just the right direction, the flame will go out. After lighting 30 cigars or so with this lighter, I can say with some authority that this may be the sturdiest wind proof lighter I have ever owned. Everything about this lighter feels well made. The springs that open the top, the flame adjustment wheel, and the lever used to start the lighter, all feel as though it was made with the love and respect that every cigar smoker deserves. I would expect nothing less of Xikar, and at a price point of around $95 dollars, you are also getting a lighter with a cool factor of 10.

This lighter, though on the pricey side, is a well-made work of art. You can use this lighter outside and enjoy a cigar in the slight breeze or in a windstorm. Impress your friends at your local B&M, and show them this soft flame feature. But if you purchase one, know that you are purchasing a lighter that is made to last you a life time.

About the Author:
Adam Estrem is the founder of the Newbie Cigar Blog. You can check out the blog online at www.newbiecigar.com. You can also follow Adam on Twitter (@newbiecigarblog), or on Facebook (Newbie Cigar Blog).

The Tobacconist Handbook

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:47:09 -0700

The following is a review of the recently published book from Jorge L. Armenteros of Tobacconist University.

PRODUCT: Tobacconist Handbook: The Essential Guide to Cigars & Pipes
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing; 1st edition (August 19, 2009)
Language: English
Cost (USD): $38.06
TYPE: Book
WEBSITE: http://www.tobacconistuniversity.org
REVIEWER: Doc
FORM AND FUNCTION: 85
VALUE: 80
OVERALL SCORE: 82.75

Cigar insiders and consumers alike have no doubt heard of the Tobacconist University (TU), a free online educational resource for professional tobacconists and consumers. This resource has been around awhile, but has just recently gained steam as bona fide educational organization, thanks to the help of cigar manufacturers like Jorge L. Padrón and the partnership of the IPCPR (national organization for retail tobacconists).

TU has worked hard at creating a curriculum and a certification process for both professional tobacconists and for interested consumers. Certification involves an online academic curriculum, a final exam, an apprenticeship program, and adherence to a code of ethics. Unfortunately the certification standards do not include a continuing education credit (CEC) program, as do most widely respected certification programs across many disciplines. But, this is a topic for a different article…

It is not clear from the web site or from the Handbook, how the book is related to the TU certification process. Is it simply an ancillary to the online curriculum, or is it a vital part of the curriculum itself? This is not clear, but I believe this book was intended to become an integral part of the certification process.

The Tobacconist Handbook is a 228-page text that was published by Tobacconist University via self-publish giant, Booksurge (owned by Amazon). According to the publishers, the Handbook is "a resource for lovers of luxury tobacco to enhance our knowledge, appreciation, and quality of life." As such, the mission of this text can be reasonably seen as a resource for professional tobacconists and cigar hobbyists and collectors.

The Tobacconist University, which produced the Handbooks, says this about its purpose: "The Tobacconist Handbook contains the fundamental knowledge required to be a tobacconist. Its existence is proof of our profession and credibility."

The Handbook is laid out in such a way as to cover a lot of ground. The book starts with an explanation of TU and their certification process. Then on to a cigar history timeline, which barely grazes the high points. Next follows the "meat" of the book, which is a discussion about cigar tobacco, cigar growing regions, then a quick look at the processes involved from seed to cigar, and finally a look at cigar anatomy and a discussion of vitolas (cigar size and shape). The next two sections are devoted to pipes and pipe tobaccos before returning to a "How To" section, which is one of the more practical sections of the book.

The Tobacconist Handbook features many color photos
and a handy 'Tobacconist Tip' feature
The book finishes with what is called the "Tasting School." This seems to be one of the weakest areas of the book. When one hears the term "tasting school," one would readily imagine all kinds of practical ideas for improving the smoking experience. Instead, the reader is treated to the blunt trauma of a definition of taste, a discussion of human senses, and an abbreviated testimony to "The 5 Tastes." And, if that wasn't esoteric enough for you, you also get a primer on "TobaccAromatherapy" and pH balance. Finally, when you get to the section on "Tasting Methodology" you are given some hope that there will be some practical advice on smoking, and yet even this section falls short by reducing the act of smoking to a series of clinical assessments about the smoking experience, rather than the experience itself.

Having read the entirety of the Tobacconist Handbook, I can say that, for better or for worse, it is a survey text that reads like the certification manual. A survey text is one that hits many topics, but does not cover any of them comprehensively. I should know; for 30 years I taught survey courses at the college level. The great value in a survey course, and corresponding survey text, is that you cover a lot of ground. A survey text will take you through a plethora of topics, but because of the sheer magnitude of topics, it must, by necessity, be a brief treatment of each individual topic. Another bonus is that, since you cover these topics in cursory fashion, if you happen not to be too interested in one topic, you will soon be through it and on to the next topic of interest. Of course the ultimate limitation of a survey text is that you learn relatively little, about a lot of different topics.

Some photos in the book are less than adequate

Nevertheless, there are many positive aspects of this text. I for one appreciate the many excellent color photos in the book, which add greatly to the content. I am a great believer in using multi-media to help illustrate points. The photos help the reader to visualize the various topics and appeal to the visual learners. Unfortunately, there are some bad photos in the text as well (see example in photo above). For example, the photos of pipe tobacco on pages 87, 88 and 89 are nothing more than black smudges.

I also found the TOBACCONIST TIP boxes, sprinkled liberally throughout the text to be relevant and helpful. These little nuggets are definitely worth reading. Further, the Glossary section at the back of the book is very concise and helpful for those, like myself, who actually ENJOY reading through glossaries. All words found in bold letters within the text of the book have a corresponding entry in the glossary. Very handy.

