To Punch, Or Not To Punch??

[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.

[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.