Henry's Cigar Draw Tools -- UPDATE

[palm55]

To ALL evaluators:

Thanks again for all the input! Henry's working on his first batch of "new & improved" draw tools, and we're continuing to look for an online retailer willing to take on the product. In the meantime, if anyone has any interest in a set, PM me, and I'll let you know when & where the next lot of them are available.

Funny... I showed Henry an ad for the "drawpoker" tool offered through Thompsons. He was (to say the least) indignent!

(sic) "What the hell is all that PLASTIC about!?" he asked. "And what's with that plastic 'guide' thing!? I'm sticking with steel and wood... And if a guy doesn't have the time and sense to use my tools, he likely don't have the time or sense to smoke a cigar!!"

As I've said before... Henry doesn't have a very high tolerance for "high-tech" stuff.

Ahh well... Onward and forward. Thanks again to our CS evaluators!!!

[palm55]

Henry's hard at work (between naps) on the new tool set... And I'll post photos here as soon as they're done.

JEEZ! I just paid a $90 parking ticket! Used to be that "parking" was kind of FUN!!!

Ahh well... Onward and Forward!!!!!!!!

[tazziedevil]

I just have to say, once again, that I love my Henry's tools. Used it to open up a Perdomo2 torp last night...and managed NOT to steer it through the the side!

[palm55]

Originally Posted by tazziedevil

I just have to say, once again, that I love my Henry's tools. Used it to open up a Perdomo2 torp last night...and managed NOT to steer it through the the side!

TAZZ,

Thanks for the vote of confidence! Using Henry's tools takes a but of practice. This is why he includes the short tool to "start" the draw channel. Once you've opened up, say, 15-20 sticks, using the tool becomes second-nature.

I'll be offering another 20 sets of the "improved" tools in mid-September, and will provide specifics on the appropriate board. If anyone is interested, please feel free to PM me.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

I have to put in my about Henry's tools. The bottom line is, I always keep them close at hand. And, I always take them with me in my "herf bag," you never know when you are going to get a plugged stogie.

Last weekend, I went to a friend's house and he brought out a couple of south-of-the-border smokes and, as is common, we had some tight draws. In the past, we would just launch through these guys until our cheek muscles became sore from trying to suck life into them. No more. Henry's tools make quick work of these situations and allow us not just to smoke the cigar, but to really enjoy it.

I would like to see about four sizes of the tool. I have some super robustos that the shortest tool will not poke all the way through, yet the longest tool is a bit overkill. And, believe it or not, I have tried some cigars that were longer than the longest tool. I like to pick a tool that is just a shade longer than the cigar I will be working on.

I have also found that you have to practice with the tools. They are a salvation, but if you try to hurry the process or if you have not practiced, you can ruin a cigar. Case in point, my friend was using the tools for only the second time and punched a hole right through the sidewall of his cigar. Luckily, I had my cigar patch kit on hand to stem that flow. The very feature that makes these handy, can also cause problems. These tools allow you to "freehand" your punch through your cigar. This flexibility allows you to make multiple holes in a cigar, if required, and also allow you to "steer" a path through your cigar. It takes practice and careful, deliberate technique. Before I started using the tools on my prized stogies, I practiced on a couple of dog rockets. I punched several holes in each, just getting a feel for the tool. Even after that, I always take my time, backing the tool up, if necessary, and carefully working it through the cigar. I am always rewarded with a saved smoke.

I give Henry's tools two thumbs up. Don't be without them.

Doc

Doc

[palm55]

Originally Posted by Dr. Stogie Fresh

I have to put in my about Henry's tools. The bottom line is, I always keep them close at hand. And, I always take them with me in my "herf bag," you never know when you are going to get a plugged stogie.

Last weekend, I went to a friend's house and he brought out a couple of south-of-the-border smokes and, as is common, we had some tight draws. In the past, we would just launch through these guys until our cheek muscles became sore from trying to suck life into them. No more. Henry's tools make quick work of these situations and allow us not just to smoke the cigar, but to really enjoy it.

I would like to see about four sizes of the tool. I have some super robustos that the shortest tool will not poke all the way through, yet the longest tool is a bit overkill. And, believe it or not, I have tried some cigars that were longer than the longest tool. I like to pick a tool that is just a shade longer than the cigar I will be working on.

I have also found that you have to practice with the tools. They are a salvation, but if you try to hurry the process or if you have not practiced, you can ruin a cigar. Case in point, my friend was using the tools for only the second time and punched a hole right through the sidewall of his cigar. Luckily, I had my cigar patch kit on hand to stem that flow. The very feature that makes these handy, can also cause problems. These tools allow you to "freehand" your punch through your cigar. This flexibility allows you to make multiple holes in a cigar, if required, and also allow you to "steer" a path through your cigar. It takes practice and careful, deliberate technique. Before I started using the tools on my prized stogies, I practiced on a couple of dog rockets. I punched several holes in each, just getting a feel for the tool. Even after that, I always take my time, backing the tool up, if necessary, and carefully working it through the cigar. I am always rewarded with a saved smoke.

