Cigar 101 - Cutters
S01:Ep63
The most common type of cigar accessory is a cigar cutter. Cutters are used to create openings in the ‘head’ of the cigar to allow air and smoke to pass through. Some enthusiasts insist on a certain method, whilst others simply use whatever is most convenient. Below you’ll find today’s most popular and well-known methods. Guillotine – Guillotines, including both double and single-bladed versions, as well as scissors are designed to make a cut across the end of the cigar. These are generally the best options. Of the guillotines, the double-blade is the better choice if you want a cleaner cut. The advantage of double-bladed cutters is that the cutting proceeds from both sides simultaneously. There is less chance that the cigar wrapper will be torn as it’s pushed against the dull inside of the blade chamber. The best technique is to rest the cigar against a blade before clicking the cutter shut. V-Cut – A V-cut makes a notched hole in the end of the cigar. The advantage is that it can offer you more surface area without exposing your tongue to loose tobacco, and it allows you to draw more air through the cigar. This is a good choice for small ring gauge cigars. However, do not penetrate the V-cutter too deeply into the cigar, as often the draw can be too good, and the cigar will smoke too hot Punch – A punch cutter is simply a circular, razor sharp blade that you push gently into the head of a cigar, which cores out an opening. This is an excellent choice if you smoke mixed filler cigars, as it minimizes the chance of bits of tobacco ending up in your mouth. However, punch cutters are usually not a good choice for torpedos, or small ring gauge cigars. Scissors - Cigar scissors are different, of course, from regular household scissors. Cigars scissors are specifically manufactured for the purpose of snipping cigars. Usually made from surgical quality stainless steel, some models, such as the Xikar MTX Cigar Tool, is the optimum choice. A high-quality cigar scissor will guarantee you swift, precision cuts. However, be careful, because dull, lower-quality scissors will cause more harm than good, potentially smushing the ends and damaging the cigar’s construction. Bite Method – When all else fails it seems the ol’ caveman route of chomping off the end of your cigar is still the most popular choice. However this can lead to bits of tobacco in your mouth, and can make for a sloppy smoke. If you’re really in a bind, carefully look for the seam where the cap is located and use your finger nail to gently pry away the cap. Not the most suave method, but it’s fairly effective in a pinch.
From Cigars International - http://www.cigarsinternational.com/cigar-101/article/45/cigar-cutters
