To Punch, Or Not To Punch??

[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.