Henry's Cigar Draw Tools -- UPDATE

[palm55]

Henry's working up a couple of sets that incorporate suggested improvements to date (flattening the tip and grinding it to a "spade" point, and adding a bit of length to the wooden handles. We'll see how they turn out!

I'm looking forward to more input from BOTLs with the evaluation tools!

I should also mention that the instructions that come with the set will be revised to make a couple of helpful points:

1. When using the probes on smaller ring gauges (42 and under), you're usually limited to probing a single hole (repeating the probe to further loosen the draw).

2. When working with larger ring gauges (48 and up), it's fairly easy to make two or even three individual channels, each slightly off-center. This is very effective, and my seat-of-the-pants estimate is that each channel bored will loosen up the draw by 10-20%.

Incidentally... Here's what Henry's tools currently look like...

[tazziedevil]

Looking forward to trying them!

[palm55]

Originally Posted by tazziedevil

Looking forward to trying them!

They're on their way way South, friend!!

You damn-well-better give us your feedback!!!!!!!

[palm55]

A "painful-but-excellent suggestion"!

While he's not a CS member, I gave Charlie an evauation set of Henry's about two weeks ago. He called a week ago to tell me that he loves the tools. Naturally, I was delighted.

Charlie called me this morning from the golf course, shortly after one of his tools had punctured his left breast pocket, and impaled him. His enthusiasm for Henry's tools had, understandably, diminished.

Ahh well... He suggested (using a few choice expletives) that we house the tools in some sort of protective packaging that might eliminate the need for first-aid.

To be honest, I felt "DUMB!" It's something that SHOULD have been done in the first place!

And so... We've sourced a protective sheathing that will allow future users to enjoy the benefits of Henry's Tool Set without the embarrassment of blood stains on their shirts. This may add 30 cents to the purchase price. But we're convinced that it's worthwhile!

[Guitarman-S.T-]

Any input on where i can find those buggers. Knowing im just starting with larger ringed cigars... it might be nice to have something to Fall back on like this. Id apreciate any info given-

[palm55]

Originally Posted by Guitarman-S.T-

Any input on where i can find those buggers. Knowing im just starting with larger ringed cigars... it might be nice to have something to Fall back on like this. Id apreciate any info given-

Guitarman,

THANKS for your interest!

Henry's tools are in production, but we're awaiting more input from CG BOTLs on how we can make it the BEST tool set available. That may take a couple of weeks.

I cannot market the sets via CS, nor would I compromise my status on the board to do so.

We have offered lots of these sets on a popular internet "auction" site, once per month, and have had some success with that. However, at this point, we're simply awaiting suggestions from CS BOTLs. We've had some EXCELLENT suggestions, and we're determined to make "Henry's" the gold-standard in cigar draw correction!

Feel free to PM me on further developments and availability. I'll do the best I can to let you know when and where the new sets will be available!

Please keep in mind that "Henry's Cigar Tool Correction Sets" are NOT a mass-market operation. These are hand-made tools that come out of Henry's work shed. He loves his cigars... He loves SAVING good cigars... He's the sort of guy who doesn't give a damn for anything but the comfort of friendship and appreciation.

My wife and I will be heading down to see him tonight... No telling on how he's doing on the "spade tips." We'll find out when we find out!!!

[stormin]

Tried it again today on a Boli PC this time. This cigar wasn't totally plugged but had a tight draw. This time I ran the poker down the center but stopped before I reached the end. I did this a couple of hours before smoking it. When it was smoking time, the draw was very good. Unfortunately, with a tight Cuban cigar it will tend to close up again as you smoke it. Any time it start to get a little tight I ran the poker through the original hole. I found that stopping before the end of the poker ran through the end of the cigar helped a lot. Other then that, I say the tools work fine just the way they are.

[palm55]

Originally Posted by stormin

Tried it again today on a Boli PC this time. This cigar wasn't totally plugged but had a tight draw. This time I ran the poker down the center but stopped before I reached the end. I did this a couple of hours before smoking it. When it was smoking time, the draw was very good. Unfortunately, with a tight Cuban cigar it will tend to close up again as you smoke it. Any time it start to get a little tight I ran the poker through the original hole. I found that stopping before the end of the poker ran through the end of the cigar helped a lot. Other then that, I say the tools work fine just the way they are.

STORMIN,

Thanks for the input... And I hope you'll continue to offer your opinions as you use the tools!

