cutting vs punching....

I've been doing some reading since I'll be getting a few ISOMs soon. And in most, if not all, of the sources I've read it's said to cut the cigar. Is cutting better for the cuban than punching it? And where should one cut the cuban?

It's funny. If you want to prep a cigar for smoking like the Cubans themselves do, then either bite off the cap or flip it off with a fingernail. But Cubans don't smoke Habanos, they smoke peso cigars. Either way, it's the bite or the flip.

The objective is simply to remove the cap without really taking any of the bunch off.

For you, me and the other 15 million dandies who smoke Havana cigars, the question is one more of style than function although many will opine that a small punch hole can allow tars to accumulate thus fouling the taste.

Personally, I use a double bladed cutter but I only use the blades to score the cap above the shoulder. Then I just lift it off. I only actually cut bunch when prepping a figurado like a belicosos.

Wilkey

I use a single blade, trying to cut along the first of the three rings closest to the cap. I don't think it matters except to the individual.

I don't think it really makes a difference. I prefer to use a punch on all of the cigars I smoke.

I prefer both, however I have had a nail that I used a punch on and had to cut it, which helped the draw, slightly albeit. To each his own, both work for me. It also tends to be where I am, seeing as cutting makes slighty more of a mess than a punch. I take that into consideration sometimes..

do I really need to let the cigars set up in the humi for month or so?

ykm loki' date='Jun 1 2006, 07:42 PM' post='327841']
do I really need to let the cigars set up in the humi for month or so?

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Not, that, long, but, at, least, for, a, few, days, if, you, received, them, in, the, mail.

coventrycat86 said:

ykm loki' date='Jun 1 2006, 07:42 PM' post='327841']
do I really need to let the cigars set up in the humi for month or so?

Click to expand...

Not, that, long, but, at, least, for, a, few, days, if, you, received, them, in, the, mail.

Click to expand...

yeah, they are coming in from a buddy in japan. So a week maybe then?

I will pretty much use a couble bladed cutter on everything. On ISOM's usually at the first cap.

I think I will try Ginseng's method next time though, and just score and flip it.

b

Ah, CC is working on his comma usage! (You know I can't read that without making a mental pause for each comma.)

I can't tell a difference in the flavor between a cut cigar and a punched one. I prefer a cut. I just cut of the least amount possible to expose all of the inside. You can always cut more, but you can't put it back.

when I get the sticks I'll post a pic and maybe you BOTH can help me decide where to cut it

I cut 95% of the time. I use to only use my punch when I traveled. However, now that the airlines are less inclined to keep my cutter when I go through security, I find myself traveling with my cutter again.

I use a punch on the smaller ring guages and my scissors on the pyramids and larger vitolas. I am generally working when I smoke so I hold the cigars in my teeth. I find that if I cut the cap off of the cigar it tends to unravel due to my inadvertent chewing. Most of the Habanos I smoke are on the thinner side so a punch removes most of the cap reducing the chance of tar build-up.

Nate

I always use a cutter, but that is just my preference.

Typically, I find that if I'm going to be mobile while smoking, I'll use a punch to keep the cigar from unravelling. I haven't noticed much of a difference in taste other than a very faint buildup of tar where the punch is installed; usually not enough to really taint the taste.

A fellow CP'er recently asked me for some clarification about the various cap removal practices discussed in this thread. As always, a picture is worth a bunch of words.

Here is my preferred method. I referred to this above as the "score and lift." The sequence of three photos shows the technique. First, using a bladed cutter, put the blade(s) in contact with the wrapper just above the shoulder of the cigar. Then, applying gentle pressure, slice through ONLY the wrapper. Second, confirm that the entire circumference of the cap has been cut through. In this case, I left a small piece connecting the cap to the cigar so that I could more easily take a picture. Third, lift off the cap with your finger or your nail and discard. Your cigar is now ready for lighting and smoking. Note: the bunch has not been cut at all. It was as the roller left it. Only the cap of wrapper leaf has been removed.


Here is a second method that is equally suitable and works even if you have no cutters, scissors, or other hardware. This is the "wet and rip." Basically, you take a cigar, slobber on the end until the cap leaf is soft and pliable. Sometimes you can actually feel it get loose. If it's loose, you just lift it off along with any overlapping wrapper on the barrel of the cigar. If you're rushed (as I was in taking these photos) the cap might have to be yanked off with your teeth or dug off with a fingernail. The final result isn't "aficianado pretty" but the cigar is quite smokeable.


These techniques do not work with figurados such as pyramids and torpedos. But any parejo, or straight-sided cigar, handles it quite well.

Wilkey

I've done many cigars with the moisten the cap and use finger nail. Works like a champ if you dont rush it. Never had any good luck with the teeth. My friend got pretty damn good with a knife eventho it was a little dull. Thats another way to keep in mind if ya have a nice knife.

Dumb question, but I thought the purpose of the cap is to keep the wrapper from unraveling (sp?). By using the bottom method (fingers or teeth) wouldn't the wrapper start to come undone since the cap is no longer holding it down? ???

bchem said:

Dumb question, but I thought the purpose of the cap is to keep the wrapper from unraveling (sp?). By using the bottom method (fingers or teeth) wouldn't the wrapper start to come undone since the cap is no longer holding it down? ???

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If you do it right it works awesome from my experience and the wrappers doesnt unravel. :thumbs:

Mr Peat said:

bchem said:

Dumb question, but I thought the purpose of the cap is to keep the wrapper from unraveling (sp?). By using the bottom method (fingers or teeth) wouldn't the wrapper start to come undone since the cap is no longer holding it down? ???

Click to expand...

If you do it right it works awesome from my experience and the wrappers doesnt unravel. :thumbs:

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Famous last words! :laugh:

I'll give it a shot. :thumbs: