Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
We take a look at our Beckett Simonon shoes after over three years of wearing them. Learn all about how well they age and their long-term quality in this video.
Buy Beckett Simonon Shoes Now: beckettsimonon.com/?utm_source=refersion&utm_campaign=affiliate&rfsn=1643623.d5f0e6
Use "BU20" for a 20% discount on your first order!
Read Our Written Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/shoes/beckett-simonon-1-year
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: pntrs.com/t/TUJGRUlLRUJGSUtMR0dCRkhFRkhJ
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Tie: Christian Dior Vintage
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
We have been working with Beckett Simonon for the last two to three years and we'll be taking a closer look at how the shoes have aged with time and what sort of long-term value for money they offer.
01:17 Shoe Overviews
We start with the Cohen loafers, which have endured the most heavy-duty use as everyday shoes while being neglected. As you will see, they have aged very well. Meanwhile, the Dowler boots are often used for outdoor wear without being polished. They have provided excellent water resistance even in the muddiest conditions. Furthermore, the Valencia wholecut shoes have been worn occasionally and are carefully looked after. These are kept in shoe trees to reduce creasing and maintain their shape while in storage.
06:23 Responsibility & Sustainability
Beckett Simonon has made significant efforts in responsibility towards the environment by finding ways to use materials and production techniques that reduce waste. For instance, the group-made-to-order business model ensures that only ordered have shoes are made rather than producing unnecessary stock. Furthermore, Beckett Simonon strives to offer longevity with its shoes as customers who wear clothes and footwear for longer may reduce their CO2 results by as much as 40%.
07:46 New Leathers
Beckett Simonon used to make shoes using only Argentinian calfskin shoes. However, it has recently partnered with the Mastrotto Tannery in Italy. What has attracted Beckett Simonon is its Gold-Standard rating by the Leather Working Group.
09:12 Future Materials
Beckett Simonon has also looked into new and alternative materials to improve its sustainability. Unfortunately, vegan materials are usually derived from plastics. However, the brand has shown interest in mycelium, which is produced from mushrooms. Nevertheless, its production is not yet scaleable for small brands like Beckett Simonon.
Interested in Beckett Simonon and have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
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Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
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Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
We take a look at our Beckett Simonon shoes after over three years of wearing them. Learn all about how well they age and their long-term quality in this video.
Buy Beckett Simonon Shoes Now: beckettsimonon.com/?utm_source=refersion&utm_campaign=affiliate&rfsn=1643623.d5f0e6
Use "BU20" for a 20% discount on your first order!
Read Our Written Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/shoes/beckett-simonon-1-year
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: pntrs.com/t/TUJGRUlLRUJGSUtMR0dCRkhFRkhJ
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Tie: Christian Dior Vintage
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
We have been working with Beckett Simonon for the last two to three years and we'll be taking a closer look at how the shoes have aged with time and what sort of long-term value for money they offer.
01:17 Shoe Overviews
We start with the Cohen loafers, which have endured the most heavy-duty use as everyday shoes while being neglected. As you will see, they have aged very well. Meanwhile, the Dowler boots are often used for outdoor wear without being polished. They have provided excellent water resistance even in the muddiest conditions. Furthermore, the Valencia wholecut shoes have been worn occasionally and are carefully looked after. These are kept in shoe trees to reduce creasing and maintain their shape while in storage.
06:23 Responsibility & Sustainability
Beckett Simonon has made significant efforts in responsibility towards the environment by finding ways to use materials and production techniques that reduce waste. For instance, the group-made-to-order business model ensures that only ordered have shoes are made rather than producing unnecessary stock. Furthermore, Beckett Simonon strives to offer longevity with its shoes as customers who wear clothes and footwear for longer may reduce their CO2 results by as much as 40%.
07:46 New Leathers
Beckett Simonon used to make shoes using only Argentinian calfskin shoes. However, it has recently partnered with the Mastrotto Tannery in Italy. What has attracted Beckett Simonon is its Gold-Standard rating by the Leather Working Group.
09:12 Future Materials
Beckett Simonon has also looked into new and alternative materials to improve its sustainability. Unfortunately, vegan materials are usually derived from plastics. However, the brand has shown interest in mycelium, which is produced from mushrooms. Nevertheless, its production is not yet scaleable for small brands like Beckett Simonon.
