subject: Can I Use A Cedar Strip To Light A Cigar? [print this page] Smoking a cigar is very similar to preparing a gourmet meal. It is not only about the activity of eating the meal, but of the appearance of the meal before it is eaten. Smoking cigars is considered to be a more elegant form of smoking than cigarettes and is on par with smoking a pipe. One of the most important parts of looking good while smoking your cigar is the method you use to light it up. There are several different ways to light up a cigar. You can use a match, a butane lighter, or you can use a cedar strip. A cedar strip is considered the most elegant way to light up your stogie.
Before you light up your cigar, it first needs to be properly prepped. You will need to use a cigar cutter to cut the cap located on the head so that you can draw the smoke into your mouth. There are several different types of cutters and all make different types of cuts. The most highly recommended type of cutter is the guillotine cutter. This cutter is considered by experts to give the most clean and neat cut to the cigar cap. The trickiest cutter to use is the V-cutter. This is not a tool recommended for beginners, and it takes a lot of practice to make a proper cut with the tool.
There are cigar bars that provide cedar strips as a classic way for their customers to light up. Cedar strips are also a great way to enjoy a cigar when you are at home or any other place where you will not need to travel. The most significant downside of cedar strips is that they aren't the most convenient lighting tools to carry around in your pocket. Keep a cigar lighter on hand for occasions when you are out and about, and use cedar strips when the time is convenient.
Once the cedar strip is lit, you use it like a match. Be careful to light the entire end of the cigar evenly. When the cigar is burning well, you need to dispose of the cedar strip properly. Placing it in an ashtray is acceptable, but some cigar bars actually provide water containers in which to dunk the strip to quench it. When it's out, you can simply throw it away.
Using cedar strips can be an excellent way to avoid chemical tastes in your cigar, but it can also be a hassle. You will likely need to have a secondary lighting method if you choose to smoke while you're out and about. A good butane lighter will do the trick nicely - there are even windproof versions that will allow you to light up even on gusty days. Just make sure that you purchase a butane lighter to avoid chemical contamination in your smoke.
