Punches\u00a0\u2013 A punch cut cores out a hole in the cap without damaging the cap. This is my preferred method. The only drawback is that you increase the likelihood of tar build-up in a wetter cigar and sometimes you will not be able to use it with a cigar that draws tight. If I get build-up, I just cut it with a guillotine cutter.\n\n\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n- Wedge or \u201cV\u201d Cutters\u2013 A cross between a cut and a punch. Instead of cutting off the whole cap, you cut out a wedge in the middle. This would be the best of both worlds, but I have never found a wedge cutter sharp enough so that it doesn\u2019t mangle the cap. You can find these in hand or table-top versions.\n\n
\n \n
\n
Cigar Lighters\n
unless you have super powers, you\u2019ll need a flame.\n
\n- Matches\u2013 the cheapest and simplest. There are special cigar matches that are thicker and longer.\n
- Candles\u2013 Candles can light a cigar, but never should as the chemicals and junk in the wick will ruin the taste of your cigar.\n
- Propane Lighters\u2013 DO NOT USE THESE FOR CIGARS! If you have your favourite Zippo case, they now make a conversion kit to make it a butane torch.\n
- Flame Lighter\u2013I prefer the flame lighter to a torch if I am inside as the flame is colder and gentler on the leaf.\n
- Torch\u2013 The only way to light a cigar outside. I\u2019ve seen models that use up to four flames. I have different ones with 1 \u2013 4 burners\n
- Coil\u00a0\u2013 Similar to a stove or space heater although there is some gas that comes up from the coil. These work well in place of torches and are a little safer.\n
- Lighter Fuel\u2013 if you want your lighter to last, use at least triple refined butane fuel.\n\n
\u00a0\nAshtrays\u00a0\nthat ash doesn\u2019t go on the floor. No ashtray really works better than any other, just find one (or three) that you like.\n
\n- Crystal\u2013 these are generally the most traditional and most expensive.\n
- Porcelain\/Ceramic\u2013 Most trays I\u2019ve seen recently are made of either porcelain or ceramic. They are cheaper than crystal but a lot more fragile.\n
- Pewter\/Metal\u2013 Another low cost option.\n
- Travel Ashtrays\u2013 These are great when you are on long trips in your car and don\u2019t want to make a big mess.\n\n
\n
Humidors\n\u2013 Your options are only limited by how much you want to spend. My one piece of advice when purchasing a humidor \u2013 buy one bigger than you think you will need. Also, humidors work best when full. You can find ok inexpensive humidors, but they must have a good seal, and preferably be made from Spanish cedar (non-aromatic).\n
\n- Desktop Humidors\u2013 anywhere from 20 to 200 count usually.\n
- Trunk Humidors\u2013 Now we are talking! Usually from 200-500 count. The one pictured below is a bit small but you get the idea.\n\n
\n
\n- Cabinet Humidors\u2013 For the serious collector, usually from 500 \u2013 3000 count or more.\n\n
\n
\n- Walk-in Humidors\u00a0\u2013 the sky is the limit folks! Every cigar aficionado\u2019s dream!\n\n
\n\n- \u201cTupperdors\u201d\u2013 the poor man\u2019s alternative. You can use a big Tupperware container, drill a small hole or two in the lid and you are good to go.\n\n
\nHumidification\u00a0\u2013 since we don\u2019t live on the equator (most of us), we need something to give us a similar humidity. A humidification element is necessary in every humidor and traveling case where a cigar is going to be stored longer than a day. I prefer my humidor at ~65%. If you run close to 70%, you run the risk of entering the mold zone if you have a spike. Plus I think cigars smoke better at 65%.\n\n- Pouches\u2013 These are good for shipping or short term use. Many manufacturers are including pouches in their cigar boxes.\n
- Cards\u00a0\u2013 Similar to pouches, good for short term use.\n
- Tubes\u2013 Ideal for long term storage. They are shaped like a cigar so they fit perfectly with all of your other cigars and take up a small footprint in your humidor.\n\n
\n
\n- Jars\u2013 Ideal for long term storage. These are preferable for bigger humidors but do take up a little more space.\n
- Oasis Pads\u2013 Many humidors come with their own humidification element which is basically a plastic box with slits housing an oasis pad (green sponge) similar to what florists use. These are ok, but require a lot more maintenance and can be breeding grounds for mold.\n
- Electronic\u00a0\u2013 the priciest alternative but will control your humidity for you to the exact degree.\n\n
\u00a0\nHumidification fluids\u00a0\u2013 what should I use?\n\n- Tap water \u2013\u00a0Not recommended, most think tap water contains too many impurities that can foul up your humidification element.\n
- Distilled water\u2013 I just use my distilled water to fill up my Humidifier. it seems to work fine.\n
- Propylene glycol\u2013 an anti-mold chemical. Be careful how much you use this as too much can actually remove moisture from the surrounding air and dry up your cigars. Once used, you do not need to keep adding glycol to your humidification element.\n\n
Hygrometers\u00a0\u2013 you need to know what humidity your humidor is at. Use the salt test to calibrate it.\n\n- Spring\u2013 these are basically worthless as they constantly need calibration and recalibration. Invest in an electronic hygrometer.\n
- Electronic\u00a0\u2013 the only choice in my book. You can get inexpensive ones that work great.\n\n
\n
Travel Cigar Cases\u00a0\u2013 for the jet-setting cigar smoker. You can find travel cases for one cigar all the way to 50!\n\n- Leather Cases\u2013 For the more distinguished usually in one, two and three finger sizes. Also available in tubes.\n
- Plastic Cases\u2013 My preferred method as I am very accident prone. These are also more waterproof than the other alternatives. Cheaper too. They usually start from 5 cigars up to 25 cigar sizes.\n
- Metal Tubes\u2013 For the gentleman on the go, very nice if you are going to the Country Club for a gin and tonic. Careful though, these don\u2019t hold their humidity well. Usually in one or two finger sizes.\n
- Plastic Tubes\u2013 Like the metal tubes but cheaper.\n\n
\u00a0\nCigar Repair Kits\u00a0\u2013 nothing in life is every perfect, especially cigars.\n\n- Cigar Glue\u2013 this stuff is pretty handy when you drop or mangle a cigar accidentally. Made of pectin, the same stuff they use at the cigar factories.\n
- Draw Poker\u2013 I\u2019ve never used one of these. My theory is that if you do need to use a cigar poker to get a draw from a cigar, it\u2019s not a cigar that should be smoked period.\n\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cigar Accessories \u2013 For the\u00a0Aficionado Whether it be a cutter or a lighter, it\u2019s important to get the best item for your money. Below…\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":344,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"spay_email":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/407"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=407"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":769,"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/407\/revisions\/769"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cigarloungeschaumburg.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}