Cut or punch?

[Guest]

What's the best option?

Cigar cutter
Cigar punch
Cigar scissors

Do different cigars need different methods of cutting?

[Puff Scotty]

Nearly everyone has an opinion on this, I mostly punch but have a variety of punch sizes.
Cut torps obviously & although have a lovely pair of scissors I haven't used them in ages.
There are quite a few threads on this already, have a look round.

[nicwing]

A good quality sharp cutter for me.
I have an excellent one I got from a Hunters event a while back which has a stop which ensures you only cut off a limited amount of the cap. If you are cutting a pig tail (like a Trinidad or Behike) or a Pyramidas you just take two or three goes. until you have an acceptable opening.

The main thing I would say is get a quality cutter. I cut some cigars recently at an event with an inferior cutter and I messed up three of about 40 I cut and it was a waste. If your cutter blade is dull chuck it out and get a new one.

I don't favour punches as they leave just a small hole for the smoke to pass through and I like a cigar to be as open and easy drawing as possible.

[L_DOG]

Cut don't punch! A nice clean blade will be your friend. As Nic says, a punch leaves a small hole, which can also lead to a big amount of tar to collect around. Yuck.

iExplore on my Tappytalk part duex

[njs71]

Ahh thanks for that. Cutting it will be i think, don't want any nasty tar collecting round my lips!

[Puff Scotty]

Small hole with a punch ???? my punches range in 1mm stages from 3 to 15mm which is too large for a Siglo 6.....so I would dispute the small hole nonsense..they are ideal for new smokers as they are less likely to mess up.
As for the odd cigar with a pigtail any normal cutter is fine...if Nic is talking about the Cuban Crafters Perfecto that has a stop..it has a 9mm hole in that stop to allow a pigtail to go through.
Even with a torpedo I don't like to cut more than once (which a CCP forces you to do) because after the initial cut you have weakened the structure of the cigar which can allow a poorer second cut.
Basic rules are, super sharp & cut or punch once!

[CaptainSpaulding]

I cut and punch, even though I prefer using my Xikar punch better. I tend to use a cutter for slimmer sticks and a punch for them nice juicy fat sticks

[crusse]

I think that it's a question of personal preference and what you're used to - there isn't really a right answer to the 'cut or punch' question. Personally I prefer a cutter, but as Nic and Puff said it has to be really sharp.

[njs71]

The best thing i think is i have a look next week when I'm purchasing my first Cubans. Get some advice from the guy in the shop. I am worried about mucking up expensive cigars though!

Is the general rule cut anything that is pointed and punch anything flat?

[crusse]

A good cutter will cut any cigar providing that you use it with care. Punches will have trouble with torpedos. I use a cutter for everything, but that's just a personal choice. Good brands of cutter include Palio, Xikar and Cuban Crafters.

[Peter Willison]

I only cut

Only punched once did not like it

[Puff Scotty]

Is the general rule cut anything that is pointed and punch anything flat?

That's a good starting point, only time & experience will tell you more & I've been smoking cigars since '74....If you do decide to cut a 'flat' cigar rather than punch make sure you leave at least part of the cap on...

[njs71]

Thanks for the brand names Crusse. A little more information for my memory banks to absorb

And Scotty thanks for the sound advice again mate, very appreciated.

[mrcigar]

I like the clean finish produced by the punch but apparently, so I have read, the smoke channels differently and moisture collects at the a punched cap.

[ChimpsInTies]

Saw an interesting V cutter on a YouTube vid the other day. I think it was on a "SmokingHotChick" video.

It took a perfect V out of the bottom of the cigar. Looked interesting, don't know what the advantages were for this?