As an ancillary to the certification process of Tobacconist University, this is a worthy text. It covers all of the major topics that should be of interest to a professional tobacconist and it gives continuity to a profession under fire. The text is well edited, but the reading is a bit choppy, which is one of the reasons why its value to the average consumer is limited to those who are highly motivated.

In the introduction to the Handbook, there is a statement that suggests that the handbook was written as much for consumers as tobacconists:

"While the TU perspective is shaped by retail tobacconists, there is very little difference between tobacconists and tobacco consumers. In fact, tobacconists are just tobacco consumers who are lucky enough to get paid to do what they love."

I find this statement unwarranted and untrue. Tobacconists, by virtue of the fact that they are in the tobacco business, must learn about their trade or they will not survive. As such, they have way more motivation to learn about every facet of their industry. The average consumer has no such overriding pressure to become educated in the tradecraft. That said, though the average consumer may not be compared to the tobacconist in terms of motivation or knowledge, there is a steadily growing cadre of consumers that can be labeled hobbyists and/or collectors who do have the motivation to learn about the many facets of the premium cigar and pipe industry. Like hobbyists of any sort, they are intensely motivated to learn about their hobby and will spend the time, effort and money to improve their knowledge, skills and abilities. Though cigar hobbyists are not rare, they are not of the same ilk as the majority of cigar consumers.

Overall the Tobacconist Handbook has plenty of worthwhile information and will serve as a nice primer for those motivated enough to pay its steep price tag and wade through its jargon-filled content. As a certification manual, it has great value and would also be a welcomed addition to the library of cigar hobbyists and collectors. But as a general primer for the average consumer it falls short of delivering.

~Doc

Cigamate Cigar Waste Receptacle

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:27:08 -0700

PRODUCT: Cigamate
TYPE: Cigar and cigarette disposal units
CONTACT INFORMATION:
WEBSITE: http://cigamate.com/
EMAIL: info@cigamate.com
PHONE: 516-882-3110
REVIEWER: Doc
SPECIFICATIONS:
Color: Adobe Beige and Cigar Brown
FORM: 80
FUNCTION: 90
VALUE: 85
OVERALL SCORE: 85.0

INTRODUCTION

There is one thing worse about cigar smokers than cigarette smokers: we have bigger butts. Yep, cigar butts. They're big, they're ugly and they stink. You put 100 cigarette butts in an ashtray and then put 100 cigar butts in the same size ashtray and you'll quickly see the problem.

Of course, there are enterprising companies that have stepped up to do something about the situation: "Stinky" Cigar Ashtrays, for one. More recently, Cigamate has stepped into the arena with their cigarette/cigar receptacle. They hope to add something unique to the butt-keep-genre of products with a weather resistant recycled high-density polyethylene receptacle. Cigamate stands 30 inches tall and has a stable 11-inch-wide base. For more stability, you can put sand in the base around the ash receptable. Cigamates are available in two colors, Adobe Beige and Cigar Brown.

I took a couple of these for a spin during my recent 3rd Central Coast Herf and I asked some of those in attendance to comment on their use of the Cigamate. So, let's look at the pros and cons of this device.

PROS

Keeps ashes from blowing away. One of the most infuriating things about smoking outdoors is that, when a good breeze hits your ashtray, all hell breaks loose. You are covered with ash from head to foot and looking like a replica of those buried in Pompeii by eruptions from Mt. Vesuvius. Score one for Cigamate because you put your ashes inside the enclosure and that's where they stay. No muss, no fuss.

No rain stain. If you are in the habit of forgetting to empty your cigar ashtray, you will be more than likely be acquainted with rain-assisted ashtray overflow syndrome or, RAAOS. (Okay, so I made up the acronym, but it does sound important.) When your full-of-cigar-butts-ashtray overflows, you get a sludge that easily cements bricks together. Not only that, but it leaves a stain that you don't want to clean up, trust me. Score two for Cigamate. You can leave the Cigamate outside in all kinds of weather and it will keep your ashes in one place, high and dry.

ABOVE: Cigamate with neck collapsed for elevated use
BELOW: Cigamate keeps environment free from cigar waste and odors

Keeps odors at bay. Maybe one of the best features of the Cigamate is that it keeps the nasty odors associated with burnt butts safely away from your nasal mucosa. Most of the people I talked with at my herf, mentioned this as a plus of the Cigamate. They noted that the Cigamate, "Cut down the [rank] smells," and "Kept the deck free from odors." That is quite a commendation since, between them, my herf attendees have some serious experience with burning vegetable matter and all agree that extinguished butts can present serious problems for your naso-anotomical organs.

Portability. Going to a beach or park where there are no ashtrays handy? No problem. Stick a Cigamate in the trunk of your car along with your beach chair and you are ready. Cigamate even provides a hiding place for your cigar so you can smoke incognito, as it were. The hole at the top is a place where you can place your cigar and keep it in hiding from prying eyes. Along with helping to hide odors, this feature represents a way of enjoying your smokes while attempting not to offend the people around you.

CONS

It ain't pretty. Honestly, the Cigamate could be described as butt ugly (okay, bad pun…), but, with all the very attractive ash receptacles in the marketplace, the Cigamate does nothing to enhance the image or coolness of cigar smoking. Where many ashtrays are decorative and functional, the Cigamate fails in its ability to enhance the yard environment. I would give it a 2 out of 10 on Doc's Pod Factor Scale. (Pod Factor being a "measure of coolness.")

Hard to hit the target. While the receptacle base is very big and can accommodate many cigar butts and ashes, the entry hole for the device is quite small (see photo below). At approximately 2-inches in diameter, I felt like I had to aim my cigar at the hole, which is never easy after a few libations… A cigar's girth is some fraction of 1-inch (i.e., 64 ring gauge). At a common ring gauge of 50, I felt I had to steer the cigar toward the opening so as not to smash the cigar into the side of the device.

