Henry's Cigar Draw Tools -- UPDATE

[par]

Steve,

i'll buy a set once you and henry feels that they are ready. I've followed the threads with great interest, and I love the down-to-earth experimentation you guys have done here.

-Par

[palm55]

Originally Posted by par

Steve,

i'll buy a set once you and henry feels that they are ready. I've followed the threads with great interest, and I love the down-to-earth experimentation you guys have done here.

-Par

Par,

Thanks for the vote of confidence! And THANKS to BOTLs who've been evaluating the tools! Without the input, we'd be without improvements!

Henry doesn't use a computer, though he does own a hand-crank adding machine. He drives a '66 Buick, and insists that it rides better than enything made today. He doesn't trust people who don't like fishing. Nor does he trust men who dislike cigars.

And so, I'm sort of Henry's "bridge" to 2006. And in regard to the tool sets, he's really taken up the "cause!" He actually called me yesterday (he rarely uses the telephone) to ask, "Hear anything more from them guys in that club?"

Ahh well... Once we've nailed down the finished product, I'll probably look around for an online distributor. We've had some success with the "buy-it-now" auctions, but I'd prefer becoming a supply source to a more cigar-specific site. It's simpler, and it would leave us more time for fishing.

[palm55]

A couple more pointers that will be added to the instruction sheet:

1. Skill Test - You've mastered using the tool when you can steer it through a Lonsdale with confidence (I like the shape/RG, but it's notoriously tight!)

2. After using the tools several times, tobacco residues will build up on the probe shafts, Clean them periodically with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or paper towel to keep them working smoothly (Bourbon, Scotch or Vodka work well in a pinch).

Onward and forward!!!

[Baric]

Interesting but i know im gonna fail on the Lonsdale test, ending up skewering a finger or something!

[palm55]

Originally Posted by Baric

Interesting but i know im gonna fail on the Lonsdale test, ending up skewering a finger or something!

Baric,

Take your time... Go slow... Turn the cigar to check vertical and lateral centering... Once you've reached the 3/4 point, you're home free. You'll do just fine!

Also, don't forget that if the draw tightens up as you smoke, you can free it up again with the tool very quickly.

Funny... I had a year-old box of VS Vintage Select Lonsdales buried in the bottom of a coolerdor. I like the flavor, and thought they'd make a good, affordable "lunch-hour" cigar. But the draw was so tight, it was just too much "work" to smoke the darned things.

Since Henry made up my tools, I've gone through two more boxes of those Lonsdales.

Ahh well... I'll be trying out one of the new tools ("spade" point and larger handle) on (you guessed it) a Lonsdale tonight. "Product testing" is typically a rather dull and boring task. However, I've found it to be very enjoyable with Henry's tools... When my wife complains of the number of cigars I'm smoking, I can semi-honestly respond, "Research and Development is never easy work... But it's work that Henry and I HAVE to do!"

Onward and forward!

[RJT]

Ok guys, I was one of the lucky ones to get a "test set" of these tools. I have had a chance to use these few times now. I have used other products before but I kinda like these better. The desgin of the bent handle makes it much eaiser to line up the poker with the cigar and keep it straight thru the cigar. I would say get you a set of these to keep around for those tough sticks. Like any of thse pokers they dont fix everything about the draw on some sticks but it is nice to have around. I like my set and would buy them if I lost this set. Thanks Henry and Palm, RJT

[Ermo]

I used these today on a near completely plugged Indian Tabac Corojo, one hole in the middle was all it took and the cigar burned and drew great. I really liked the tool because it felt very sturdy, also it was really easy to guide it straight. Thanks for the tools!! When I use them again I'll post more info.

[Ermo]

Almost forgot. If you make the modification I PM'd you about you would only need the longer one, so people would only have to buy 1.

[RJT]

Originally Posted by ebn2002

Almost forgot. If you make the modification I PM'd you about you would only need the longer one, so people would only have to buy 1.

Not sure of the mods you told him about but a simple way would be to put some markers down the rod. That way you can measure before you poke it then just poke to the line you measured to. I guess this could be done by simply etching the rod every 1/2" or 1". Just my thoughts. RJT

[Ermo]

Great minds think alike RJT, you must be a very smart man!!

[RJT]

Originally Posted by ebn2002

Great minds think alike RJT, you must be a very smart man!!

Why yes I am. lol You must be too. RJT

[palm55]

Originally Posted by RJT

Ok guys, I was one of the lucky ones to get a "test set" of these tools. I have had a chance to use these few times now. I have used other products before but I kinda like these better. The desgin of the bent handle makes it much eaiser to line up the poker with the cigar and keep it straight thru the cigar. I would say get you a set of these to keep around for those tough sticks. Like any of thse pokers they dont fix everything about the draw on some sticks but it is nice to have around. I like my set and would buy them if I lost this set. Thanks Henry and Palm, RJT

Thanks for the review, RJT! And aside from making the handles a bit longer and larger, we're sticking with Henry's original design. It gives you some "leverage" for steering the tools.

I'll do an update and post new photos of the finished product after all improvements have been made.

[palm55]

RJT and Ermo...

THANKS for your evaluation and input, guys!

The "latest & greatest" tools will include "hash marks" at 1/2-inch increments along the tool shaft.

Thanks, also, to Dr. Stogie Fresh, who suggested the addition of a carrying pouch (which we are now attempting to source).

Thanks to Tazziedevil (and others) who recommended a longer, thicker handle (a done deal).

And thanks to those evaluators I haven't mentioned here! ALL of the feedback has been very helpful!

Funny... Henry's getting up there. He's NOT a guy who takes criticism easily, and he's definitely NOT a guy who offers thanks freely.

But after enjoying a cigar with him yesterday afternoon, here's what he had to say:

(sic) "Make sure you thank them computer cigar boys for me... They got some good sense, and they got some good ideas!"

[RJT]

Glad I could be of help. Hope it goes well for you.Thanks again for the set to try out. RJT

[palm55]

Originally Posted by RJT

Glad I could be of help. Hope it goes well for you.Thanks again for the set to try out. RJT

RJT,

Henry's "in his element" tonight... He figures he's making (sic) "the best God'dam cigar tool on the planet!"

Of course, this makes me wonder how many other planets culture tobaccos, roll cigars, and use cigar tools! I asked Henry to name THREE interplanetary markets for his cigar tools.

His answer? (sic)

1. Mars
2. Juniper
3. Califorinia

Ahh well.. Go figure!... Onward and forward!