How much to cut?

[Kass]

I was wondering how much you guys cut off of your cigars. I usually cut maybe around half a centimetre or more. The reason I ask is because I just bought a new cutter. A cheap $10 one from the local B&M. It only has one end open so it limits to how much you can cut off. I had to cut the cigar I just smoked 3 times to get it to how much I am used to cutting off. If it had a pointed end I would have to cut it at least 5 times... Maybe I'm just cutting off to much?

[TampaSupremo]

I'm not exactly clear what you mean by "one end open." You have a photo? I don't recall where I read this (maybe Xikar or maybe here), but you can lay the open cutter on a firm surface, place the head of the cigar in it, and cut. This will open enough of the head to smoke, and is usually how I cut either with the Xicar or the kinda cheapy Colibri one that came with the lighter and case combo I got for Christmas.

Hope this helps,

TampaSupremo

[Kass]

I tried to upload a picture onto my computer but the program is messed up so I can't put anything from my camera onto the computer.
Its hard to explain, but pretty much the cutter has one open end then the blades and after the blades there is a plastic backing so you can only cut a certain amount off of the cigar, which is only around 2-3mm.

[TampaSupremo]

OK, I think I get you. You may want to get a new cutter that's fully open rather than fool with cutting it 3-4 times, however the method I described only cuts about 2-3mm off. Then again, you could just stick as much of the cigar through as you want and just cut carefully as not to crush it.

TamapaSupremo

[Kass]

I guess it'll do then. I'm just used to cutting more than a few mm off.

[Shelby07]

I usually try to cut (try is the operative word here) just enough to give a good sized opening but leave most of the shoulder of the head intact. Any more than that and I'm either spitting out tobacco or dealing with the rest of the cap, and eventually the cigar, unwrapping. A sharp blade is a must. Contrary to popular belief, cutters are not self sharpening, but the better ones last a longer time.

Edit: Be sure you hold the cigar as close to the cutter as you can to minimize movement and give it a good, fast clip.