To Punch, Or Not To Punch??

[Newfie]

I've read many posts on people's thoughts on punching cigars Vs. not punching. I've read some people hate it, and I've read some people (CC posted this on CigarPass a couple of weeks ago) that they use this method quite a bit, if not exclusively when the shape of the stick lends itself.

Thursday night I smoked my first couple of punched cigars. The first was a huge stick I got in a sampler by mail from a B&M in Decatur, GA. It was an American Stogies Maduro that was 5 X 62. I don't have a cutter that will cut this size successfully and I'm not even sure there's one made. I have done a vee-cut with a super sharp Swiss Army blade from time to time but this seems so crude.

I decided to try the punch built into the filler cap of my new Nibo triple flame torch, and it worked suprisingly well. It provided a decent draw, but very little mild smoke for the first half inch or so (I would guess that would be expected on a stick this size). Then the volume and strength of smoke increased, and was actually a decent smoke for a while. The cigar started a runner, it canoed even after several attempts at touch-ups, and I believe it tunneled at about the half way point. The cigar was very hot under the band, hence my theory that it tunneled. I don't think you could puff on a stick this size through a punched hole in a cigar of this size enough to make it burn hot, could you? Anyway, I tossed it at this point. Hindsight being 20-20, I should have kept it and did an autopsy.

That one was just after supper. A couple of hours later I took out a Sancho Panza Double Maduro La Mancha and decided to try the punch again on a smaller size. On this one, it worked quite well and had no issues what-so-ever.

So, how many of you never punch, how many punch at times (please indicate your reasons for punching occasionally) and how many punch where possible (like CC) and please also pass on your reasons?

Also, for those of you who don't like to punch, how do you "cap" big sticks if you ever smoke any, and do you know of a cutter that will cut cigars this big? I remember someone posting some kind of 3-bladed scissors that may have had the ability to cut bigger sizes, but I con't quite remember the brand, etc.

Thanks and have a great day!

Jim

EDIT:

I think I found that three blade scissor type. Came across it by accident.
CubanCrafters

I did a search here for that brand and it seems SmokinDVM, BPP and NHcigarfan each own and use one. Gonna have to add one of these to the shopping list for VA in a couple of weeks.

[thepyrofish]

I own a couple punches that I use pretty much whenever the cigar allows me. I have a double blade but between it being cheap and my probably lack of cutting skill, the punch is just easier. Beyond that, I can't really explain it but I just prefer to smoke them that way.

Oh, and those scissors bother me because they have two blades facing one direction and one the other...it's not symmetrical. I doubt it would actually hinder them from cutting efectively, but I guess I'm kinda OCD that way :S

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I think this is what you are talking about. Cuts upto 60 guage and made by Cuban Crafters.







http://www.cubancrafters.com/products.php/item_id/2677

[BigMacFU]

I'm definitely a puncher, although the problem of tar build-up occasionally affecting the taste certainly is a problem. But, I favor a little bit of firmness to the draw and a punch guarantees that every time.

[SmokinDVM]

One of the vendors here, or somewhere else?, had one of the Cuban Crafters 3-blade cutters free with a box purchase. Can't remember what brand of cigar though.
Heck, they're only around $20 anyway.

[CgarDan]

I use a cutter on my cigars most of the time as I like the multitude of smoke that you get from a cut cigar. As for cases when its a huge stogie 60 ring or above I use cigar scissors. A nice sharp scissor will cut those suckers no problem. There are a whole bunch of these on e-bay or you can get them at any B&M. Ask to see some when you will be on your trip to VA.

[n2advnture]

My "go to" cutter is the Palio but I do use the keyring punch on smaller ring cigars. I find it to be the best way for preping a small ring smoke.

~Mark

[mauied1101]

Yup, depends on the gauge of the cigar. My sticks burn a little hot if I'm using a 7mm or 8mm punch on a large gauge stick. For traveling, use only a punch - easy to travel, no questions.

[Newfie]

snip.... My sticks burn a little hot if I'm using a 7mm or 8mm punch on a large gauge stick...snip

OK, this is the opposite of what I expected. Maybe this explains what I thought was tunnelling!!!

Anyone else find this??

[MCsommerreid]

Punch when I'm on the move, regular guilotine cut otherwise.

I used to punch exclusively when I was starting out, but had a lot of trouble with tight draws, too little smoke, and harsh flavors if I moved my tongue while smoking.

After I got a CubanCrafters double blade guilotine cutter and used it a few times I started using guilotine cuts whenever I was sitting still. The draw is better, the majority of the flavor is better (can cause a little lip acidity/burn, though), and there was a better amount of smoke with each draw (so thus fewer draws, and a cooler burning smoke).

Really I think it's a matter of preference unless the shape of the cigar doesn't allow it. IMO the guilotine cut would be the best if you don't want to have a whole bunch of cutters lying around just in case you run into a pyramid or a chisel head or what not. It's a good multipurpose cut, if nothing else.

[CgarDan]

you don't want to have a whole bunch of cutters lying around just in case you run into a pyramid or a chisel head or what not. It's a good multipurpose cut, if nothing else.

I had piramides and chisel head cigars that I cut with a regular guilotine cutter. Are there special cutters just for those shapes? I have a Cigar Companion by CA and even these guys who are a bit snobby for my taste don't go into how to cut these exotic shapes.

[Stryprod]

Always use a punch, its just too easy not to use it. On torpedos and such I find I have to use a cutter as I cant seem to get a good punch and it figures because of the angle.

[kevin7]

I do not like punches. I dont smoke many torps either. I use my cheapie double bladed cutter of my hawkbill knife.

[MCsommerreid]

I had piramides and chisel head cigars that I cut with a regular guilotine cutter. Are there special cutters just for those shapes? I have a Cigar Companion by CA and even these guys who are a bit snobby for my taste don't go into how to cut these exotic shapes.

Guilotine cut for the win!

[thepyrofish]

A friendly gentleman at a local B&M told me to use a punch to put a hole in the flat side of a chisel-cap. He said it was to direct the smoke at your palette, thouhg I tried it and it was very difficult to smoke. I ended up just cutting the end off anyway after about an inch.

[MCsommerreid]

A friendly gentleman at a local B&M told me to use a punch to put a hole in the flat side of a chisel-cap. He said it was to direct the smoke at your palette, thouhg I tried it and it was very difficult to smoke. I ended up just cutting the end off anyway after about an inch.

Hmm, that seems like an interesting way to cut one. Seems like the physics of it would be a faliure unless you cut really close to the tip, and smoked with the head well into your mouth.

However, I think I might just pick up a chisel head and give that a try.

[Desert Rat]

My gar smoking seems to be getting simpler and simpler. Been using a bic lighter and lifting the cap off the end of the gars with my fingernail. Was told thats what the cap is for, and it works fine.

Torps however, require precision made machinery (cigar scissors) .

.

[bluesman455]

I use my Xikar x1 for a full cut and full flavor,sometimes with a punch cut it can cause a hot spot on the tongue.

[Kenyth]

I use a double blade cutter exclusively. Punches only work on smaller gauge cigars for me. They're also a PITA to clean out. Buy cutters often or keep them razor sharpened. On very large cigars, you can use a razor blade (very sharp pocket knife, utility knife, box cutter, etc.) Spiral cut around the outside while you twist the cigar until the entire end is trimmed off.