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First Look

First Look

A look at the newest cigars. If you have a cigar most of us haven't seen yet, send us a regular photo, digital photo or scan of a photo and we'll include the cigar on this page. Contact the News Editor for details.

Shuriken Cutter by Cigar Tech

 July 19, 2011
Thomas B. Bender (TommyBB)
Editor-in-Chief.
 

Cigar Tech will debut revolutionary new cigar cutter at IPCPR 2011

SHURIKEN cut allows more precise control of a cigar's draw using "I Draw Technology"   

Belinda Doyle, formerly of industry leader Xikar, brings news of her own company's new wares, namely a number of cigar accessories, which are appearing for the first time, this week in Las Vegas at the IPCPR Association Convention and Trade Show.  Cigar Weekly learned this week, that some products have been created in collaboration with other companies, and some are the company's, Cigar Tech's, own work. Cigar Tech entered the IPCPR stage last year, in New Orleans, it seems, from the press release quoted below.

According to that press release, Cigar Tech is "revolutionizing cigar technologies." That's the tagline for Cigar Tech, the cigar accessory company headed by CEO, Belinda Doyle, that launched the Ciguardian humidification line last year, and which also produces Dr. RH humidification products for Alec Bradley Cigars.

This year, they have a new offering to add to their humidification lines - a revolutionary new cutter design they are calling “SHURIKEN”(“blade hidden in the hand”), otherwise known as a Japanese throwing star. The cutter, which looks like a giant capsule, has 6 razor sharp blades inside that cut slits around the top of the cigar. This allows the smoker to control the draw of their cigar by the amount of pressure applied. The new term for this cutting technique is called “I Draw Technology.” The cutter will be available in plastic composite models with a $20.00 SRP, as well as various anodized aluminum models with SRP’s ranging from $35.00-$40.00.  

“The SHURIKEN cut draws the smoke evenly throughout the cigar, resulting in a cooler, more flavorful smoke,” said Belinda. “It positions the smoke onto the tongue where the most pleasant tastes are experienced, and the draw is controlled by the amount of pressure you use when placing the cigar in the cutter. It really is amazing to be able to control the draw of virtually any cigar with this unique cut.”


SHURIKEN composite cutters will be offered in countertop display boxes of 20 units, and SHURIKEN anodized cutters will be offered in pre-packaged units of 8.  Some finishes include carbon fiber and exotic Ostrich wraps. There is also a complimentary display for the anodized models plus a cradle for an extra cutter that can be used by cigar store customers.  

“This cutter utility is limitless” added Belinda. “It can be many sizes and shapes, with one thing in common: I draw technology. You can expect to see exciting variations of this cutter, including limited releases on the horizon.”

Chris Jones, inventor of this revolutionary cigar cutter, will be attending the unveiling of SHURIKEN at the Cigar Tech booth, #1350 at the IPCPR for the first two days.

“I am very excited, not only to be able to finally launch this product after over a decade of development, but to launch it with a top-notch company like Cigar Tech”, said Jones.  “It promises to be a stellar partnership. Plus, I'm confident that this product, combined with the dynamic marketing and sales ability of Cigar Tech, will be a smashing success.”

Prior to starting Cigar Tech, Belinda Doyle had a very successful career with Drew Estate Cigars, and most recently was Vice President of Sales for Xikar, Inc. Cigar Tech is her first entrepreneurial endeavor in the Cigar Industry.

Dr. H Brand Humidification Products
Cigar Tech manufactures the famed Dr. RH brand of Prescription Grade Humidification for Alec Bradley Cigars, as well as the Ciguardian brand of humidification products.  Ciguardian’s tagline is “protect your passion,” and boasts a security company-like look and feel. Many of their products are manufactured at Cigar Tech Headquarters, which is based in Scottsdale, AZ.

“We have a tactile relationship with our products,” said Belinda. "We supervise each and every part of the manufacturing process. Additionally, I purchase all of the components and test all of the products myself. I am like a mad scientist! "Both products are the crème de la crème of humidification," she added. "These are premium products that are made a step beyond anything else out there. And as I've learned by working with some of the best companies in the cigar industry, better ingredients make better products.”

Introduced at last year’s IPCPR show, Ciguardian and Dr. RH each offer eight affordably-priced cigar humidification products, all of which have enjoyed great success in the marketplace.  

Cigar Tech Wetting Solutions
Cigar Tech solutions contain 99.9% pure USP certified propylene glycol formulated under stringent white room standards. Unlike some acidic/viscous 50/50 solutions, Ciguardian and Dr. RH are ph balanced to be virtually neutral, biodegradable, as well as both anti-fungal and anti-mold.

Offered in 8 oz. and 16 oz. bottles, these solutions require no further dilution or mixing, and will keep a perfect 70% humidity when used with any Cigar Tech system. Suggested retail prices range from $6.00 to $11.00/bottle (US).

Cigar Tech Hydro-Gel
Cigar Tech Hydro-Gel Jars contain pre-humidified super absorbent crystals that absorb up to 400 times their weight in fluid, have a longer life than any other product of its type, and offer superior anti mold and anti fungal properties. Both Ciguardian and Dr. RH  Hydro Gel Jars are available in 2 oz. and 4 oz. sizes. Suggested retail prices range from $5.50 to $8.00/jar (US).

Ciguardian and Dr. RH humidifiers
Ciguardian and Dr. RH humidifiers use the most absorbent polymer crystals of their type and absorb faster than anything else on the market. Each of the two lines has its own individual proprietary blend of crystals; both are even unique to one another! Each unit is translucent, ultrasonically welded (no glue residue), and features a specially reinforced design for extra strength and easier removal. The humidifiers are available in a small round (up to 50 cigars), medium round (up to 100 cigars), and large rectangular (up to 250 cigars) sizes. Suggested retail prices range from $14.00 to $25.00 (US).


According to Belinda, "The mission of my company is to provide the same innovation, quality, value, and excitement to the accessory category that exists in the cigar category, one brand at a time."