August 17, 2007, Newsletter Issue #88: Cigar Cutters

Tip of the Week

The object of the cutter is to create an ample and smooth opening in your cigar for smoking. There are various types of Cigar Cutters, each different in the way they work. Cutting your cigars correctly means you will have a better tasting smoke, so do it right and use the correct cutter.

CIGAR GUILLOTINE CUTTERS – They have a single blade that when pressure is applied to the cutter, usually with your fingers, will cut your cigar's head from one side to the other. These “guillotines” are handy, economical and general have a low risk of breakage. Since the blade cuts through the cigar from one side to the other, there is more pressure on one side of the cigar than the other and risk of damage to the cigar's head, or worse, the cigar's wrapper leaf. Guillotine Cutters have their use but just be careful.

DOUBLE-BLADE CIGAR CUTTERS – The classic cigar cutter. They have 2 blades that cross each other when your cigar's head is in the center. The blades cut the cigar evenly from both sides, with uniform pressure. The best of these have self-sharpening blades that are made of stainless steel. These are my preferred cigar cutters.

CIGAR V-CUTTER – Similar to the Guillotine cutter but the blade has a V shape. The cigar's head is placed against a stopper and the blade drops and cuts a V from one side of the head to the other. Not advisable for shaped cigars, such as the Torpedo. Also poses the risk of damage to the cigar.

“HOLE” PUNCH CUTTERS – This cutter has also been called the “Bullet” cutter. It has a round blade that when pushed against the head of the cigar cuts a circle. This is a very compact cutter and works well on some cigars. It is not practical on shaped cigars that do not have a flat head.

OTHERS – There are table cutters, floor cutters, electronic cutters and others. Most use the same concept as described in the above detailed cutters. With technological advances, some cutters are bound to show up that use a different method to cut your cigars.

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