I can only "assume" that your Habano was of a relatively small (under45) ring gauge. And I've had the same problem with the Onyx coronas... It's a "catch-22" situation... A larger diameter probe can split the wrapper... Yet, it's sometimes necessary to make a quick plunge while smoking to keep things clean and clear.

Thanks again for the input! I'l be passing it on to Henry tomorrow night. He's working on a hand-hammered "spade-point," and also a protective sheath to carry the tools safely.... There's no telling what he'll come up with, but the surprises are half the fun!!!

[Guitarman-S.T-]

thanks for the help palm, ill keep in touch-

[palm55]

Well... Henry knocked out a test set of the tools with "spade" points, and gave them to me last night. He pissed and moaned about having to dig out an old anvil, torch, and body hammer... But Henry's the sort of fellow who's happiest when he has a chance to piss and moan!

Ahh well... I'll be trying the "new & improved" tools out this weekend to see whether they're, indeed, "improved." In the meantime, I'll hope to hear more from CS bretheren on the evaluation tools.

Actually, I've found this project great fun! Like the cigars we enjoy, no two sets of Henry's tools are "exactly" alike (though their performance is consistent). Henry, who may not be with us too much longer, has taken GREAT pleasure in the notion that there are actually guys out there who still appreciate hand-crafted tools. It does his heart good... And when HIS heart does good, my wife and I feel blessed and good.

ONWARD AND FORWARD!!! Take your best shot at the tools! Help us to make them BETTER!!!

[palm55]

We took a couple of steps forward yesterday on the tool set, based o;n input from BOTLs inside and outside CS.

Here's the wrap-up:

1. Based on input from Stogiefanatic, we tried an up-sized probe diameter on several cigars (three of them turned out to be "sacrificial"). Henry warned me that a larger diameter would burst the cameroon wrappers. He was RIGHT! 3/4 the way through a couple of cammies (different brands), the wrapper split from head to foot. We've got the right probe metal. HOWEVER, Henry's going to experiment with flame-hardening the rod to increase its rigidity.

2. We tried a hand-hammered "spade" point (versus the "chisel" point). It actaully worked better on the 50+ ring gauges, and we may use it on the long tool. However, it didn't work out on the short tool and smaller ring gauges. We'll retain the "chisel" point on the smaller tool.

3. We've up-sized the handle diameter to 3/8-inch, and lengthened it by 1/4-inch. This seems to give the tools a "heftier" feel, yet still leaves them portable enought to slip into a shirt pocket.

4. The tools are now housed in a clear vinyl "holster." This serves to keep the tools together as a "set." More importantly, it shields the sharp points, allowing you to safely slip the set into a pocket.

We're feeling as though we're "just about there" on improvements, though we'll wait for more input/suggestions before calling the R & D a "done deal."

All-in-all, it's been a very enjoyable project! Henry seems to be feeling a new sense of "purpose," and the feedback really has made a difference!!

Thanks again to those of you who've taken the time to offer your evaluations & suggestions!!!

[Baric]

Keep the posts up-its interesting just following the develoments of this project even though im not involved in it! would be interested in buying the finished product though.

[palm55]

Originally Posted by Baric

Keep the posts up-its interesting just following the develoments of this project even though im not involved in it! would be interested in buying the finished product though.

Thanks for your interest, and I'll keep you posted!

Input from CS evaluators has been VERY helpful! We've been able to make a few positive changes while still holding the price point to our target: About the price of a decent cigar.

Henry's funny about the pricing thing... "If they use it two or three times, it should pay for itself," he says. "If they use it a hundred times, it should pay for a box of cigars."

Henry's marketing logic is kinda' like his tool sets -- simple and sensible.

[txmatt]

I didn't see the original thread; if you need more input I would be happy to try them out and make suggestions..

-Matt-

[palm55]

Originally Posted by txmatt

I didn't see the original thread; if you need more input I would be happy to try them out and make suggestions..

-Matt-

Matt,

We've pretty much wrapped it up on the "freebies"... But in your case, I'll make an exception (I still have a couple of sticks from your mid-winter bomb!).

Henry is working on 30 sets of the "new & improved" tools. In the meantime, I still have a few sets of his original tools on-hand (a couple of which have been promised to local BOTLs). I misplaced your address, so please PM me. I'll get a set out to you, and look forward to your input!!!

Steve