How much to cut?

[Kass]

I was wondering how much you guys cut off of your cigars. I usually cut maybe around half a centimetre or more. The reason I ask is because I just bought a new cutter. A cheap $10 one from the local B&M. It only has one end open so it limits to how much you can cut off. I had to cut the cigar I just smoked 3 times to get it to how much I am used to cutting off. If it had a pointed end I would have to cut it at least 5 times... Maybe I'm just cutting off to much?

[TampaSupremo]

I'm not exactly clear what you mean by "one end open." You have a photo? I don't recall where I read this (maybe Xikar or maybe here), but you can lay the open cutter on a firm surface, place the head of the cigar in it, and cut. This will open enough of the head to smoke, and is usually how I cut either with the Xicar or the kinda cheapy Colibri one that came with the lighter and case combo I got for Christmas.

Hope this helps,

TampaSupremo

[Kass]

I tried to upload a picture onto my computer but the program is messed up so I can't put anything from my camera onto the computer.
Its hard to explain, but pretty much the cutter has one open end then the blades and after the blades there is a plastic backing so you can only cut a certain amount off of the cigar, which is only around 2-3mm.

[TampaSupremo]

OK, I think I get you. You may want to get a new cutter that's fully open rather than fool with cutting it 3-4 times, however the method I described only cuts about 2-3mm off. Then again, you could just stick as much of the cigar through as you want and just cut carefully as not to crush it.

TamapaSupremo

[Kass]

I guess it'll do then. I'm just used to cutting more than a few mm off.

[Shelby07]

I usually try to cut (try is the operative word here) just enough to give a good sized opening but leave most of the shoulder of the head intact. Any more than that and I'm either spitting out tobacco or dealing with the rest of the cap, and eventually the cigar, unwrapping. A sharp blade is a must. Contrary to popular belief, cutters are not self sharpening, but the better ones last a longer time.

Edit: Be sure you hold the cigar as close to the cutter as you can to minimize movement and give it a good, fast clip.

[Kass]

Thanks for the advice guys. I always just cut the whole cap off, I guess thats why half the time the 'gar unwraps. Well, now I know better and the cutter will do perfectly fine for me. It should actually work pretty good for a straight cut as you can place it flat on a surface with the blades facing up and snip away.

[cls515]

Generally you want to have a cut so that the cut end has a slightly smaller diameter than the body of the cigar.

[jsc4324]

I think I have one of those same cutters laying around. The one I am thinking of is a promo from Cusano, that calls the cutter "the perfect cutter". I was told at the B&M that it was designed to take just the right amount off, hence the "perfect cut". I does not work for torpedos as you noted.

Just a suggestion, but do yourself a favor and invest the 25-30 bucks in a good cutter. It really does make a big difference. I didnt think it would until I tried one. Just my .02.

[Kass]

My girlfriend said she wants to buy me a good cutter for my birthday and I was looking at a palio but then I couldn't justify dropping $50 on one when I could get a box of gars instead. But it seems like it might be worth it.

[Wingfan13]

I love my Xikar. $30

[derivation]

Generally you want to have a cut so that the cut end has a slightly smaller diameter than the body of the cigar.

Just wanted to give a quick to this. When I first started I had tons of problems trying to figure out the best way to cut... I always seemed to do too much or too less. I read this rule somewhere on the site, and it's worked great for me since.

[bigsmoke]

Just wanted to give a quick to this. When I first started I had tons of problems trying to figure out the best way to cut... I always seemed to do too much or too less. I read this rule somewhere on the site, and it's worked great for me since.

I agree as well.

[jsc4324]

Ill second the Xikar. I got mine in the pack along with 3 Cohibas for around 35 bucks. I think its posted somewhere on here. I have not had a single cutting problem since having nice sharp blades.

[FraGil]

I'm familiar with the cutter you are talking about. They do work very well (some might say they are idiotproof ) BUT it all comes down to the vitola of cigar and the smokers preference so they're not always suitable.

I'd personally rather not cut a cigar down several times incase it put too much stress on the cap. I much prefer getting it over in one clean cut

I used to stock those cutters and only really sold them to people starting out that weren't comfortable with judging the cut themselves or people with arthritis, etc