Commentary: A Matchless Proposition
6 Sep 2011
StogieGuys.com has long extolled the virtues of the humble match. Oh, sure, we appreciate a fine butane lighter that throws an exquisite flame hot and heavy enough for a bit of spot welding. And no one can discount the difficulties of trying to use matches on a windy day.
Still, it’s difficult to dismiss the long list of positive traits found in the centuries-old match. Cheap, transportable, replaceable, consistent, just to name a few. One that should be on the list — ubiquitous — is, alas, not nearly as applicable as it was in decades past. Recognition of that fact is the reason for this request of every cigar shop where people gather to smoke: Please put matches around for your customers to use.
I know most shops have lighters out with cutters, and I appreciate that. I also appreciate that owners frequently find those same implements disappear from the counter, prey to the five-finger discount. So proprietors are certainly justified in being reluctant to spread them throughout their establishment.
But having lighting implements at hand is often necessary in a cigar shop. Those ceiling and floor fans, heating and air-conditioning units, and air-moving machines that make the lounge a pleasant place also create breezes that can lead to uneven cigar burning and the need for touch-ups. Add in the growing use of tough-burning ligero tobacco and you’ve got even more cigars that need extra care after the initial lighting.
I’m still puzzled why every cigar shop doesn’t use matches as advertising. They’re not particularly expensive and present a great opportunity to create something special. If you can’t afford to design your own matches, talk to your suppliers. Is there a smoker out there who’s never picked up a box of Cuesta-Rey matches?
I’m not picky. Like most cigar smokers, I’d prefer the long cedar matchsticks that are ideally suited to the task. But I’ll settle for the shorter, conventional-length matches, though its essential they be wooden in a box rather than cardboard in a book.
Of course, match privation ranks pretty low on the scale of world issues. Yet it is an easy way to make smoking life a little more pleasant. And it seems fitting that the recommendation to light a candle rather than curse the darkness supposedly originated with the Chinese. After all, they’re the ones credited with inventing matches.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Unfortunately, those same ventilation systems that cause your cigars to burn unevenly will almost definitely render matches utterly useless. There are certain locations in certain smoking lounges where I can hardly get a butane torch to stay lit, much less a match.
The two B&Ms that I frequent most often have pretty much stopped carrying wooden matches. It's a shame, but at least have the decency to NOT offer me paper matches as if they're an acceptable substitute.
You're right, but it's a lot easier (and more comfortable) to cup a hand around a match than have your skin scorched from the heat of a butane flame while trying to shield a lighter.
Touché. 🙂
I have yet to master the art of cupping my hand around a lit match. If I'm having that much trouble getting a torch to hold its flame, I'll usually move elsewhere in the room to light the cigar.
Wow, I must be among the lucky few. Both B&M's that I frequent give a small box of matches after every purchase and always have lighters and matches available in the lounge area.