To Punch, Or Not To Punch??

[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.

[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.