Interested in Beckett Simonon and have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter



![How To Cut & Light A Cigar: Davidoffs Klaas Kelners Best Method
Bespoke Unit joins Davidoffs Klaas Kelner to demonstrate how to cut & light a cigar. Watch our video to see how a pro lights his cigar!
BUY KLAAS FAVOURITE CUTTING & LIGHTING TOOLS:
ST Dupont 2 Finger Cutter: https://amzn.to/2Ki9N2y
ST Dupont Defi Torch Lighter: https://amzn.to/2Qbqnoo
ST Dupont Ligne 2 Lighter: https://amzn.to/2CAeKPJ
CONTINUE WATCHING:
See our other #davidoffcigars Dominican adventures with Klaas and others!
Davidoffs master rollers roll a cigar: https://youtu.be/sIx9-59oVgI
Paul & CP try to roll cigars: https://youtu.be/znVksViJaaA
Watch From Seed To Smoke, our Davidoff documentary: https://youtu.be/_mGFeOwjfbs
Our Davidoff playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfsWHCy_hDdq-Cir85QVpMqilLi9mMCH8
Learn to store an (unsmoked) cigar in a pinch: https://youtu.be/LQyXs0FPBKc
READ ABOUT CIGARS:
Detailed step-by-step guide to lighting a cigar: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/lighting/how/
How to cut a cigar properly: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/cutting/
All of our written content on cigars: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars
Visual guide to cigar and tobacco plant anatomy: https://bespokeunit.com/cigars/anatomy/
How To Light A Cigar: Best Lighting Method For Cigars
Here at the Ocean Club & Luxury Collection Resort in Costa Norte, Dominican Republic, Klaas Kelner shows us how an expert lights his cigars!
For Klaas demonstration, he will use a double guillotine straight cutter, which he prefers. This is because the wider resulting opening; however, the type of cut is up to your personal preference.
[03:49] 1. Moisten The Cigar
The first step only applies if youre lighting your own cigar, rather than a smoke for someone else. Lightly moisten the head with your mouth.
Moisture facilitates clean cutting, both on your cigar and on your table, as tobacco clippings wont fly when you cut.
[04:30] 2. Go In For The Cut
Placement of your cut is very important—try to get it right where the head starts to curve.
You need a big enough opening, but if you cut too far, youll go below where the glue adheres the tobacco. This would cause the cigar to begin unraveling.
Cut where theres still glue, but not too high, and make a clear opening. You can use your fingers to kind of guide the cutter, and to block tobacco from flying about.
At this point, you can check for the draw. Next, youre clear to light!
[06:07] 3. Lighting
Here we have two lighters: a soft flame and a torch. A torch is preferable when theres a strong wind, like we have out here.
Hold your cigar at a 45 degree angle, foot downwards. Aim the flame towards the top edge of the foot. Going towards the bottom could allow the flame to lick the whole underside of the cigar.
Single flame torches allow for a very precise light. Holding the lighter below, aim the flame at the top edge, and rotate the cigar as you light, evenly burning all around the foot. Note that if you only light the center, you risk tunneling.
Blowing on the foot will feed oxygen into the burn, letting the burn line recede. The lit areas will glow red, showing you if everythings properly lit. If youre lighting a cigar for someone else, however, gently wave it in the air instead of blowing.
Although puffing while you light is common, and wont damage the cigar, it will generate smoke at a different temperature than normal. As Klaas points out, this can deliver puffs of smoke with an incomplete burn, affecting flavour.
Where the cigar is burning black is the burn line. The thin burn line we see here is because its a light cigar. Were it thicker, the burn line would likewise be thicker.
Its important to ensure your cigar is up to a sufficient temperature before smoking. When it is, the burn line will recede when you puff on it.
[11:48] 4. What If My Cigar Burns Unevenly?
If youve lit your cigar, and its begun to burn unevenly, you ash first. Next, go straight at it with your flame to help the longer part catch up.
REMEMBER to comment! Whats your preferred type of lighter, and does your lighting process include any steps we didnt cover? Finally, feel free to request any cigar topic youd like us to feature on Bespoke Unit!
Yours,
The Bespoke Unit Team
CONNECT:
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How To Light A Cigar: Best Lighting Method For Cigars:
https://youtu.be/z3E-LqcX9r8 How To Cut & Light A Cigar: Davidoffs Klaas Kelners Best Method](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/z3E-LqcX9r8/mqdefault.jpg)
