Brand new smoker!

[OMEGA5]

Hello, everybody! I just became a cigar smoker quite recently. A guy who I do printing for owns a cigar shop. We were designing a flyer for him and he brought some cigars to give us ideas for the artwork. He let us keep the cigars, and now I'm hooked ;) I already bought a humidor, a Savoy that holds about 150 cigars and a cheapo cutter. I have a couple of questions.

first of all, I would like to get a better cutter than the one I have, are there any specific brands you guys can recommend? So far I am happy with the straight cut I have been using, but can you explain to me some of the other cuts?

Secondly can you explain to me the difference between a humidor and a coolidor? And do I need to think about investing in a coolidor?

My final qustion for today is do you prefer lighting with a lighter or matches? I am currently using matches, as most of the sites I have seen for advice recommended using matches over a lighter. Is this just a personal taste thing or is there any basis behind this?

Thank you in advance for helping me out! As I said before I am totally new to this, but I have enjoyed it more than I could have ever imagined already!

[Sonnyfoxxx]

One of those torch lighters you can get at the gas station will do the trick. There is basis to lighters over matches, the sulpher taste can corrupt the flavor of the cigar. Most lighters will give it a gassy taste. A torch light works wonders.

This is the one I use. You may also want to bookmark this site, too.

http://secure.thompsoncigar.com/defa...8&page=product

Hope this was helpful.

~Sonny~

[Baron Porthos]

Stay away from thompson their deals can be hard to find at times. I personally like a punch cutter. It is a round blade that cuts a hole into the end with a bit of pressure and a twist it works well. $1.99 plus shipping on E-Bay. At least thats what I paid. I also have two double guillotine or two bladed cutters one made for large ring guage cigars. Alot of people use xikar cutters.
If you search the forum all of your answers are here somewhere.
Welcome to the board.
Oh I forgot to tell you about the "devils website" as jaewing calls it
www.cigarbid.com
and check out:
http://www.caminoviejo.com/

[SuperChuck]

first of all, I would like to get a better cutter than the one I have, are there any specific brands you guys can recommend? So far I am happy with the straight cut I have been using, but can you explain to me some of the other cuts?

If you like the straight cut and you really want to buy a better cutter, I suggest a Xikar. They're very popular around here... I have the Xikar 2 (from eBay) and I'm very happy with it.

The other common cuts are punch, which "punches" a hole in the cap, and V, which cuts a groove in the cap.

Next time you are at the cigar shop, ask for an array of different cuts. That will give you an idea of what each cut is like.

Secondly can you explain to me the difference between a humidor and a coolidor? And do I need to think about investing in a coolidor?

A coolidor is a humidor constructed from a big party cooler. It's a cheap way to get a really big humidor. It's for mass storage, but with your 150 stick humi, you should be good for the time being. I've been in this hobby for probably 6 months with a 40-50 stick humi and I'm just now thinking of buying a coolidor (I still consider myself a newbie, so I only buy single sticks)...

My final qustion for today is do you prefer lighting with a lighter or matches? I am currently using matches, as most of the sites I have seen for advice recommended using matches over a lighter. Is this just a personal taste thing or is there any basis behind this?

Two things to avoid:
Paper Matches
Fluid Lighters (Zippo)

Some say that Zippos don't affect the flavor of a cigar, but if you don't already have one and some cigars you don't mind tasting funny, don't go out of your way to get one.

I personally prefer a torch lighter. They produce a lot of heat and work fairly well in wind. I also enjoy wooden matches (it has a more romantic feel and produces a gentler flame), but I get annoyed by having to light 5 or 6 to get a cigar lit. :)

[Mazeman]

If you're as hooked as you sound, I'll give you 2 weeks before you make a coolidor. It's an inexpensive way to properly store all the cigars you'll be buying.

Another thing you might need is a digital hygrometer or two (one for your coolidor) so, like me, you can obsess about proper humidity levels.
So far I'm going with beads for humidification in both units (such as these ).

Savoy was a great humidor choice: Nicely built at a reasonable cost.

I like this site for cigar purchases. Reasonable prices, good selection (cigars and samplers) and good service.

I've been smoking occasional cigars for years, but recently I got much more into it, so I'm in a similar boat as you. Enjoy!

[Lopaka]

Oh and BTW, welcome to the boards!

[Seagar]

Even when I use my torch lighter to light cigars I still blow all the smoke out of the cigar so Im not sucking up any type of fuel what so ever. I to am fairly new to cigars, its a greay hobby and tons of fun selecting and smoking new and different types of cigars.

[OMEGA5]

Excellent! Thanks for all the info guys! I already feel better off for joining this board! Now it's time for football and a nice smoke!

[mithril]

welcome to the board! if you are still interested in a coolidor, walmart has a 120 quart Igloo cooler online for 40 bucks, i'm not sure if they have them in the store for that price though. i'm getting ready to get it and start increasing my collection of cigars.

[JakeKnight]

Spend the money on a good humidor. At least 100-150 count. Of course, a good humidor may run you more than the car your buying, so if you aren't in a position to spend a grand or two, there are other options. The bottom line is that anything that can maintain temperature and humidity in the 65-70 range for both is just fine. Use what works.

As for a cutter, you'll find your own tastes. I prefer a punch, but you've got the horizontal bladed option (single or dual - always go with dual!). the scissors, and the v-notch. A cutter is simplest, a punch is neatest. Experiment with what you like. Some people hate the way a punch delivers the smoke to the palate ... I love it. It's up to you.

A Xikar cutter is fine way to start ... but any dual-bladed cutter sharp enough to do the deed is fine. Don't get too hung up on brand name as long as it works. Save the brand name snobbery for the cigars, where it matters

As for the light, stay away from regular butane lighters. A match is just fine ... and stylish, too .... but be sure to let the match burn for a little while, to burn off the sulphur and other chemical. You don't want to taste the match. And torch (a high-powered, jet looking flame) is fine. Colibri and Prometheus are great, but anything will work. Again, save the snob-bit for the cigars.

Bottom line: enjoy! A lot of people (including me) have their tastes and their prejudices. Find the best that you like best, and stick with it.