I give Henry's tools two thumbs up. Don't be without them.

Doc

Doc

DOC,

Thanks for the comments, and you make a few VERY IMPORTANT points (included in the instructions with Henry's tools)!

You're RIGHT... You can't "rush" the tool through a cigar... It takes practice and patience to "steer" the shafts correctly. There's a certain degree of "flex" in the shafts, and a certain degree of "flex" in most cigars. My guess is that you've pretty-much mastered the technique, and have a good feel for the tools!

You're RIGHT... "Don't try this at home" on a beautiful Premium until you've had some practice!! When Henry gave me my first set of tools (which I carry with me proudly today), I went down to the C-store on the other side of the lake, grabbed up a few of those Philly Grape and Strawberry things, and spent an entire hour probing the rascalls into oblivion! You know you've got the "knack" when you can take on a Lonsdale in less than a minute!

You're RIGHT... Four lengths would be better than the current two. But we're in a situation where we need to limit ourselves to tools that will fit neatly into a 5-count Cigar Caddy without intruding upon the stogie space. Actually, I'm in the habit of creating a draw channel that comes "just short" of the foot without breaking through.

By the way... I enjoyed an R-Jam on Henry's porch last night (no draw correction required). He snaked a tool through his Gurkha in a matter of a few seconds, sat back, laughed, and said, "It sounds like those computer guys might be gettin' learned-up! You think so!? How 'bout a beer!?"

[scotth]

I've been reading up on this thread from time to time and I must say you have got me very interested in these tools. I'd love to buy a set from you as soon as they become available. My kebob skewer tends to rough up my cigars when I try to loosen up the draw.

Scott

[palm55]

DOC,

You should now be in receipt of the LAST set of Henry's prototypes.

He called me this afternoon to let me know (quite descriptively) that "hash marks" every 1/4 inch on the shaft are (in his words) "a pile of crap layered over a pile of crap!"

AND SO... The finished tools will have faint (but dscernible) hash marks every one inch along the shafts.

I'll be stopping down at Henry's place on Sunday to share a cigar and finish up the "improved" sets.

Your evaluations and comments are much-appreciated!

[Bob]

I still have my kebob poker...and it works well but it would be nice if it had a proper handle...

[palm55]

Originally Posted by scotth

I've been reading up on this thread from time to time and I must say you have got me very interested in these tools. I'd love to buy a set from you as soon as they become available. My kebob skewer tends to rough up my cigars when I try to loosen up the draw.

Scott

Scott,

As I think I've mentioned before, Henry has "experimented" with many shaft sizes and steel compositions. Good Lord, he has at least 200 pounds of the stuff on one shelves back in his tool shed!

I've been assisting him in production... Learning the "craft" of bending and etching the tools properly. Our next batch will be available beginning Sunday, 9/10. If you'd like to PM, I will give you a link.

In case you didn't know, Henry is ailing. While he is is the hospital next week, I'll be taking over for him in the work shed.

And PLEASE keep in mind that Henry's Tools are hand-made... There's no plastic... Just wood and steel and craftsmanship. Not everyone likes that. And so, Henry's Tools are not for everyone!

[Old Sailor]

Give Henry my best wishes......

[scotth]

Originally Posted by palm55

Scott,

As I think I've mentioned before, Henry has "experimented" with many shaft sizes and steel compositions. Good Lord, he has at least 200 pounds of the stuff on one shelves back in his tool shed!

I've been assisting him in production... Learning the "craft" of bending and etching the tools properly. Our next batch will be available beginning Sunday, 9/10. If you'd like to PM, I will give you a link.

In case you didn't know, Henry is ailing. While he is is the hospital next week, I'll be taking over for him in the work shed.

And PLEASE keep in mind that Henry's Tools are hand-made... There's no plastic... Just wood and steel and craftsmanship. Not everyone likes that. And so, Henry's Tools are not for everyone!

Tried to PM you, but your box was full.

Scott

[palm55]

Originally Posted by scotth

Tried to PM you, but your box was full.

Scott

Scott (and ALL!),

Thanks for the thoughts!

Henry enjoyed a Cohiba and a dark Beck's this afternoon. We went back to his work shed, where he showed me how (properly) to make up a set of tools.

For who are (or are not) interested, 15 sets of Henry's Tools are now available on eBay... Item #110031645555.

I didn't check this with our moderators, and I may well be banned for "spamming" (Whatever that is)... My intent is NOT for any sort of profit out of this thing... It's simply to allow others to use and enjoy Henry's Tool Sets.

[volfan]

I have also been trying to answer a PM that you sent me but your box is full. PM me when you can.

Scottie

[scotth]

Sweet! I'll be buying one of these tomorrow when I'm not about to pass out from being so tired.

Scott