Inconsistent function. Getting the Cigamate neck to expand and contract properly can be frustrating, as it is easy to be fooled as to whether or not the neck is locked in place. The neck sometimes seems fully expanded but then will slide down unexpectedly. I want to be clear that when you DO get the neck locked properly, it is sturdy and is unlikely to shift without considerable effort. Nevertheless, I am hesitant to place a drink on the top shelf, if for no other reason than it is very small and easy to tip your beverage if you knock the apparatus. Also, the base can be cumbersome to open and close, which isn't a task which I want to perform when herfing.

SUMMARY

I'm not sure if the Cigamate would be best used for individual purposes or in high traffic, public areas. It would excel as a device generally used in high traffic, public areas, or on large properties that are not closely monitored, to promote proper disposal of cigars/cigarettes. However, in those cases you would want something more permanent and less likely to be misused.

As a personal cigar/cigarette disposal receptacle, the Cigamate's best functions are to keep the smoking area relatively free from odors and free of cigar and ash debris. Also, the portability feature raises its potential use as an environmentally friendly cigar waste receptacle.

While not perfect, the Cigamate represents an important innovation in managing cigar and cigarette waste.

Xikar MTX Multi Tool

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 22:23:37 -0800

Updated: 3/27/2009

PRODUCT: Xikar MTX Multi Tool
TYPE: Cigar cutter and multi-tool
MSRP: $39.99
CONTACT INFORMATION: XIKAR, Inc
Toll Free: 1-866-676-7380; Email: info@xikar.com
WEBSITE: http://xikar.com/cutters_ximtx.asp
REVIEWER: Doc
SPECIFICATIONS:
Color: Bead Blast Titanium finish
Length: 2-¼ inches
Width: 1-¼ inches
Weight: 1.0 ounces
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 88
VALUE: 88
OVERALL SCORE: 90.3
[NOTE: the multi tool being reviewed here is the original tool by Xikar. TSA regulations caused the company to update the model and not include a knife blade.]

BACKGROUND:
To say I collect a lot of gadgets may be an understatement. In my opinion, one can never have enough lighters, cutters, pocketknives, flashlights… you get the idea.

That said, I came across a Multi Tool from the Xikar Company that I thought would be an excellent addition to my burgeoning collection. Xikar is best known for their Xi Cigar Cutters, but like any good company, they have learned to diversify. Xikar now has products ranging from several different models of cutters lighters, cigar cases, humidification devices, and a variety of accessories.

The Xikar MTX Multi Tool comes in four flavors: a bead blasted Titanium finish, Chrome finish, and Gold and black finishes. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for all models is $39.99.

FORM: [Score: 95]
The Multi Tool is very compact and will easily fit in your pocket or, better, the watch or knife pocket of your jeans. At 1-ounce you will barely feel this tool in your pockets and at only 2-1/4 inches long, it has a very small footprint. The reason for its svelte size is because it is a "transformer," of sorts. The handles fold into the body, but when fully extended for using the cigar scissors, the multi tool is 4-inches long. James Bond would be proud.

Though not especially "cool" looking, the combination of transformer function and size would still bump it to a 9 PODS, on the 1-10 “Pod Factor Scale.”

FUNCTION: [Score: 88]
Though this is a "multi tool" its primary function would still be considered a cigar cutter. As a cutter, it does have some drawbacks. I used the tool to cut cigars of various sizes and shapes. I made at least 60 cuts and became very familiar with its cutting action (I keep 100's of "dog rockets" around for testing cutters). The cutter tool will make fine cuts up to about 48 ring gauge. As the cap of the cigar get larger than 48, the cutter tends to squash the cigar (see photo below). The Xikar product information says that the tool will cut up to a 54 ring cigar. That is probably because, on a 54 RG cigar, the portion of the cap that will be removed is somewhat smaller, say around 48 RG.

Another thing I noticed about the cutting action was that, as I tried to cut larger cigars, the force that I needed to generate to make a cut became exponentially greater. That's when I noticed that the very thin guide rings on the scissor handles started to make deep creases in my fingers.

But there is more to this tool than just its ability to cut the cap of your cigar. The product has four handy tools, besides the cutter, that will be of great value to a cigar smoker. The tools include a cigar poker, cigar box opener, screwdriver, and bottle opener. The poker tool may work well enough to open up a plugged cigar, though I wasn't able to test that function. It does seem a bit short to unplug a cigar unless the plug is within an inch or so from the point of insertion. However, I found that same tool to work perfectly for purging the fuel reservoir on my butane torch flame lighters.

Illustration of "squash". This is not an actual trim of a cigar cap, but is intended to illustrate how the cigar gets compressed as the ring gauge gets larger.

The screwdriver tool was just the right size to manipulate the flame adjustment screw on about 2/3 of my butane lighters. The small blade does work fine for opening cigar boxes, both for cutting through the tax stamps and for prying up those boxes that are shut using a small nail.

The bottle opener is really pretty delicate. It will, in fact, open up a standard beer bottle, but it wouldn't get any prizes for ease of use. The tip of the bottle opener can be used as a cigar box opener and as a tiny screwdriver for those smaller fuel reservoir screws found in some lighters.

Though none of the tools as a standalone would win many awards, they certainly get the job done and, after all, isn't that what a multi tool is all about?

VALUE: [Score: 88]
Though these multi tools can seem a bit pricy, given the Xikar 100% lifetime warranty they are certainly a purchase you should consider. The price may be a bit steep for some, considering that you can buy some very fine cutters for the same price. But, if you're like me, you may just want to have one of these handy for the right occasion. The more I use it, the more I like it and the more uses I find for it.

