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