We would like to offer you some guidance regarding the proper cutting instrument options and cutting techniques for your cigar. It is important that you begin the cigar smoking process by obtaining a sharp, quality cutting instrument to insure a clean, precise cut. A poor quality cutting instrument can set the tone for a less enjoyable cigar smoking experience by yielding a jagged or crushing cut. One should never bite the closed end of the cigar (referred to as the head of the cigar) with your teeth. This may result in loose tobacco particles ending up in your mouth and also increases the risk of the cigar wrapper unraveling. A quality cigar shop will offer a variety of cigar cutting instrument options that are sure to suit the needs of the most discriminating cigar connoisseur. There are a host of excellent cigar cutting instruments available. Some recommendations to consider are Xikar, Davidoff and Colibri.
The double guillotine cigar cutter is probably the most popular cutting device used by cigar smokers. A quality, double guillotine cutter will almost always insure a clean, sharp cut. The advantage of double-bladed cutter is that the cutting proceeds from both sides simultaneously for a precise cut. This opens the head of the cigar to enjoy maximum flavor and draw. Despite the fact that a myth has been propagated about double guillotine cigar cutters being self sharpening, this simply is not the case.
The single guillotine cigar cutter is a handy cutting tool suitable for most cigar smokers. With this cutter, one does, however, run the risk of a slightly jagged cut to the cigar. This due to the fact that on the cut, the cigar will only have a sharp cutting edge on one side, while being compressed against the metal or plastic dull edge on the other side of the guillotine opening. This device would be our least favorite option, but does the job if it is the only cutting device available.
A V-cutter creates a notched opening in the end of the cigar. The advantage is that it can offer you more surface area to the head of the cigar without exposing your tongue to the filler tobacco. It also allows you to draw more air through the cigar. This is a good choice for small to medium ring gauge cigars. Some cigar aficionados prefer this method of cutting on torpedo shaped cigars. You simply place the head of the cigar in the circular opening and compress the device, similar to the guillotine, to create the v-shaped notch.
A punch cutter, also called bullet cutter, is a circular, razor sharp blade that you push gently into the head of a cigar and then gently rotate. This method cleanly cores out an opening without the need to cut away the cap. However, punch cutters are usually not the tool of choice for torpedo shaped cigars, or small ring gauge cigars. Occasionally, the punch cut will create a slightly bitter taste on the palate as it tends to concentrate the smoke and burn a little hot. This would be a good choice for a flat capped box press cigar.
Cigar scissors are specifically manufactured for the purpose of cleanly and precisely cutting just below the cap of the cigar. The best examples are crafted from surgical-quality stainless steel and are extremely sharp to ensure a clean cut. A high-quality cigar scissor will guarantee you swift, precision cuts. The benefits of the cigar scissors is that they will open wide enough to accommodate a variety of ring gauges and will also do an excellent job on the pointy ended figurados like perfectos and pyramids.
"V" CIGAR CUTTER
DOUBLE GUILLOTINE CUTTER
CIGAR CUTTING INSTRUMENTS
CIGAR SCISSORS
SINGLE GUILLOTINE CUTTER
PUNCH OR BULLET CUTTER
CIGAR PERFORATOR
The Cigar Perforator is a relatively new, handy tool that is used to open up the cap to allow a smooth draw, while sparing a good portion of the cap. It is a five prong piercing device that creates 5 small holes to allow smoke to easily pass through the cigar during the draw. It prevents tobacco from getting into your mouth that can be experienced with a more traditional cut. You place the head of the cigar into the Cigar Perforator opening. You then depress the plunging device several times, each time allowing the sharp prongs to penetrate deeper into the cigar. It is manufactured using high-quality stainless steel and aluminum alloy.
NOW THAT WE'VE DISCUSSED THE CIGAR CUTTING INSTRUMENTS, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT TECHNIQUES REGARDING HOW TO PROPERLY CUT YOUR PREMIUM CIGAR
"V" CIGAR CUTTER