I ascribe to the theory that you can fix just about anything with duct tape and a Swiss Army Knife. Well, if you are a cigar smoker, you could probably fix pretty much anything with a good lighter and the Xikar MTX Multi Tool.

OVERALL SCORE: 90.3

How we rate Accessories
1. FORM: Is the product well designed and are directions for set up (if applicable) easy to follow and intuitive?
2. FUNCTION: How well does the product perform the function it was designed for?
3. VALUE: To what extent is the product worth the price?
4. OVERALL QUALITY = FORM + FUNCTION + VALUE (divided by 300)
5. RATING SCALE: We use a 50-100 point scale.
51 - 69 = POOR
70 - 79 = AVERAGE
80 - 89 = SILVER STAR
90 - 100 = GOLD STAR

Stogie Nubber

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:06:16 -0700

PRODUCT: Carlito’s Stogie Nubber
TYPE: Cigar accessory (nubber/stand)
MANUFACTURER: Carlito’s Stogie Nubber
WEBSITE: http://www.stogienubber.com
REVIEWER: Doc
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 95
VALUE: 90
OVERALL SCORE: 93.3

Have you ever nubbed a cigar? You know what I’m talking about… have you ever smoked a cigar down so far that you were in danger of burning you’re your fingers and your lips? If so, you will likely be interested in this product. Carlito’s Stogie Nubber is a nubbing tool that will eliminate charred fingers and lips and will provide a handy cigar stand as you milk the last bit of enjoyment from your stogies.

I don’t nub cigars often. I usually pitch them when they start burning hot. However, there are times when a cigar is just burning, drawing and tasting so good that I can’t let it go. That’s the time for a Stogie Nubber.
Machine tooled from a block of aluminum, the Stogie Nubber looks like a silver bullet (vampires beware!) and could probably serve as a self-defense weapon, in a pinch. And yet, the Stogie Nubber has a more genteel use, namely to lance your moribund stogie for the purpose of sucking the last bit of life out of it.

PHOTO: A look at the Stogie Nubber

According to company president Chuck Leaf, he came up with the Stogie Nubber because he was looking to fill a need. Obviously, for Chuck, necessity was the proverbial mother of invention...

One night, I was smoking a Padron 1926 Aniversario and got down to the nub, not wanting to throw it away. I looked for a toothpick but I thought I could come up with something better to finish the stick. Checked out my rodmaking tools and saw the seamstress tool sitting there amongst them. Since it is made out of metal, I knew I could grind down the cutting edge to a point... a few moments later, the prototype of the stogie nubber was born. My best discovery about this was when I put the Padron on it, I set it down and went back to using the computer. I then discovered that it was resting on its own, near my computer, not in an ashtray gathering ashes, and my hands were free.

Using the Stogie Nubber couldn’t be simpler; you just unscrew the safety cap and stick the spike into the butt of your stogie. The 1/2-inch spike is scored so that it holds the cigar better. The base is heavy enough so that you can be sure your cigar and the nubber won’t tip over. The tapered barrel of the nubber makes it easier to get your mouth around the stogie; I found it easier to turn the nubber sideways while drawing on the cigar.

I have been using the Stogie Nubber over the past week to nub cigars large and small and the more I use it, the more I like it. For those of you who are nostalgic-minded, this tool will seem like a “roach-clip” for cigars. I certainly get that “60’s feeling” when I’m sucking the last bits of tobacco from my sticks.

A couple of things that I have noted while putting this tool through its paces… First, you need to be sure of the spot where you want to stick the tool into your cigar because you can’t pull it out and re-place it. Once you’ve plunged the spike into the cigar, you will have an air leak if you pull it out. Of course, you could put your fingers over the holes that you make, like playing a flute, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Second, the small spike that you use to skewer your stogie is about a half-inch long, which is the equivalent of a 32 ring gauge cigar. Since the cigar will collapse slightly as you push in the tool, I wouldn’t recommend using the tool on any cigar less than 40 ring gauge. (That will give you a 1/8-inch safety factor.) If you try and skewer a small ring gauge cigar, you will run the risk of pushing the point all the way through the cigar and perhaps putting a matching hole in your finger.

The Stogie Nubber comes with a “lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects.” This is not the same as an unconditional lifetime guarantee, which I would have liked to seen in this device. The most vulnerable part of the device is also the most critical: the spike. The spike is 1/2-inch in length and 1/16-inch thick. While the rest of the nubber is solid as a rock, the spike could be vulnerable to breakage. Though the spike is not likely to break under normal conditions, I still think the guarantee should cover accidental damage. In my opinion, that is the only thing that keeps the Stogie Nubber from attaining a standard for accessories in the same league as, say, Xikar or Palió. Xikar has a lifetime unconditional warranty not only on their cutters, but on every other accessory that they sell.

When all is said and done, the Stogie Nubber is a simple yet ingenious device. Chuck Leaf has a winner with this cigar accessory. At around $13, the Stogie Nubber is a tool that I can highly recommend.

Contact Information:
Website: www.StogieNubber.com

Charles R. Leaf
President/CEO
carlitos@stogienubber.com

Kevin Hall
Vice President, Sales
kevin@stogienubber.com

Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus

Sat, 6 Oct 2007 13:32:42 -0700

PRODUCT: Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus
TYPE: Tatuaje Table Lighter
MANUFACTURER: Lotus
WEBSITE: http://www.integral-style.com
REVIEWER: Rob
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 82
VALUE: 87
OVERALL SCORE: 88.0

BACKGROUND:
The Tatuaje Table Lighter is a special edition of Lotus’ popular chrome T3 Table Lighter that is used as the “house lighter” in many cigar lounges and B&M’s. It is manufactured in Europe by Integral GmbH company. The Tauaje name and logo are flawlessly engraved in black on the side of lighter. It has a triple torch flame design and comes in a very nice satin-lined box that is a great place to store it to protect from scratches.

