Rare is the person that simply smokes one cigar and never returns. It is more likely that they will become a fan of the culture and begin to immerse themselves into it. With that being said, there are a few cigar accessories that every serious stogie smoker will need.
Cigar Accessories — Cutters
Premier cigars will require cutting before you can enjoy them. While you could obviously use your teeth to do it, it can be a train wreck if not done perfectly. I would encourage you to choose one of the four main cutting tools instead.
Designed to make a cut across at the end of the cigar, first off you have the guillotine. Of the guillotines, the double blade is the better choice if you want a cleaner cut. The advantage of a solid double-bladed cutter is that the cutting proceeds from both sides simultaneously.
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A punch cutter is simply a circular, razor-sharp blade that you push gently into the head of a cigar to core out an opening for you to light.
A V-cutter makes a notched hole in the end of the cigar. The advantage is that it can offer you more surface area without exposing your tongue to loose bits of tobacco.
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Cigar scissors are specifically manufactured for the purpose of snipping cigars. They’re usually made from surgical-grade stainless steel.
Cigar Accessories — Humidors
The next natural step in your cigar journey will be the purchase of a humidor. Left unprotected in the open environment, cigars can dry out and even become moldy. In a properly maintained humidor—the atmosphere inside of which closely mimics that of a tropical isle—cigars can be kept for years.
You have a spectrum of choices that range from small portable units to those that resemble a summer cottage. A humidor in the simplest terms is a storage container that allows you to control the air flow, temperature and humidity. The ultimate goal is a humidity range of 70 to 75 percent and a temperature between 68 to 70 degrees. This will allow you to keep your cigars fresh for an extremely long time.
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Cigar Accessories — Ashtrays
One aspect of cigar culture is a sense of refined maturity. With that being said, the sometimes long ash of the cigar will need to eventually find a home. Ashtrays embody the diverse, almost artistic nature of cigar culture. While there are some that are simple and utilitarian, most are as much a work of art as they are needed utensils.
This article is from the summer 2017 issue of Ballistic Magazine. To subscribe, please visit OutdoorGroupStore.com.
