Good cigar accessories last years with minimal maintenance. Neglected ones fail quickly. Here is what each item needs and how often.
Cutters
A guillotine cutter’s blades dull from tobacco residue and repeated use. Signs of a dull cutter: it tears rather than slices, or compresses the cap before cutting through it. Both ruin the draw.
- Clean after use: A dry cloth or cotton bud removes tobacco oils that accelerate blade corrosion. Do not use water on stainless steel blades — it causes rust at the pivot point.
- Lubricate the pivot: A very small drop of light machine oil on the hinge every few months keeps double-blade guillotines operating smoothly.
- Sharpen or replace: Quality steel blades can be resharpened with a whetstone or a leather strop. Budget cutters are usually better replaced than resharpened — the blade geometry is not worth preserving.
Torch Lighters
Most torch lighter failures are fuel-related, not mechanical. A clogged jet from low-quality butane is the most common problem.
- Use refined butane: Triple or quadruple-refined butane keeps jets clear. Single-refined budget butane leaves residue that blocks the nozzle within weeks.
- Purge before refilling: Press the refill valve with a small tool to release residual gas before adding new fuel. Mixing old and new butane causes pressure inconsistency and poor flame performance.
- Clean the jet: A can of compressed air blown into the jet opening clears most blockages. Avoid metal tools near the jet — they damage the nozzle.
- Store with fuel: An empty lighter stored long-term can develop a leak at the valve. Keep a small amount of fuel in it during storage.
Wooden Humidors
In Thailand’s climate, the main enemies of a wooden humidor are humidity cycling and direct sunlight, both of which warp the wood and compromise the seal over time.
- Check the seal annually: Close the lid on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out without resistance, the seal has degraded. Replace the gasket strip or apply a thin line of weatherstripping foam.
- Wipe the interior with distilled water: Once or twice a year, a light wipe-down of the cedar interior with a barely damp cloth re-conditions the wood. Never use tap water — mineral deposits damage cedar over time.
- Keep away from sunlight: UV degrades the finish and dries out the wood, reducing its humidity-buffering capacity.
- Do not overfill: Cigars packed tightly prevent air circulation inside the box and cause uneven humidity. Leave space between rows.
Hygrometers
A hygrometer that reads incorrectly is worse than no hygrometer — it gives you false confidence. Calibrate once a year using the salt method: seal the hygrometer in a bag with a damp salt solution for 24 hours. It should read 75%. Adjust your readings accordingly if it does not.
If something has stopped working and you are not sure whether to repair or replace it, bring it in. We can usually tell you on the spot.