FORM: [Score: 95]
To me the best part of the Tatuaje Table Lighter is its unique design for a table top lighter. It is essentially “Paul Bunyon’s Zippo”. By that I mean it has the look and basic function of a small lighter (flip-top, push button ignition, and vertical flame) and does not have the flamethrower appearance that most table lighters have. It can easily be carried in your pocket and it is a lot of fun to see the looks on people’s faces when they ask you for a light! In my opinion, the Tatuaje Table Lighter has the perfect herf design. Its beautiful exterior and solid 2 lb heft make it a community lighter that will impress your buddies and let them know that they are at a special occasion. I also like the fact that it can easily be handed around the table; I have found with many of the larger table lighters it is inconvenient for people to come to the lighter, so they end up using their own torch.

FUNCTION: [Score: 82]
The usage of the Tatuaje Table Lighter is essentially the same as any torch lighter. Before adding fuel to the lighter it is important to “bleed it” to ensure that there are no air bubbles. This is achieved by holding the lighter upright and pressing the filler valve with a small screwdriver or pen until the hissing stops. It can then be refueled by holding the lighter upside down. As with all lighters, it is recommended that you use triple-filtered (or higher) butane fuel. The lighter comes with an Owner’s Guide that has very clear illustrations for fueling and bleeding; making this process very easy.

The three jets on the Tatuaje Table Lighter combine to produce a powerful blue flame that can be adjusted via a small screw located beside the filler valve on the bottom of the lighter. If you have hard fingernails you may be able to adjust this screw by hand but I found that I need to keep a small screwdriver nearby. Although the lighter has a wide range of flame settings (the setting screw can be turned through about 270 degrees), I found that really only the top third of this range could be used. For flame settings in the bottom two-thirds, the lighter did not ignite reliably. However, in the top third of the gauge I could make the flame anywhere between about 1” - 3” in length, so in the end it gave a nice range of flame lengths.

As is the case with most table lighters, the Tatuaje Table Lighter is not good for doing touch-ups since its flame is just too large. And it is really important to be careful when first using this lighter---it would be really easy to completely scorch your cigar, or worse your hand, if you hold the lighter too close.

The Tatuaje Table Lighter has a large fuel tank capacity (I could not find the exact dimensions listed anywhere) and is good to go for a couple weeks of individual smoking or one big herf. The only major flaw I found with this lighter is that when the fuel level was down to roughly 1/3 remaining the lighter would mis-strike very frequently. I found this to be quite annoying so that in most cases I ended up bleeding the lighter of its remaining fuel and refilling it – at which point it worked flawlessly again. This practice wastes a lot of fuel and can be a little tricky because it is difficult to bleed that much fuel out of the lighter without getting a “cold burn” on your hand from the butane. (Also, be sure to bleed fuel well away from any sources of flame.) The other alternative is of course to top off the fuel without bleeding first but that would increase the chance of getting a clogged fuel line. I am not sure if this just a defect with the one I have so I plan to send it back for repair/replacement.

VALUE: [Score: 87]
The price for the Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus is $49.95 which is a good value for a table lighter and is a great price for this one-of-a-kind collector’s item. The warranty leaves a bit to be desired compared to the lifetime warranties you see on some of the smaller torch lighters. It comes with a 2 year limited warranty that covers mechanical parts only. The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse or accident nor does it cover the Tatuaje logo on the outside of the lighter. For repair, you are required to ship the lighter along with $9 for shipping and handling to the Lotus Repair Center in Florida. It seems as if Lotus has made some strides in the efficiency of their repair process (see Doc’s review of the Lotus L230 torch lighter in March 2006) as they now claim that most repairs will be completed within 48 hours and will replace your lighter with a new one if it takes more than 10 days.

The Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus is very good lighter that is a great collector’s item for fans of Tatuaje cigars, like me. It is can serve as a solid table lighter for a herf and is also small enough for everyday use. I personally now use it to light most of my cigars and save my smaller torch lighter for touch-ups. Its major cons are its poor fuel efficiency (but butane is not that expensive anyways) and its limited warranty.

How we rate Accessories
1. FORM: Is the product well designed and are directions for set up (if applicable) easy to follow and intuitive?
2. FUNCTION: How well does the product perform the function it was designed for?
3. VALUE: To what extent is the product worth the price?
4. OVERALL QUALITY = FORM + FUNCTION + VALUE (divided by 300)
5. RATING SCALE: We use a 50-100 point scale.
51 - 69 = POOR
70 - 79 = AVERAGE
80 - 89 = SILVER STAR
90 - 100 = GOLD STAR

Henry’s Heritage Series

Wed, 30 May 2007 23:40:33 -0700

Featured Product: Henry’s Signature Series Cigar Tools
Type: Cigar poker
Contact: Steve at: neef.norris@netscape.com

Today I am announcing yet another update to the already cool Henry’s Draw Correction tools. This latest addition to Henry’s Tool Team is the Henry’s Heritage Series.

I have already reviewed Henry’s Classic Tool set and their spawn the Signature Series. In a nutshell, they work, buy some, a no-brainer purchase. Enough said.

Like the Classic and Signature tools, the Heritage Series has two draw correction tools: a longer 7.5 inch draw tool for longer cigars (Churchill etc) and 5 " draw tool for shorter lengths (Robusto and smaller).

New features include a personalized hard shell case (this was my idea, I don’t mind telling you). The new case can be personalized with a logo or name and is a very cool addition to the tool set. I can just see James Bond pulling out this case from his tux vest pocket or from the glove box of his Aston Martin.

