Now, right up front you’ll notice some of their lighter designs are in line with other brands. For example, the model JetLine dubs the R-100, I have from Vertigo — a subsidiary of Lotus. The same factories make some of these accessories, and different brands add their names. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that if the lighter is reliable. We’ll get to why I’m calling out JetLine, specifically, in a bit, but I do have a couple of their lighters.

What or who is JetLine?

Source: JetLine Lighters / Amazon

Information about the brand is pretty sparse. According to the site, JetLine has been around since 1991, and if their claims are true, they were the “world’s first” creator of the quadruple flame lighter. Quadruple is four. That’s ridiculous in my opinion, but to each their own. Apparently, JetLine also created the “world’s first” sextuple flame lighter. I’m sure four to six flames look badass, but talk about torching the shit out of your cigar, am I right?

But the prevailing theme across all the brands products is that they are stylish and accessible. “Affordable, durable, and reliable,” as described on the JetLine front page.

Their inventory isn’t exclusively lighters, however. JetLine also offers cutters, Zippo-style lighters, and a few unique designs — the Regal has a built-in cigar stand on top. It also has a serrated poker — cigar needle — and punch cutter. Sometimes, multi-functional accessories are the way to go. You can toss just one device in your go-bag or carrying pouch and that’s all you need to take to your lounge, shop, or wherever you’re going.

You can find JetLine products on both its official site and through other retailers like Amazon, by the way.

Why are we talking about JetLine lighters?

Source: JetLine Lighters

While some would rather spring for an S.T. Dupont or similarly expensive and flashy piece, I would much rather build out a collection of reliable, anytime-use accessories. No, I’m not saying ST. Dupont is unreliable, but they are expensive.

I usually keep my lighters in a box outside on my patio, where I spend my time smoking. I do have some nicer gear that stays inside the house. But when you’re traveling, visiting a family member or friend’s house, or hitting up local hotspots, you probably don’t want to bring along your most expensive gear. I mean, it depends on the crowd, I suppose.

Back to JetLine. The brand’s accessories are affordable but still look great. They’re unique enough that they become a talking piece when you’re out. And if you get one of the multi-functional models, you’re all set for a while, you don’t have to worry if you forget cutters and other gear.

Plus, they’re not so expensive that you’d be upset if you leave one behind, or if someone snags it. You’d be surprised how often that happens in a lounge or bar.

I can attest that JetLine lighters are quality, despite having a wallet-friendly price tag. Just bear in mind, lighters like this aren’t designed to last you forever. If you use them every day, multiple times a day, well, you can do the math.

In the end, there are lighters everywhere, many you’ll find on Amazon for great prices. So, if you don’t like what you see when you check out JetLine, there are plenty of alternatives. I just wanted to call out a brand I’ve been using for a while that offers reliable products. I haven’t used any of their cutters, so I can’t speak on those, but I’m sure they’re like any other you’d find elsewhere.

As for prices, the Regal I talked about above is only $19 on Thompson Cigar, $25 on JetLine, $30 on Amazon, and comes in a few different colors. Overall, prices for JetLine lighters range from about $18 to $80, and there’s a gift set for $190 that includes the Galleon, which is slick-looking.

Stay smoky y’all.

The post Friday Brand Feature: JetLine appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Cigar Daggers are uniquely designed and beautifully-handcrafted cigar nubbers, made out of a variety of materials, like .925 sterling silver, gemstones, crystal, wood, bone, brass, and beyond. They’re made to last, but also, they’re made to standout. Skulls, dragons, kings, lions, you name it, there’s a unique cigar nubber in their coffers for you.

But these guys also specialize in a lot more. For example, they have their own premium cigars, as well. Notables to mention are the Royal Blood — which comes in a gift box with a dagger — and The Insider. I have not had the chance to try the cigars yet, but they sound interesting. The Insider is medium to full-bodied with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Indonesian binder, and undisclosed (mysterious) fillers.

That’s enough with the introductions, however. Light yourself a stogie, grab a cold drink and let’s dive in for real.

What can you tell us about Cigar Daggers?

Based out of Los Angeles, California, as noted above, Cigar Daggers was launched in 2019. At the helm were self-proclaimed “artists, designers and cigar enthusiasts,” who noticed that premium cigar nubbers were not commonplace.

A nubber, just in case you need a primer, is similar to a cigar needle. Only they’re not inherently used to open up the draw of a cigar. They’re used as a makeshift holder when the cigar burns down to a less manageable form factor. You jab the sharp, pointy end into the cigar so you can hold it up to your mouth and continue smoking. They’re a must-have if you want to get the absolute most out of your smoking experience.

If you’ve ever had a cigar that you just couldn’t put down, and don’t want to, you’ll know exactly what I mean. You puff on that beast right down to a nub, until it’s pretty damn close to searing your fingers, lips and tongue. These Cigar Daggers allow you to do that without burning anything. I’d say that’s a huge boon.

Reinventing the cigar tools game

Source: Cigar Dagger

Source: Cigar Dagger

Source: Cigar Dagger

According to the brand, they excelled at making these nifty devices and “did such a great job at reinventing the cigar nubber that it has since become synonymous with the object it represents.”

