Gear
What I use, and what I'd point you at.
Why there are links here
Heads up: these are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, Amazon kicks me a small commission at no extra cost to you — that's what covers hosting and keeps Retrohale free, no ads, forever. My picks are gear I actually own and use. The rest is gear I've hand-picked and would point a friend at — I won't pretend I've owned every one of them.
Mark's Picks
The specific stuff I own and reach for. Not a catalog — just my shelf.
Still writing these up.
I'd rather leave this empty than pad it out with gear I haven't actually put through its paces. Real picks, with real links, are coming. Until then the browse links below will get you to the right shelf.
Samplers & Gift Packs
Multi-cigar assortments — the easy way to try a lot at once. Real products, real prices, straight to the retailer.
Gear worth owning
Specific products, hand-picked — one line from me on each so you know why it's here. These are affiliate links; the note up top explains why.
Lighters
XIFEI 8-in-1 Desktop Cigar Lighter Kit
The whole setup in one spot — lighter, cutter, punch, stand. If you're just getting your desk squared away, this covers damn near everything.
Xikar Volta G2 Tabletop Quad Jet Flame Lighter
Four jets, sits on the table, lights a big ring gauge fast and even. This is the back-deck workhorse.
Zippo Butane Double Torch Insert
Turns your old Zippo into a proper cigar torch. Keep the case you love, lose the wick smell.
Adjustable Single-Flame Torch Lighter
Windproof and refillable, adjustable single flame — lightsaber style. May the flame be with you.
Ashtrays & Cases
Designer Series Box-Pressed Ashtray, Copper-Black
Deep bowl, wide cigar rest, and windproof enough for the porch. Looks sharp sitting out, too.
LIHTUN Cigar Flavoring Kit, 6-count
Infusion kit for adding your own flavor to a few sticks. Fun way to experiment without touching your main stash.
Fortune Nexus Foldable Stainless Cigar Stand
Foldable stainless steel cigar rest for when you're out and about with nowhere to set your stick down. No ashtray handy? This does the job. Comes with a leather pouch.
Humidors
CedarWood Travel Humidor w/ Hygrometer
Cedar-lined, holds humidity on the road, built-in gauge. Weekend trips, this comes with me.
Triple-Sided Glass-Top Humidor w/ Hygrometer
See your sticks without opening it, holds humidity steady. A solid desktop home for a growing collection.
Velieta Electric Humidor, Thermostatic
Powered humidity control for when you've got real numbers to protect. The step up when a passive box isn't enough anymore.
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