Below: Doc using “Nubber” tool.
Also included is a new tool called the “Nubber” tool. The Nubber works well. I have used it twice and it works so well I think I might have to start nubbing more cigars. You simply skewer your stick with the nubber and smoke it until your lips are charred black. Even though it bisects the cigar barrel, it does not impede the draw of the cigar. I thought it would, but it didn’t.

The Heritage Series is a personalized heirloom. This is something to pass down to your kids and grandkids. It’s built well and built to last.

Credo: Synchro Cutter

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:23:21 -0700

PRODUCT: Credo Synchro
TYPE: Cigar cutter
CONTACT INFORMATION: The cutters are exclusively distributed in the United States by Arango Cigar Company, Northbrook, Ill., Toll-free: (800) 222-4427, Tel: (847) 480-0055, E-Mail: arangocigar@aol.com.
OTHER: Credo web site: http://www.credo.fr/uk/home_uk.htm
REVIEWER: Doc
SPECIFICATIONS:
Color: Polished Stainless Steel and Matted Gray Stainless
Length: 3 ½ inches
Width: 2 ¼ inches
Weight: 2.4 ounces
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 90
VALUE: 85
OVERALL SCORE: 90.0 – STOGIE FRESH GOLD STAR RATING

BACKGROUND:
In my opinion, one can never have enough cutters. Of course, I like to collect things, but cigar accessories are my favorite collector’s paradise. I do have standards, however. And they are very simple: a cigar cutter must work. That is, it must cut cigars and cut them well consistently. It must be able to cut cigars of all shapes and of nearly every size. Of secondary importance, yet still important enough, is a cutter should look cool. It should have a certain “pod factor.” I mean, I like to pull out my cutter and lighter at a herf and have something that I can show off. Yeah, a good cutter should be cool too.

That said; I am here to review the Credo Synchro Cigar Cutter.
The Credo Synchro is constructed from durable stainless steel and comes in many styles. The different versions include a classy polished stainless model, matted silver, gold and black, and a variety of wood-veneer types: Mahogany, Amboyna, Birdseye Maple and Macassar Ebony.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are $70 for all metal-bodied models, and $90 for the wood finishes.

FORM and SETUP: [Score: 95]
The Credo Synchro Cutter’s body is a sleek 3.5 x 2.25 inches. The polished stainless and mat gray versions each weigh in at 2.4 ounces, which makes them the heaviest cutter we have reviewed to date. For some people, the extra heft is a good thing and a sign of a well-made cutter, for others it just represents extra weight.

The Synchro includes a leather pouch and comes with some simple “principles of operation” that are stated on the box. I took the cutter out of the box to give it the “once over.” I thought that the polished stainless cutter was very cool and would give it 9.5 PODS, on the 1-10 “Pod Factor Scale.” The matted gray cutter was not as good looking to me and tended to scratch easily.

The cutter is a blend of a double-guillotine cutter and cigar scissors. This form consideration is important: because the cutter has scissors handles, it is easy to get a good grip on the cutter and it provides more than enough leverage for important cutting tasks. On the other hand, because it is a double-guillotine, it has a smaller footprint and doesn’t take up as much space in your pocket or herf bag as would a set of scissors.

FUNCTION: [Score: 90]
At Stogie Fresh we don’t even start a cutter review in earnest until we have made between 75-100 cuts. I took out some dog rockets and started to get a feel for the cutter. I made cut after cut, trying to develop the most efficient method for using this cutter. After 85 “practice cuts,” I began using the cutter for my prized stogies. Over the next couple of weeks, I used the cutter to cut cigars of various shapes and sizes: torpedo, Churchill, perfecto, corona, and robusto, were some of the vitolas incised by the Synchro. I must say that the cutter has a sharp blade. It cuts very cleanly and stays sharp, at least through the 100-plus cuts that I made.

The locking mechanism is a bit finicky and sometimes sticks. Without the locking mechanism, the blades would stay in a wide-open position all the time because the mechanism has a spring that opens the blades, thus the need for a lock.

VALUE: [Score: 85]

Each cutter comes with leather carrying pouch and 100% lifetime warranty. The price may be a bit steep for some, considering that you can buy some very fine cutters for much less.

OVERALL SCORE: 90.0 = GOLD STAR RATING
In summary, this is a very cool looking cutter that has sharp blades that cut well. This cutter performs very well and would be a handsome addition to your cutter collection. Due to the price, this cutter would not be for everyone, but for the cigar enthusiast who must have the finest, this would be a great choice.

How we rate Accessories
1. FORM: Is the product well designed and are directions for set up (if applicable) easy to follow and intuitive?
2. FUNCTION: How well does the product perform the function it was designed for?
3. VALUE: To what extent is the product worth the price?
4. OVERALL QUALITY = FORM + FUNCTION + VALUE (divided by 300)
5. RATING SCALE: We use a 50-100 point scale.
51 - 69 = POOR
70 - 79 = AVERAGE
80 - 89 = SILVER STAR
90 - 100 = GOLD STAR

Update: Henry’s ‘Signature’ Tools

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:44:41 -0700

Featured Product: Henry’s Signature Series Cigar Tools
Type: Cigar poker

There are only two types of cigar smokers: those who have had a plugged cigar, and those who are gonna have one. This past year, we did a review on Henry’s Cigar Draw Correction Tools, which allow one to cut through a plug as quickly as a chain saw cuts through a loaf of bread.

Below: Henry at his work desk.

What I especially like about these tools is that they are simple; you don’t need a degree in engineering to use them, and they allow for the maximum flexibility in creating multiple draw holes in larger ring gauge cigars. The tools require some practice to master, but once that’s done you are ready to save some bucks by opening up those constipated sticks.