“Cigar Dagger was also the very first company to make cigar nubbers with heads, from cigar smoking skulls, to dragons, kings, lions and everything in between.” While I haven’t verified those claims, one look at the Cigar Dagger collection tells you all you need to know. They are indeed unique, well-crafted and stunning.

While I’m partial to the Bearded Villian, there’s no denying the intricate design of the La Catrina – Dia De Los Muertos, HELLBORN with a cigar, Nautilus, or Shipwrecked. Okay, I could keep listing them out. These are fantastic.

What else does the Cigar Dagger team offer?

Source: Cigar Dagger

When it’s a cigar maker, we normally focus on where the cigars are made. Yes, these guys do have premium cigars they offer, but we’re highlighting the daggers first and foremost. So, instead, we’ll consider some of the other gear they offer. Spoiler Alert: It’s a lot.

Custom cigar nubbers, premium cigars, what else does the team sell? Well, accessories, for starters, including cutters, stands, scissors, torch lighters, cases, and more. Check out the Luxury Cigar Scissors in a vintage design, embossed in black. Or, the Industrial Grid Cigar Ashtray. They also have pipe tampers if you smoke pipe tobacco, cigar rests for use on the golf course, and regular lighters like this vintage skull one.

Of course, there’s merch, too, if you want to rep the brand with a tee. King of the Leaf is the brand’s sister site, I’m assuming from the same team — that’s also where you’ll find the Cigar Dagger cigars.

There’s no mention on either site who exactly the brilliant minds are behind these brands. I did track down a few names, but since they didn’t disclose I won’t be a snitch. Maybe I’ll get the chance to talk to some of them. For now, let’s settle with the information we have and these absolutely fucking badass nubbers. Seriously, I can’t get enough of these designs.

Cigar Dagger prices range from about $15 to $80 for the most elegant designs. Most of the good ones fall between the $50 and $70 range. Accessories, if you’re into those, range from about $7 for the cheapest lighter up to $175 for all-leather cases. Some of the brand’s more hot-ticket items are sold out, as well. That obsidian stone ashtray is something else.

The post Friday Brand Feature: Cigar Dagger appeared first on The BS Lounge.

A PerfecDraw and cigar needles are the same thing. The former is essentially a brand, a well-known brand, that makes cigar tools and cigar needles. The Perfec is a patented design of the tool in a longer, standalone form. Cigar needles, on the other hand, are more generic and may come as a separate tool or included with other tools — like a multi-functional torch lighter.

What is a PerfecDraw or cigar needle used for?

Source: PerfecDraw

Both tools are draw enhancers. In simple terms, that means they loosen up the internal tobacco to provide a more streamlined draw. When you puff or smoke, you’ll get better airflow, which produces more smoke and, usually, more flavor with it.

You don’t just want to jam the needle or tool into the end of the cigar and start grinding away, however. That may loosen up the tobacco too much, remove filler you don’t want to take out, or damage the cigar entirely. There’s an art to it and really the best way to understand is to watch someone experienced work their magic.

What else can you use them for?

Source: Amazon

Cigar needles are usually multi-functional, so you can use them for more than just opening the draw. You can also use them as a cigar holder or to smoke a nub. When you smoke the cigar all the way down to nub size, it’s tough to hold, but sometimes that’s the best and most flavorful part of the cigar. You stab the needle into the cigar and hold it up so you can continue smoking without burning your fingers.

How do you use a cigar needle?

The video above is age-restricted, so you’ll have to head over to YouTube to watch it. Still, I’m going to describe how to use the tool:

1. Cut your cigar like normal.
2. Gently insert the cigar needle into the end you cut — the head of the cigar. Twist it slightly as you insert the needle.
3. Start small by pressing the needle about one inch to two-inches in.
4. As you remove the needle, be sure to pull straight out (don’t twist) to withdraw the tobacco that’s essentially been cut away. It may make a small mess, so make sure you have an ash tray or bowl handy to scoop up the excess.
5. Take a cold draw and see if the airflow is to your liking. If it is, you’re done. If it’s still tight and you want to open it up more, insert the cigar needle again, this time pressing it further in.

What you’re basically doing is boring a small hole through the center of the cigar, creating a cylindrical pocket of air. As you withdraw the needle, it removes some of the tobacco, but only in very small increments. That space essentially allows more air to flow through the cigar and out through the head where you are drawing the smoke. It works a little differently than using a punch cut because you’re actually removing some of the tobacco inside the cigar versus around the head.

Bear in mind, you don’t want to ham fist or jam the needle into the cigar. The trick is to be as gentle as possible and use a light touch.

Why would you want to use a PerfecDraw or cigar needle?

The tools open up or loosen the draw. A tight draw means it’s hard to pull the smoke through the cigar and it can make for a very unpleasant smoke. You have to do more work to get flavorful smoke to flow through. Some people like a tight draw, others don’t. If you’re in the latter camp, then a PerfecDraw or cigar needle is a fantastic tool to keep around.

One of the neat aspects of choosing generic cigar needles is there are a ton of different styles. I even found a brass Scorpion one.

The post What is a PerfecDraw or cigar needle? appeared first on The BS Lounge.