Frequently Asked Questions About Cigar Cutters

Heavy- duty Xikar ornate cigar cutter by Cigar Star
10 Sep

What is better, a cigar punch or cutter?

If you want a hole cut in the cigar cap, you should use a cigar punch. If you want a level cut off the end of your cigar, you should use a cutter. The draw and flavour from smoking a cigar tend to be a bit stronger when it is cut with a cutter.

How to use a cigar cutter

A cigar cutter is very easy to use and leaves the end of the cigar cut with a smooth, straight edge. Hold the cigar in one hand and the cutter in another. Place the blades along the cutter in a straight line on the end you want to cut. Squeeze them together in one motion to chop off the end of the cigar. The cigars “cap” will have 3 levels of the cap, if you look closely you will see 3 lines on the cap of the cigar. Line up the cutter and the second line of the “cap” and cut.  This will ensure the cigar’s wrapper does not unravel while your smoking your cigar.

How to punch a cigar with a cigar punch

Punching the cap of a cigar with a cigar punch leaves a perfect draw hole at the end for the smoke to flow through. Take the punch and insert it into the cap of the cigar. Slowly rotate the punch clockwise then counter clockwise to create a hole. Slowly pull the punch out and discard the clippings. To ensure the best punch, it is recommended to slightly wet the cap before using the punch. Doing so will ensure the cap does not split. If it has a retracting blade, the cutting will push right out of the blade when it retracts.

How to use a cigar punch found on a lighter

You can use a cigar punch on a lighter the same way that you would use any other cigar punch. Insert the blade part into the cap end of the cigar. Apply even pressure to create the hole for smoke to come through.

How to choose a cigar cutter

You want to find a cigar cutter that works well for you and produces a straight, even cut on the cigar end. If you want to get an efficient cut, you should try a straight cutter that is like a guillotine. Read reviews about effective cutters. You should also consider the size and feel of a cutter so that you can operate it easily in your hands.  

How to cut a cigar with a cutter

Cigars are rolled in a wrapper to keep the tobacco together for smoking. You will need to remove part of the cigar cap so that you can light the other end and smoke it. Be sure not to cut too much of the wrapper off so that the cigar does not fall apart. The cigars “cap” will have 3 levels of the cap, if you look closely you will see 3 lines on the cap of the cigar. Line up the cutter and the second line of the “cap” and cut.  This will ensure the cigar’s wrapper does not unravel while your smoking your cigar.

Do I need a cutter for a cigar?

You can use either a cutter or a cigar punch before smoking a cigar. It is necessary to create airflow to be able to smoke the cigar. If you light it without doing so first, you will not be able to inhale any smoke from it. Be careful not to cut away the wrapper too much so that the cigar does not unravel before or as you are smoking it.

Can I bring a cigar cutter on a plane?

According to TSA regulations, a blade that is four inches or smaller may be brought onto a plane in carry-on luggage. However, they recommend keeping cutters in your checked luggage. You can also bring a cutter on a Canadian flight as long as the blade is not removable.

How to use a guillotine cigar cutter

A guillotine cutter has two holes for your fingers to go through. Hold the cigar in your other hand to line up the cap end with the blades of the cutter. Remove the very edge of the wrapper layer on the cap end by pinching the blades together with steady pressure.

Can you sharpen a cigar cutter?

To sharpen a cutter, you must use a blade sharpening tool over the entire blade. It can be difficult to reach the ends of the blades without removing the casing first. Do not try to sharpen it without doing that because you could end up with an uneven cut on the cigar end. You may have to send it to the manufacturer to be sharpened or consider replacing your cigar cutter if it appears to be worn out.

When should you use a cigar cutter?

It is recommended that you use a cutter anytime you are getting ready to smoke a new cigar. Doing so encourages airflow and while inhaling. You need to remove the end of the wrapper on the cap end of the cigar so that you can smoke through it.

What are the different types of cigar cutters?

There are various types of cutters to remove the cap end of the cigar. You can choose between a guillotine cutter, a traditional cigar cutter a cigar puncher or a V cut cigar cutter. A guillotine or cutter will help you get an even cut on the end and maximize flavour while smoking.  A V-cut cigar cutter will allow you to place your cigars cap directly in the groove of the cutter which ensures a great cut every time.

Which type of cigar cutter is best?

The type of cutter that you want to use depends a lot on personal preference. If you are interested in getting a clean cut on the end and being able to maximize smoking flavour, a cutter might be the best option for you, whereas some prefer the ease-of-use of a cigar punch. V-cut cigar cutters have gained popularity in recent years. These cutters will give you a deep cut down the center of the cap, while ensuring you do not cut to much of your cap off.

How to clean and maintain cigar cutters?

Clean off your cigar cutters often to prevent them from cutting unevenly. Use a cotton swab with a small amount of rubbing alcohol to clean the blades. Wipe the excess alcohol completely with a dry cotton swab. Repeat as many times as needed.

How much should you cut off of a cigar?

When cutting a cigar, do not cut off too much of the cigar cap. Only slice a thin layer off. Start your first slice thinner than you might think so that you do not cut off more by mistake. The cigars “cap” will have 3 levels of the cap, if you look closely you will see 3 lines on the cap of the cigar. Line up the cutter and the second line of the “cap” and cut.  This will ensure the cigar’s wrapper does not unravel while your smoking your cigar.

Can a cigar cutter affect the cigar draw?

Yes! If you cut too much off the cigar, it will negatively affect the draw, making it draw too quickly, and therefore affect the flavor of the cigar. Investing in a quality cigar cutter and knowing how to properly use it will ensure that you cut off the cigar ‘cap’ correctly and safely.

How do I use a V-Cut cigar cutter? 

Similarly to a guillotine cigar cutter, a V-Cut Cigar Cutter works to remove a wedge out of the cap of the cigar, though they offer improved air circulation when drawing from the cigar. Simply insert the cigar into the cutter and firmly press the handle, being careful not to cut off too much of the cigar.

How can I ensure a perfect cigar cut? 

The cigar cut is an art form and can be perfected only with practice. We recommend investing in a quality Cigar Star cutting tool and ensuring the cutter is always sharpened to allow for a clean cut in your cigar. 

Can I cut a cigar with a knife? 

Yes, though it’s often hard to control the depth and angle of a cut with a knife. Uneven cuts will ultimately result in uneven burns. To ensure a proper, straight cut, we recommend investing in a quality cigar cutting tool. 

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