The Right Way to Cut a Cigar (Most People Mess This Up)

Cutting a cigar seems simple — until you actually do it. Then suddenly the cap cracks, the wrapper frays, tobacco falls everywhere, and you’re sitting there wondering why the YouTube guys make it look so easy. The truth? Most people cut cigars wrong. And a bad cut ruins a good cigar before you even light it.

The good news: with the right technique (and the right cutter), cutting a cigar cleanly becomes second nature.

Why the Cut Matters More Than You Think

The cut controls how the cigar draws, burns, and even tastes. A bad cut can cause:

• Loose tobacco in your mouth

• A tight or restricted draw

• An uneven burn

• Cracks in the wrapper

• The cap unraveling mid-smoke

A perfect cut keeps the cigar’s structure intact and allows smooth, even airflow from start to finish.

Where Most People Go Wrong

New smokers usually make one of these mistakes:

• Cutting too much off the cap

• Using dull cutters

• Squeezing the cigar while cutting

• Cutting at the wrong angle

• Using scissors, knives, or whatever is lying around

The cap is designed to hold the wrapper together. Cut it off completely and the whole cigar can unravel.

The Proper Cutting Technique

Here’s the cleanest, most reliable way to cut any cigar:

1. Locate the Shoulder of the Cigar

This is where the rounded cap transitions into the straight body.
You want to cut just above the shoulder, removing only 1–2 mm — not the whole cap.

2. Use a Sharp, High-Quality Cutter

A dull cutter crushes the cigar instead of slicing it.
A properly sharpened, precision cutter gives you a crisp, clean cut every time.

This is where Cigar Star’s precision cutters shine — they’re heavy-duty, razor-sharp, and engineered to glide through the cap without tearing the wrapper.

3. Hold the Cigar Gently

Don’t squeeze it. Just rest it lightly between your fingers.
Pressure creates cracks.

4. Commit to the Cut

Place the cigar inside the cutter, line up the shoulder…
And cut quickly and confidently.

A slow, hesitant cut is what causes tearing.

Types of Cuts (and When to Use Them)

• Straight Cut: Most common, great airflow

• V-Cut: Deeper, focused draw; good for thicker cigars

• Punch Cut: Mild restriction; great for beginners

Each style has its fans — try them all and see what you enjoy most.

The Right Cut Makes a Big Difference

A clean cut sets the stage for a perfect smoke. Whether you prefer straight, punch, or V-cut, the key is using a sharp, quality tool and cutting in the right spot.

If you’re ready to upgrade your experience, Cigar Star’s line of precision cutters delivers professional-level cuts every single time.