The new big brother to the original Henry’s Draw Correction Tools, the Signature Series, sport handles with your signature in gold or silver leaf. The Signatures require about a week from start-to-finish. First, the signature graphic is created and “metalized.” This is a proprietary process that gets the desired signature onto the tool handles. The metalized signatures are applied to the tool handles, cured, and then are sealed with protective topcoats.

The Signature Series tools retail for $23.50 (shipping included) and soon there will be an option for a leatherette hard-shell case (YES!), which will include Henry’s Cigar Tools and a new “Nubber” Tool.

Buy a set of Henry’s Classic Tools, they are a no-brainer and will save you some cash on lost cigars. Or, to increase the “Pod Factor,” get some of the new Signature Series tools. These are like family heirlooms that can be passed down through generations.

Water Pillows: Portable Humidifier

Tue, 5 Dec 2006 19:16:44 -0800

Product: Water Pillows
Type: Humidification
Web Site: http://www.waterpillowsinfo.com
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 93.3

BACKGROUND: In the past, cigar enthusiasts basically had one choice when it came to humidification elements: green floral foam. Sure, there have been some attempts to use other common items, from clay to sponges, but the ever-present foam was the best and most cost-effective method that we could come up with.

Not that foam is without weaknesses. Foam can harbor bacteria and mold and must be treated with anti-mold compounds. Further, after about a year, the foam needs to be replaced because it has become clogged and saturated with the by-products of fermentation and various other contaminants.

In recent years we have been given a couple more valuable options for humidification: Super-absorbent polymers and Silica gel. I have reviewed these “New Wave” products in a previous Stogie Fresh 5 podcast episode.

The Water Pillow falls into the category of new wave products. The Water Pillow uses a super absorbent polymer (polysodium acrylate) as the humidification element. Super absorbent polymers (SAP) can absorb more than 500 times their weight in water. They come in the form of small beads or, in the case of the Water Pillows, in powder form.

At Right: Contents of Water Pillow Inner Bag before, and after, soaking.

The polymers are very absorbent: when soaked in water they swell up and then release this moisture into the internal environment of the humidor through a process of diffusion. The rate at which a polymer will deliver moisture within your humidor is based on the relative humidity inside: at lower RH, more water is diffused from the polymers into the humidor air, at higher RH’s, the delivery rate of moisture is lower.

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 95]
The Water Pillow construction sequesters SAP in small plastic/fabric bags. The instructions say to dip in distilled water for 15 seconds. This is actually very important because you can easily over-saturate the polymers.

Below: Inner Bag after a 15-second soak.
After wetting the inner bag, you then place it into a secondary outer plastic bag with a Ziplock-type closure. This protects your cigars from having moisture come into direct contact with your cigars. I recommend allowing the inner bag to sit for 30 seconds or so after wetting, to allow any excess moisture to be soaked up by the SAP and be sure to wipe off excess moisture from the outside of the bag.

FUNCTION: [Score: 90]
The Water Pillows come in a sheet of cells, which are connected by perforated plastic so you can easily tear off a cell for use. They are also sold singly.

Super absorbent polymers, as the name suggests, absorb water. Lots of it. When using the Water Pillow, I have found that the longer you allow the pillow to sit in water, the more it will absorb. For example, the un-moistened pillow weighs next to nothing (see table below), but with varying lengths of soaking time, the pillow will greatly expand.

Time Soaked Weight of Pillow
0 sec < .1 oz
15 sec .4 oz
30 sec .6 oz
1 min .8 oz
5 min 1.0 oz

That means that you can consider different soak times for different applications. A Water Pillow with a 10-15 second soak time would work perfectly for mailing 5-10 cigars in a plastic cigar bag. For use in a 15-count travel humidor or smaller, I would recommend a 15-20 second soak, while a soak time of 1 minute would be good for use in a small humidor.

I would suggest experimenting a bit with soak times: I wouldn’t recommend anything over a minute. Overfilling the polymers in an enclosed space can pack them too densely and they will have trouble regulating humidity. Further, you may have to experiment with both the soak time and the number of Water Pillows to use for each humidor application.

Below: Water Pillows are produced in sheets of “cells.”
Also pictured: front and back view of outer bag.

The outer plastic bag is used to protect your cigars from direct moisture from the contents of the Water Pillow. However, if you have a humidor where the Water Pillow can be placed out of contact with your cigars, there is no need to use the outer plastic bag. Just make sure that you wipe off excess water from the outside of the inner bag before placing in your humidor.

Water Pillows are very easy to use and convenient. I like to keep them around for mailing packages with cigars and to toss in my travel humidors. As a long-term humidifier for larger humidors (above 50-count), I would recommend a different product. Using multiple Water Pillows in a larger humidor would get cumbersome, in my opinion. Of course, the Water Pillows are advertised primarily as a “portable” solution and are therefore aimed at my recommended applications. According to a company source: “The ‘ideal’ application for Water Pillows is to be used in conjunction with a ziplock or slider reclosable bag containing anywhere from 5-10 cigars.”

Regardless, I have successfully used SAP in both active and passive humidification systems by using larger containers filled with varying amounts of polymers. There are plenty of applications for polymers, given the right container.

VALUE: [Score: 95]
There are other packet-type products that can be used for humidifying smokes. One that I have reviewed is the Bóveda Humidification Packet. At around 50 cents each, the Water Pillows are much cheaper than the Bóveda packets, which run just under $4.00 per packet (MSRP). However, I estimate that it would take at least 3 Water Pillows to regulate humidity in the same area as 1 Bóveda packet. Even so, the Water Pillows would still be the least expensive way to go.

