Cut or punch?

[KidKimura]

I've never used a punch, but I have a new lighter with one attached so might give it a go this weekend.

[SmokeyDave]

I have always cut but bought a Xikar punch just to try. The hole created is quite small and I found that it did not suit large ring gauge cigars, the tar buildup was too much.
For small ring gauges, particularly tres petit corona size cigars, the punch hole was adequate and it actually helped keep the shape of the head during smoking.

[donkeydrop]

there is a new cutter out called a shuriken with razors its like a little tube and cuts slits slits around the cap its on youtube looks strange

[tippexx]

I've got a punch .... but to be honest I've never used it. So, a cutter every time for me!

[Control_67]

I've always cut, I have been using a Xikar Xi1 for a few years now and can't fault it, I always get a nice clean cut and it's still sharp after probably 5 years heavy use. As I mostly smoke bigger RGs or torps/perfectos I guess it just suits me better than a punch.

The guy in 'Decent Cigars' in Dublin cut my fuente perfecto with a Cuban Crafters cutter as I had forgotten to pack my Xikar (motorcycle touring - had to travel light). The opening was just way too small to get anything like a good draw on it, I ended up biting the end to get a little more flow. It sorted the draw but the snaggly end just felt like crap in my mouth.

[monkey66]

I have flipped between cutting and punching several times over the years.

Try both and you will find a happy place. My suggestion would be to cut first.

I dont know the reasoning behind the 'v' cutter but I have never preferred a cigar cut this way.

[Puff Scotty]

Just to add a note, the cutters, whether they be straight or 'V' have developed alongside cigars... nobodies even mentioned piercing! Yet I remember both my Father & my Grandfather both using one. They both also used V cutters (Donatus) on many of their stogies or even sometimes a razor blade in a holder..Xikar, Cuban Crafters etc. hadn't been heard of.
We'd probably all still be using the Donatus type now if it wasn't for the proliferation of fat bastard cigars that seem to be the trend...

[Simon Bolivar]

+1