Every single BUNCH Damascus steel cigar stand is a masterclass in artisanal craft—a fusion of hand-forging, precise quenching, and meticulous acid etching. Under temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, two distinct alloys (1084 and 15N20) are layered, folded, and forge-welded together. The striking, high-contrast patterns that emerge from the acid bath are as unique as a fingerprint; no two pieces will ever be identical.

To ensure this striking combination of raw industrial power and luxury accompanies your cigar rituals for a lifetime, we have sealed the surface of each piece with a specialized, high-grade 【Nano-Ceramic Coating】.

However, because Damascus steel is inherently a "living" high-carbon material, it naturally interacts over time with the environment and the natural oils of your hands. To keep your exclusive piece looking as deep and high-contrast as the day it left our forge, please follow this essential maintenance guide.

1. The First Line of Defense: Understanding the Nano-Ceramic Coating

Traditional high-carbon Damascus steel is sensitive to moisture and the salts found in sweat. To allow you to enjoy your smoke without overthinking your gear, BUNCH implements a state-of-the-art Nano-Ceramic Coating during the final finishing stages:

• Hydrophobic & Oleophobic: The nano-layer creates an invisible, ultra-dense shield that repels humidity, fingerprints, cigar tar, and ash, preventing them from directly contacting the raw steel matrix.
• Preserving High Contrast: This micro-shield significantly retards the natural oxidation process, locking in the deep blacks and bright silver lines of the fresh etch.

⚠️ The Ultimate Rule: Guard Against Scratches

The nano-ceramic coating is incredibly resilient but not completely impervious to sharp mechanical force. Avoid carrying your cigar stand in a pocket or bag with sharp metal objects like keys, heavy metal lighters (such as S.T. Dupont or Zippo), or steel cutters. A deep scratch that penetrates the coating will expose the underlying carbon steel to localized oxidation.

2. Daily Rituals: Minimal and Precise Cleaning

Caring for your cigar stand at the end of a smoke should be as intentional and elegant as the cut and the light:

1. Ash Removal: Once your cigar is completely extinguished and cooled, gently blow away or wipe off any loose ash from the rest with a soft tissue.
2. Oil & Tar Cleanup: To remove fingerprint oils or residual tar carried by the smoke, simply buff the surface with the included microfiber cloth (or a premium lens cloth). Thanks to the oleophobic properties of the nano-coating, a dry wipe is usually all it takes.
3. Strictly Avoid Water and Chemicals: Never submerge the stand in water, and absolutely avoid using rubbing alcohol, strong acids, alkaline cleaners, or abrasive polishing pastes. These chemical agents will rapidly degrade and strip away the protective nano-layer.

3. Deep Maintenance: Nurturing the Steel

Depending on your frequency of use, or if you reside in a highly humid or coastal climate, we recommend giving your stand a quick deep-conditioning treatment every few months:

1) Micro-Oiling (Highly Recommended)

Because any protective layer contains microscopic pores, a micro-layer of oil will seal any potential pathways for ambient humidity.

• The Right Oil: Use a high-purity mineral oil (liquid paraffin), premium knife maintenance oil, or natural Camellia oil.
• The Method: Apply a tiny drop (1–2 drops are plenty) onto a clean cloth and wipe it evenly across all surfaces. Then, take a dry section of the microfiber cloth and buff vigorously until the metal feels completely dry, clean, and smooth—leaving behind only a subtle, satin sheen.

2) Caring for Custom Engravings

If your stand features a personalized engraving (such as "for Chris Sada"), be especially gentle around the engraved grooves. Avoid using hard or sharp tools to clean out the text, as this can compromise the protective barrier inside the etching.

4. Storage as an Art Form

While premium cigars thrive in a humidified environment, high moisture is the natural enemy of forged steel.

• Isolate from Humidifiers: Never store your Damascus cigar stand inside your humidor or directly next to an active humidification unit.
• Break It Down: When not in use, take advantage of the stand's interlocking design. Disassemble the two plates and store them flat inside a dry storage pouch or the velvet slots of your presentation box.

Figure 5: Disassembled plates stored flat inside the premium BUNCH presentation box.

Tech Specs at a Glance

The true beauty of Damascus steel lies in its soul—it is a metal that evolves with you. Every touch and every patina development is part of the dialogue between the connoisseur and the forged alloy. Protected by nano-technology and preserved by your care, your BUNCH cigar stand will mature beautifully alongside your finest smokes, carving out its own character through the passing of time.

© 2026 BUNCH. All Rights Reserved. Crafted for Connoisseurs.