Many of you likely know some don’t, that cigars need to be cut before you smoke. That’s because a cap of tobacco leaf is placed on the head — the top of the cigar — to keep the tobacco safe during packaging and shipping and seal up the contents. Cutting too much off can damage the cigar and not cutting enough can restrict airflow. So, you need to learn how to cut a cigar, if you never have before. Even if you have, you could be cutting your cigars wrong.
Why do you have to cut a cigar?
As mentioned, almost every cigar has a cap of tobacco leaf wrapped around the head, where you put your lips and smoke. Some cigars don’t need to be cut because they are pre-cut. The perfect example is the Zino Nicaragua, which arrives cut already. All you have to do is unwrap them and light them up.
But the goal when cutting is to trim a bit off the cap to provide a small space that opens up the draw and allows for smoother airflow. In other words, you can inhale without resistance. Trust me when I say it makes smoking the cigar much more enjoyable.
You want to cut just enough to give you smooth airflow, but not so much that it damages the outer wrapper — the outer portion of tobacco on the exterior of the cigar.
The trick is that there are several ways to cut a cigar or rather several methods and tools used, and it all comes down to what you prefer.
Personally, I prefer a straight cut, and it’s what most Master Blenders use when lighting up their favorite cigars, and also what many cigar manufacturers recommend. Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with the other methods and you may find you enjoy the experience they provide better.
Some straight cutters are designed to be easy and have a backing to stop you from cutting too much off, like the one pictured above.
The difference in cigar cutters
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Straight Cut — Working like a guillotine, hence the alternative name, a straight cut simply slices straight through a section of the cigar. When you have a sharp cutter it slices through like butter. If you’re not careful, however, it’s easy to cut off too much. If the blades are dull it’s also possible to crush the head of the cigar. This creates a smooth, easy-flowing draw.
Punch Cut — A punch cutter essentially bores a small hole right into the middle of the cigar cap. People who prefer this cut say it adds more flavor and intensity as the smoke is pulled through a small, more concentrated opening. This also creates a tighter draw.
V-Cut — As the name describes, a V-cutter or wedge cutter slices a ‘wedge’ out of the cigar cap. Proponents say it creates a more concentrated and flavorful draw, again because smoke is pulled through a smaller area. But with a V-cut, it’s actually pulled from both the top and bottom of the cigar — through the wedge — as you draw. V-cuts are tough to do with bigger ring gauge cigars size 60 or above, so keep that in mind. Moreover, this creates a tighter draw.
Cigar Scissors — Meant to be portable and convenient, cigar scissors work similar to a straight cutter. You just slice through the cap of the cigar. A lot of scissors fold down into a compact shape for easy travel.
Don’t cut too much off
Depending on the vitola or shape of the cigar, it can be difficult to discern where to cut, or how far to cut your cigar. Essentially, you just want a little trim off the top, enough to open it up. You’ll notice cigars tend to taper off a little even at the head. A straight cut-through that’s too far will create a flat cap, whereas the right trim will still leave some of that tapering.
If that’s not clear, take a look at the image below to see what I mean.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Either way, once you cut your cigar, you can light it up and enjoy it. So, enjoy folks.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
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