Cut or punch ?

Do you cut the end off your cigars or use a punch to put a small hole in the end?

I cut figurados with a double guillatine cutter, most other toro/robusto shapes get punched out.

I also have a V-notch cutter that works great for some of the smaller box-pressed sticks that I can't get a good punch on

I've never used a punch, always a cutter. I used to guillotine cutter for ever until I got a double bladed cutter. And it's a MUCH better cut.

I have used a sharp pencil to make a hole in cigars before though...

I use what I have, but 99% it's a cut.

Like the pencil, I've used a golf tee.

But with most cigars, if you just let the cap get wet enough you can peel it off, or slice around it with a knife or something and pop it off.

Who moistens the cigar before they cut (supposed to ensure a better cut)? I do and was just wondering if anybody else does. Oh yeah and I use a double bladed guillotine.

I moisten before I cut usually

I punch usually...if I get a poor pull after the punch then I usually go ahead and cut it. I like the punch because its a little cleaner than a cutter in my opinion

I do want to pick up a v-cutter to see how I like that too

Try everything and make your own mind up.
Myself, i prefer a guillotine (double blade Xikar of course).

Oh and I did use the tyne of a fork when i was young, but never again, oh no.

Typically I cut with a cheap double bladed cutter but I've used anything from a pocket knife to a piece of wire to a key to open the end up in desperate times.

Is there anyone that just bites the caps off?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brian

Is there anyone that just bites the caps off?

---

Haha. I've tried that once or twice in a pinch and it never works out as well as I think it will.




I do a combination of punch/cut. I gently rotate my cutter around the cap. Slicing off the cap, but not going all the way through the cigar. The cap pops off in a nice piece leaving the exposed binder, and also leaving some cap on the shoulder to prevent the cigar from unwrapping.

I find that cutting with the plastic rap on helps with a better cut. It will also keep you from having to by a new cutter in a few years. Also make sure you always cut just before the bend in the shoulder. Anyone agree with this?

I've never tried it... I will though.

Never bite off the cap unless you like having loose tobacco in your mouth.

I always use a double blade guiillotine. I don't like using a punch because it tends to concentrate tars around the hole.

I used to use a really cheap single blade guiillotine cutter. I had that for about 2 years. But now I use a double bladed cutter since Ive really started to take this seriously. Its soo much better than the single blade ones.

I plan on pickin up a Xikar cutter here soon and a punch as well for kicks, to see how I like it.

You can't beat the xikar cutter for a clean cut.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by njsarge54

You can't beat the xikar cutter for a clean cut.

---

I came to that same conclusion after.....oh say the first 15-20min I was on this board browsing around. :smiley20: I had heard soo many good things about em, that I decided to buy one for my next cutter. Im gona pickin it up here shortly after I buy my humidor.

i've done that...once on a cheap flor de oliva cigar. dont ever do it.

cut>punch

I use a Xikar. Got an all metal one several years ago and almost worry free. Tightened a few screws once and gave it a little oil maybe once a year. I always moisten first. Really want to get a Palio cutter. Not as popular as Xikar, but people swear they are the best. Only bite em if I have too. . Need to get a little punch for the key chain & no more biting.

I used the cheap guillotine cutter until last month when I got a Credo double-bladed cutter. MUCH better cut, wish I had gotten rid of the single blade sooner.