Davidoff, Elie Bleu or other

[HMS Richard]

I would go with a Daniel Marshall over a Diamond Crown any day of the week, all things considered as well. I also tend to favor the high quality veneers vs hardwood as there is less potential for construction problems down the road, i.e., cracks and warpage. Unlike a table or a chair, when a humidor is humidified, the innards shake, rattle, and role. Veneers do a good job of keeping things intact, witness the Elie Blues, Davidoffs, etc. - beautiful, exceptionally made veneers. But don't be confused with the cheap stuff - there are veneers and there are veneers.

Matt, I wouldn't worry about your Daniel Marshall Second. I have a second too and I expect it will be around long after you and I are distant memories. Yours is a second no doubt because of a cosmetic "blem" not because of a construction/design flaw. These are excellent humidors and there's no reason, short of dropping it from a 3rd story window to worry. It will give you years of quality service. The DM Ambientes are very high quality veneers.