Pipes and Cigars and Tobacco

I love mine, and how utilitarian it is.

Obviously, first and foremost it can be used as a guillotine cutter.

Though for a while now instead I've been opting to only close the blade around the cap enough to pierce the wrapper. I will then carefully rotate the cigar, until the cap is delicately severed, and pops right off. This allows me to avoid any kind of pressure damage, and the results are much neater than the average guillotine nip.

Let's talk about some potential functions of the knife itself. Cutting pesky plastic wrappers or difficult bands are a given.

I've found it particularly useful in situations where I have had to step away from my smoke for a while, and when returned it needs a full relight. You can use the razor sharp blade tip to carefully "trim" away the ash and scraggly bits, resulting in a more clean and even surface area for a relight.

If you're a fan of punches or V-cuts, this won't serve as a replacement. But I think it's an excellent tool to carry, for many other reasons.

So you’re getting started with cigars or you’re on the move. You’d like to store a couple sticks but don’t know if you’ll get to smoke them this weekend or months from now. Also… humidors… how do I even…?

No problem. Just get an airtight food safe storage case (glass, food safe plastic, etc) from wherever you get your kitchen stuff. Grocery store may have them.

When you pick up your cigars, get a couple of humidifier packs (e.g. Boveda packs). They have a humidity number typically between 65-72%. Avoid mixing humidity levels among your packs.

• how many: they come in different sizes and are rated based on how many cigars you’re storing. 1-2 little ones (8g each) should do for a small container (up to about 25 cigars).
• Check them after maybe 6 months - more if frequently opening your container. If they’re getting hard, time to replace.
• They’re made of natural non-toxic stuff. Safe to handle. Safe to throw away.

If you’ve got a cigar shop you could ask them if they sell or give away scrap ceder strips which you can add to your container. Helps modulate humidity and is a natural insect repellent. And smells good!

Boveda bags are an even simpler and smaller solution for a couple sticks. I’ve had 2 cigars in a bag with an 8g pack for a year unopened and they’re just fine. Plus you can feel the humi-pack to see how it’s doing.

Storage: try to find a steady room temperature area to keep your container. Remember the 70/70 rule: most cigars store well at around 70 Fahrenheit and 70% humidity.

You’re all set!

This is a new favorite for me, in my rotation. Really enjoying them.

DO:

• Get an inexpensive corn cob pipe ~10 USD. The trusted famous brand is Missouri Meerschaum.
• get a well loved “codger blend” like Carter Hall or Prince Albert
• watch some YouTube videos on packing and lighting; keep it simple (3 step packing)

DON’T

• buy an expensive pipe to start with
• get frustrated with learning curve - patience

Tobacco Types

• wealth of info at tobaccoreviews.com
• aromatics (broadly, smell good but no taste)
• virginia / burley: core tobacco leaf types (notes of bread, hay, leather)
• latakia: smoke cured (campfire smokey smells)

Try them all. See what you like. (But va/burley is the best!)

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/miguellopezmallach/15365251481/in/photostream