I recommend this product highly for the application for which it is intended: mailing 5-10 cigars and also recommend it for use in small travel humidors. This is a an inexpensive product that is easy to use and works as advertised.

OVERALL SCORE: 93.3

Henry’s Draw Correction Tools

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 23:56:44 -0700

Product: Henry’s Cigar Draw Correction Tools.
Type: Cigar poker
Contact: Steve at neef.norris@netscape.com
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 93.3 – STOGIE FRESH GOLD STAR RATING

BACKGROUND: How many times have you starting out smoking a stogie only to have to pitch it because it was plugged tighter than a toilet after a hard… rain. Tossing a stogie is a waste of good tobacco, not to mention a waste of cash.

Awhile back, a friend brought out a couple of nice cigars and, as sometimes happens, we had some tight draws. In the past, our solution would be to continue sucking on our cigars until our cheek muscles cramped, or, give up, toss them, and pull out another stogie.

Fortunately for the cigar smokers of the world, there lives in the environs of middle Michigan, an eccentric 80-year-old, who loves to fish, drives a '66 Buick and just happens to craft a damn fine set of cigar pokers.

Henry, known to his friends as a “curmudgeon of sorts,” doesn’t have much tolerance for hi-tech gizmos. His tools are not mass-produced; no two sets are exactly alike. They are handcrafted of wood and steel and are striking in their simplicity. Not known for understatement or self-effacing crap, Henry simply states his business philosophy: “And if a guy don't have the time and sense to use my tools, he likely don't have the time or sense to smoke a cigar!!"

I like that. There’s something refreshing about a mission statement that cuts to the chase.

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 90] The tools come in a set of two: one 5-inch and one 7 ¾-inch tool. The shafts of the tools are etched at 1-inch intervals so you can see how deep you are probing. The tools are packed in clear, protective tubing.

I set out to master the use of the tools by first reading the instructions. I found the instructions clear and helpful, as well as interesting (i.e., the story about Henry and his tools). After looking over the tools and reading the concise instructions, I came up with three simple rules for set up and use:

RULE #1: You have to practice with the tools. Period. They can be a salvation, but if you try to hurry the process or if you have not practiced, you can ruin a cigar. Case in point, my friend was using the tools for only the second time, got in a bit of a hurry and punched a hole right through the sidewall of his cigar. Luckily, I had my cigar patch kit on hand to stem that flow.

RULE #2: You have to practice with the tools. Before I started using the tools on my prized stogies, I took some practice pokes on a couple of dog rockets. I punched several holes in each, just getting a feel for the tool. Even after plenty of practice, I recommend that you take your time, backing the tool up, if necessary, and carefully working it through the cigar.

RULE #3: You have to practice with the tools. Really this is the only possible flaw in the product design: It’s not idiot-proof. You can really mangle a cigar if you are not careful. The tools are flexible, the cigars are flexible… you get the idea. Mastery can only come with plenty of practice.

FUNCTION: [Score: 95] After taking plenty of practice pokes and feeling that I knew what I was doing, pretty much, I pulled out the first likely candidate for de-plugging, a torpedo from Costa Rica. I bought a box of these cigars last summer in Costa Rica and, to my dismay; almost all of them were plugged. I used the poker successfully to unplug both cigars. Though I was able to smoke the cigars, and though the draw improved, the cigars didn’t burn well. The moral of this lesson: a successful poke will not improve a poorly constructed cigar and, in the end, it still might not be smokable. This was not the fault of the poker, however.

I had completely different experiences with two Bolivar Royal Coronas. These cigars had too much tobacco rolled into them, but were otherwise well constructed. The first Boli was plugged, the second was just “tight.” The poker opened these cigars up beautifully and they smoked perfectly. Two saved smokes, not to mention saved cash.

The very feature that makes these handy can also cause problems. Henry’s tools do not have a guide like other pokers, but this is not really a disadvantage. These tools allow you to "freehand" your punch through your cigar. This flexibility makes the poker more versatile and allows you to make multiple holes in a cigar, if required, and also allows you to "steer" a path through your cigar.

I am convinced that what makes these pokers work so well is the diameter of the steel and the chiseled tip. The angling of the tip not only makes it easier to work the poker through the cigar, but acts like a Roto-Rooter tool to carve out a space within the cigar. I have used other pokers in the past that were shaped like an ice pick, these often resulted in expanding the cigar and the wrapper until the wrapper split. This did not happen with Henry’s tool. Plus, in my opinion, the diameter of the steel is just perfect for unplugging cigars. If the poker diameter is too big, it will push the cigar contents out toward the periphery and split the wrapper, if too small, the hole will cave in on itself as the tobacco “springs back.”

Perhaps I am not the first to say so, but I would like to see a travel pouch for these little skewers. A leather zip up or a pouch with a Velcro closure would be an ideal match for the pokers and allow them to be easily carried. Kind of like the thief who pulls out a little satchel of lock-picks from his pocket. (I watch too many movies.)

In summary, though the pokers will not create a good smoke out of a poorly constructed cigar, they can salvage to perfection a cigar that is plugged, but is otherwise well constructed. Too, they will improve the draw in ANY cigar and as a result, I see myself using these to improve the draw on cigars that are not plugged, yet have a tight draw.

Henry’s tools are not for everyone. If you have enough money to simply toss a $10 cigar because it’s plugged, then you probably have enough money to light a $10 cigar with a $10 bill and will probably need an accountant more than a cigar tool.

VALUE: [Score: 95] At less than $10, you can easily pay for the tools by unplugging one stogie. These are a bargain. Get them before the secret gets out.

OVERALL SCORE: 93.3 = GOLD STAR RATING