Cut of Choice

[Gavin]

I know we’ve done this before, but thought we’d do it again.
One choice per person.
If it’s other, explain.

 

[JoeMO]

I picked a v-cut, but I'll take whatever is on hand. I like the punch, but it can screw with the foot (Edit: the cap) a bit. The key might be having a sharp cutter.

 

[xyz123]

I only G-cut (open).

 

[meiji]

i do mostly guillotine, but some times v cut.

 

[thinde]

I use my punch more than anything else.

 

[jfields]

Lately, I've gotten into the punch on the bottom of my lighters. Makes it easier to only have to keep track of one item. That and less chance of the head coming unraveled later.

But, I'm not loyal to one specific method.

 

[kann]

I picked punch, but different cigars called for different cuts. I'd also go through phases where I'd v-cut everything, or punch, or circumcise, or... you get the picture.

 

[wrussell46]

Scissors

 

[TexasTraveler]

Nice read on the subject:
Cigars have been enjoyed for centuries, but it wasn't until the 19th century that cigar cutters became popular. Before the invention of the cigar cutter, cigar smokers would typically bite off the end of their cigars, use their fingernail, or use a knife to cut them. However, these methods often resulted in an uneven cut, which could cause the cigar to burn unevenly or unravel. Zino Davidoff was quoted as saying “biting does not permit much precision. I realize that some smokers are past masters of this technique, but I never practice or recommend such a method”.

The first cigar cutter was invented in the 1860s by a Frenchman named Pierre Lacour. Lacour's invention, called the guillotine cutter, featured a blade that would cleanly slice off the end of the cigar, resulting in a more uniform cut. The guillotine cutter quickly caught on among cigar smokers, and by the end of the 19th century, it had become the most popular type of cigar cutter.

In the early 20th century, other types of cigar cutters began to appear on the market. The punch cutter, which features a circular blade that punches a hole in the end of the cigar, was invented in the early 1900s and quickly became popular among cigar smokers who preferred a smaller, more concentrated draw. The punch method was favored by Winston Churchill, however, he used the end of a wooden match to punch his cigars. The V-cutter (or wedge cut), which features a v-shaped blade that cuts a wedge out of the end of the cigar, was also invented around this time.

During the 20th century, cigar cutters became more elaborate and ornate, with many featuring intricate designs or made from expensive materials like gold or silver. Some cigar cutters even featured built-in lighters or other accessories. However, the most important feature of the cutter is that it is sharp. Once a cigar cutter dulls it must be discarded to avoid continuously damaging your cigars!

Today, cigar cutters come in a wide variety of styles and designs, from basic guillotine cutters to high-end cutters made from exotic materials like titanium or carbon fiber but the same basic cuts remain. Many cigar enthusiasts prefer to use a specific type of cutter based on their personal preferences, with some favoring the clean cut of the guillotine cutter, while others prefer the concentrated draw of the punch cutter or V-cutter. Some people even use multiple v-cuts to form a cross or star.

In addition to their practical function, cigar cutters have become an important style accessory for cigar smokers, with many collectors seeking out vintage or unique cutters to add to their collections. Brands have also begun advertising their cigars on promotional cutters given at events. Whether you prefer a basic cutter or a high-end model, a good cigar cutter is an essential tool for every cigar connoisseur.

 

[Nikon_Assasin]

Mostly v-cut

 

[Gavin]

Mostly v-cut

I’m always surprised by how many people use v-cuts. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone use them first hand.
I mostly go with a punch. Fewer little bits of tobacco and I like the slightly tighter draw. I love the convenience of the punch on my lighter. In a pinch, I’ll use one of my canine teeth to punch a cigar. I’m sure I look special when I’m doing it, but it works.

 

[xyz123]

I put a punch on the side about halfway down the stick and then shotgun it.

 

[Scap]

I use whichever cutter I find first.
Lately it is a v-cut because my guillotine is out in the garage somewhere.

 

[xyz123]

I know we’ve done this before, but thought we’d do it again.
One choice per person.
If it’s other, explain.

Here's results from a poll I did last summer for comparison:

POLL: What is your primary cigar cutting method?

Pretty straightforward. If you haven't yet, please vote before reading any posts below. I have the poll set to not show who voted how. It's also single-choice only so we can see what's used the majority of the time. Obviously some people are going to use different cuts for different reasons...

www.cigarpass.com

 

[xyz123]

I picked a v-cut, but I'll take whatever is on hand. I like the punch, but it can screw with the foot a bit. The key might be having a sharp cutter.

Just curious Joe, what do you mean about a punch screwing up the foot? As in a wonky burn?

 

[mjolnir01]

Almost exclusively guillotine cuts with my Palio, but if the cap is overly rustic--like on a Padron Thousand series--I'll opt for the punch.

 

[JoeMO]

I meant the cap, doh!

 

[Mavric]

I mostly use a v-cut as I have noticed rotating the cigar different ways helps me identify different flavors. But from time to time I will use a punch. I do not like straight cut as I always end up with bits and pieces of filler in my mouth.

 

[CBoukal]

I mostly use a v-cut as I have noticed rotating the cigar different ways helps me identify different flavors.

Huh, that's an angle I've never heard before.

 

[Nikon_Assasin]

I’m always surprised by how many people use v-cuts. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone use them first hand.
I mostly go with a punch. Fewer little bits of tobacco and I like the slightly tighter draw. I love the convenience of the punch on my lighter. In a pinch, I’ll use one of my canine teeth to punch a cigar. I’m sure I look special when I’m doing it, but it works.

A far amount of the people here in the office use V's & when I'm at our stores most of the employees use V's.