Les Fines Lames Debuts Flying Tiger Accessories For America’s 250th Anniversary
As we honor America in the lead up to the nation’s 250th birthday on Saturday, it’s important not to forget our oldest ally. In 1778, when America’s prospects of winning the Revolutionary War hung in the balance, a pivotal alliance with France was formed, which would prove essential to America’s triumph over the British in years to come. French cigar accessory manufacturer Les Fines Lames has not forgotten these age-old ties, and the company is releasing new, limited-edition cigar cutters and cases this week for America’s semiquincentennial celebration.
The Flying Tigers Limited Edition Le Petit cigar knife and Duo leather cigar case are available now on the Les Fines Lames website and through its network of brick-and-mortar retailers. Both accessories have been mainstays of the Les Fines Lames portfolio, but now they have a new motif that honors a storied group of American fighter pilots.
The design pays homage to the Flying Tigers squadron, also known as the First American Volunteer Group or AVG. This group of volunteer American pilots from the United States Army Air Corps, Navy and Marine Corps was formed prior to Pearl Harbor to help protect China from a Japanese invasion. But after Japan’s attack on America, the Flying Tigers were soon pushed into combat.
Outfitted in Curtiss P-40 Warhawk aircraft, painted with the iconic shark mouth design, the Flying Tigers squadron cemented themselves in American military lore, despite being vastly outnumbered by Japanese forces. The legendary cadre of pilots is credited with destroying some 297 Japanese aircraft, with only 14 pilots lost in combat.
As a nod to the prestige of the Flying Tigers, Les Fines Lames has created a new version of the Le Petit cigar knife, which was the inaugural product for the company. Rather than the typical 14C28N stainless steel blade, the Flying Tigers Limited Edition cigar knife is outfitted with a stainless steel blade finished in armor black Cerakote. With an all-black cutlass and handle, and the toothy Flying Tigers shark mouth logo on the handle as though it were the nose of a WWII bomber, these cutters pack intense flair. The same can be said for the Duo leather two-finger cigar case, which also comes in black and features the same motif.
Only 250 units per product were manufactured, and Les Fines Lames says no more will be made. The Flying Tigers Limited Edition Le Petit cigar knife has a suggested retail price of $199, whereas the Duo case is listed at $125.
