How much to cut?

[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.

[Kass]

Thanks for the advice guys. I always just cut the whole cap off, I guess thats why half the time the 'gar unwraps. Well, now I know better and the cutter will do perfectly fine for me. It should actually work pretty good for a straight cut as you can place it flat on a surface with the blades facing up and snip away.

[cls515]

Generally you want to have a cut so that the cut end has a slightly smaller diameter than the body of the cigar.

[jsc4324]

I think I have one of those same cutters laying around. The one I am thinking of is a promo from Cusano, that calls the cutter "the perfect cutter". I was told at the B&M that it was designed to take just the right amount off, hence the "perfect cut". I does not work for torpedos as you noted.

Just a suggestion, but do yourself a favor and invest the 25-30 bucks in a good cutter. It really does make a big difference. I didnt think it would until I tried one. Just my .02.

[Kass]

My girlfriend said she wants to buy me a good cutter for my birthday and I was looking at a palio but then I couldn't justify dropping $50 on one when I could get a box of gars instead. But it seems like it might be worth it.

[Wingfan13]

I love my Xikar. $30

[derivation]

Generally you want to have a cut so that the cut end has a slightly smaller diameter than the body of the cigar.

Just wanted to give a quick to this. When I first started I had tons of problems trying to figure out the best way to cut... I always seemed to do too much or too less. I read this rule somewhere on the site, and it's worked great for me since.

[bigsmoke]

Just wanted to give a quick to this. When I first started I had tons of problems trying to figure out the best way to cut... I always seemed to do too much or too less. I read this rule somewhere on the site, and it's worked great for me since.

I agree as well.

[jsc4324]

Ill second the Xikar. I got mine in the pack along with 3 Cohibas for around 35 bucks. I think its posted somewhere on here. I have not had a single cutting problem since having nice sharp blades.