Cigar cutter

The cigar cutter is a matter of choice. Some can simply chew the edge off. If a cigar is not cut correctly the cap of the cigar will make the cigar unroll and smoking difficult. The cap (also called the binder) are delicate, even more if instead of a cap a Flag was used, which can unravel very fast. If you intend to smoke a Torpedo or Perfectos, you will definitely need a cutter as they are wrapped around the foot, which is the part where the cigar is lit, usually comes pre-cut in the rest of the brands.

A good cigar cutter will cut as much as possible of the cap, but leaving enough to maintain the cigar firmly wrapped. Remember that this part of the cigar gets moist when smoking, so make sure the cut allows strength in the cap to maintain the wrapping the whole time. Dry cigars will be specially difficult to cut, as a wide cut will crack the rest of the structure. To solve this problem moisten the cap a little, but not too much or the gum (the special glue with which the cap binds to the rest of the cigar) will soften and the cap will loosen up, some hot vapor could do just fine.

There are the scissors, ergonomically made to cut the cigar effortlessly, these have the advantage that you can cut the cigar any way you want. They are practical and come in assorted colors, gray, gold and many others. Also there is the cigar knife and cutter, it has several uses but can be bulky.

The most popular is the guillotine cutter, that makes a u type incision, also called a bullet incision and will allow smoke to easily flow through it. It helps the draw of the cigar, but also a well cut cigar will not get hot too fast, having a better taste, as hot cigars become biter.

If you are trying a good cigar, make a point of not cutting it with cheap cutters or your precious cigar will be ruined. Make the cut quickly with a sharp blade to avoid harming the cigar.

The v cut allows a cutting like you would do with traditional scissors, they work very well an avoids the damage produced sometimes with scissors while holding the cigar for the cut. Many don't like the v cut as they feel the cigar burns unevenly, but will depend on the size of the incision.

The bullet punch will create a different hole depending on the size of the cigar you are going to light and this can be very useful in obtaining the size of the opening you want. This procedure is the one who respects the cap the most.