Browsing the web, a few years ago, I found this article on some splashy celebrity site about Sienna Miller, the movie star. She's standing against a wall, smiling broadly while smoking a cigar. What struck me about the picture was how cheeky she looked. Like a naughty girl flaunting her wicked ways. I was so struck in fact, that I went out to buy my first cigar. And what was a random chance meeting of me and a picture of a movie star on her break, turned into an interesting and fun hobby. While I never smoked the actual cigar I became fascinated with the product and its accessories and I began collecting cigar cutters. Its an odd hobby for a woman, not quite as odd as smoking cigars, but still odd.

Its much easier to collect cigar cutters when you aren't using them for their purpose. My cutters dangle carelessly from my keyring and I often have people stop and ask me if I smoke cigars. I've found out most of my information from random strangers who want to tell me what they think of whichever cigar cutter I might be dangling that particular day. I surprise some by saying that I'm just a collector of cutters and not an actual smoker of the cigars. Apparently its very important to choose the proper cigar cutter. An improper cigar cut will ruin the cigar by cutting it incorrectly or cutting off too much.

I've since become more informed about cigar cutters and their function. For example the first time I saw a double edged cigar cutter, I thought it was some strange device used for arcane purposes. It did, in fact, look like little finger cuffs! I've learned there are many different types of cigar cutters but they generally serve 3 functions: cut across (straight cigar cutters), slice small cross sections and (v-shaped), cut exact (scissor cigar cutters). The blades even have a menacing sounding name: guillotines.

While I search for beauty and quirkiness in my cutters, that may not be useful to someone who wants to smoke an actual cigar. What is useful to know about cutters can be summed up in a few words. Choose what is best for the type of cigar and cigar smoker you are. Double bladed, single bladed, antique or scissor cutters, its your choice. Just try not to use your teeth.

Cigar cutters

Quality cigar accessories can enhance the experience of indulging in a great stogie and there are a few tools that serious aficionados should not be without. In this article, we'll tell you which surprising goodies from a cigar shop or grocery store can make smoking one a luxurious treat.

Cigar cutters are used to remove or penetrate the cap of a cigar before smoking it. There are three basic types of cuts: the straight cut, the wedge or "V" cut and the hole punch. The type of cut to make is based on personal preference and the size and/or shape of the cigar. The straight cut is the most common. The double blade guillotine is preferred by many aficionados because it usually makes a cleaner cut. The wedge or "V" cutter resembles the guillotine cutter, but the shape of the blade slices a wedge into the cap of the cigar instead of cutting it completely off. The hole punch is used to put a hole in the cap of the cigar instead of just cutting it off. If a cutter or hole punch isn't available, a hole cut can be made in a cigar using a pen or pencil.

If you are one to purchase expensive varieties, like a Cuban cigar, then here is a cigar accessory you'll definitely need. Unlike a cigar box, a humidor prevents your cigars from drying out or becoming infested by insects. For private use, small wooden or acrylic glass humidor boxes will store a few dozen. Humidors of all sizes use hygrometers to keep track of the humidity levels. The ideal humidity in one of these units is around 65-75%.

As stated, one of the most important cigar accessories to own, is a humidor to keep the cigars moist. If they dry out, you will unlikely ever enjoy the rich aroma. However, while many people enjoy the rich fragrance of a good cigar, there are others who find it overwhelming. Wearing artificial fibres will minimize the amount of odor that your clothes absorb. Store your clothing in a plastic bag with baking soda before they can be cleaned. To keep a room smelling fresh, use a spray deodorizer expressly formulated for tobacco smoke. This isn't as effective as an air purifier but it will help. Lastly, take vitamins to flush nicotine from your system and freshen your breath. Chlorophyll and parsley extract will make your mouth fresher. Vitamin A, vitamin C, aged (kyolic) garlic extract, spirulina, wheat grass and young barley grass will all help to cleanse nicotine from your system.

Personalized cigar boxes or lighters are great but not all of your cigar accessories will come from a smoke shop. To avoid offending people who don't share your appreciation for the aroma of cigar smoke, keep a few key products around your home to get rid of the smell and pay attention to your personal hygiene. This will make cigar smoking pleasurable for everyone.