The era of disposable things

In an age defined by speed, scale and disposability, the idea that objects should last a lifetime is increasingly out of fashion. What was once standard, tools, accessories and everyday items made with care, precision and respect for materials, has been pushed aside by mass production and short-term use.

“Fifty years ago, anyone who truly appreciated cigars relied on beautifully made, reliable tools,” Fishman says. “Cutters and lighters were produced by renowned manufacturers and designed to last. Today, much of the market is flooded with products meant to be replaced almost immediately.”

According to Fishman, this was inevitable. As the pace of life has accelerated, enduring quality has become the privilege of a shrinking group of consumers. The phenomenon is not limited to cigars or their accessories; it mirrors broader trends across luxury and craftsmanship-based industries.

While global cigar production continues to grow, Fishman notes that cigars were never intended to be mass-market items. Forty or fifty years ago, the industry revolved largely around Havana cigars and a small number of non-Cuban producers. The reason premium cigars have always been limited is straightforward: truly high-quality tobacco is scarce.

“Cigar tobacco only grows in very specific regions,” he explains. “You can’t simply expand production at will.”

Fishman compares this limitation to French cognac. Vineyards in the Cognac region are restricted to a precise terroir, where unique soil, climate and tradition make production possible. The output is naturally limited, and no shortcut can replicate it. Premium cigars face the same reality.

Cigar culture, he adds, is inseparable from time and ritual. Enjoying a cigar requires patience, a suitable environment and a sense of occasion. Lounges, proper ventilation, comfortable seating and the absence of hurry are all part of the experience. Accessories, cutters, lighters and cases, are not decorative extras but essential elements of that ritual, often paired with an equally refined drink.

This is why brands such as S.T. Dupont, Cartier, Dunhill and Elie Bleu continue to command respect, Fishman says. They produce ultra-premium accessories in limited quantities, built to endure years of use. Their reputations were earned slowly and maintained through consistency at the highest level.

But as cigars have expanded into mass markets, inexpensive accessories have followed. The result is an abundance of low-quality cigars and disposable tools, functional, perhaps, but devoid of character or longevity.

Is there truly a difference between inexpensive and luxury accessories? Fishman believes the answer lies with the individual.

“People who understand the art of enjoyment don’t choose based solely on price,” he says. “They value exclusivity, craftsmanship and durability.”

A well-made accessory, he argues, reflects the owner’s individuality, experience and sense of self. Fishman quotes Oscar Wilde to make the point: “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”

“I understand that sentiment perfectly,” he says. “And I wish more people did.”

For beginners entering the world of cigars, Fishman offers practical advice rather than rigid rules. He recommends visiting a reputable cigar boutique, examining the accessories, holding them and choosing what feels right.

“There is no secret formula,” he says. “Choose something that expresses who you are.”

Still, one principle remains constant: brands that have stood the test of time tend to do so for a reason. In a world increasingly defined by disposability, craftsmanship that endures has become not just a luxury, but a statement.