"Cigarmanship", Let's talk about it.

     So exactly what is "cigarmanship", you ask, well its a word that's been coined to talk about all aspects of the cigar and pipe world.  Its a state of mind, its an attitude, its about the whole "smoke" experience.  From smoking etiquette, to the way we talk about cigars and pipes, the way we share our cigars and pipe tobacco, etc. 

     First let us talk about the etiquette part.  Yes, there is a certain etiquette in the cigar/pipe circle.  My number one pet peeve is when a freeloader (for the lack of a better term), are asking for cigars or tobacco to fill there pipe bowl.  For the most part, one should never "beg" for a smoke.  This isn't cigarettes we're talking about here.  What you'll find is most of us who partake in this enjoyment are pretty quick to share what we thing are good smokes.  We do it because we want to know what anothers opinion is about certain cigars and pipe tobacco.  So just relax, and wait to see if you'll be blessed with a good stick or bowl of tobacco, don't go asking "hey can I get one of those or some of that".  Its just flat out wrong, no matter how one may try to justify it.  To be a part of this smoking phenomenon is quite costly and I don't by my cigars to just give to you because you ask.  Cigarmanship in this aspect mean, "if somebody blesses you, be thankful and enjoy, it not, move on.  Also, it is not necessary to give one something back if they give you something.  I'm not saying you can't do it, but don't feel obligated.  Now on the other hand if one gives you say 3, 4, 5 and on cigars or bowls, as a token of appreciated it would be nice to return the favor. 

    Next, Cigarmanship means, bring your own damn tools!  Butane cost money, I don't want you're nasty spit on my cutter (most folks put a cigar in their mouth before cutting), and my tamper is MY tamper.  I don't want to be inconvenienced waiting for you to finish using my tools, so I can use my tamper to enjoy my bowl.  You can find really great tools at very decent prices, enough so you can have two of everything.  Why two of everything, a good rule of thumb is to keep tools on you and maybe a set in your vehicle.  I personally carry a Max Benjamin Mini Cigar Bar bag, so I have ample tools, butane, matches, tampers etc just about all the time.  I also keep a small Crown Royal bag (Crown Black bag just because I like those better than the purple bags) in my car with lighters (cigar and pipe), cigar cutter, tamper, reaming tool and pipe cleaners in it.  You never know when you may stop and have a smoke and it you have your "emergency bag" with you, you'll be okay.  That's Cigarmanship at its finest.

     On to this part of Cigarmanship, when engaged in conversation or debate always be respectful.  It's okay to have varying opinions on all topics, but you're not God, so your opinion is just that, YOUR opinion, and regardless of how many facts you've gathered, not everybody is going to agree with you.  It truly is okay to agree to disagree, without being disagreeable.  Cigars and pipes are meant to be enjoyed and everything that comes along with that, should be enjoyed.  Make your point, listen to counterpoints and leave it at that.  We all love a good debate, but shouldn't expect to win every debate we participate in (by the way, what do you win if you argue your point and always have to have the last word?).  Be respectful of your group, and use appropriate language and stop being a prick.  Because you cuss, doesn't get your point across.  And in today's smoking environment, women are a huge part of it, and should be respected to the fullest.  Some of you may have been raised amongst the wolves, but this is a cigar lounge/store, not your damn pack.  "Cigarmanship"

     My last topic for Cigarmanship (in this blog) is who really gives a rat's ass how much you spent for that pipe or cigar, unless its super bargain.  I know you wanna to be "baller extraordinaire), but if you spent $50 for a cigar, that's your business and when you say that out loud, unless that cigar or $3000 pipe is very rare, I don't CARE.  Now if you know where to find super deals on cigars, tobacco, pipes, accessories etc., please do share that.  Times are difficult and even millionaires are looking for bargains.  In other words, stop your damn bragging.  For every $50 cigar out there, there's 5 $10 sticks that are just as good, or a $30 pipe that will smoke rings (pun intended) around your $3000, "10,000 year old briar, hand made by virgins from Greece pipe.  YOUR taste is your taste and price should really make that much of a difference.  That fastest way to become "that guy or lady" is to start dropping how much you paid or something.  "I spent $400 on this box of cigars, but I drove here in a 1976 Pinto", STFU will ya!.

     So we've only scratched the surface of "Cigarmanship" and will continue this conversation at another time, but now tell me, what's your definition of Cigarmanship and how does it add to the enjoyment of the cigar game.  I'm waiting to hear from you, so "what 'cha got to say".

Until next time 

Long ashes and deep bowls

Greg C

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