Cutter or Punch

[MX]

So what do you guys/gals use and why

I have never tried a punch, but think that I might like too. I have a habit of cutting of too much when i use the cutters....

 

[Gipper76]

Depends on the cigar. I typically use a punch because I don't like having to deal with some of the leaf after cutting it and then having to spit a couple times after it. The punch is much cleaner. However, on certain cigars where I've had previous draw issues when using the punch I'll use my cutter because it seems to fix those draw issues.

If you've never used the punch I recommend going out and buying one. I got a nice one from my local Tinders Box for $20 that matches my lighter. Absolutely love it! Well worth the $20 investment

 

[Wurm]

I use a cutter. And to avoid cutting too much off I place my open cutter flat on the table, flip the cigar over, drop the head into the cutter and snip. Works every time.

 

[PuroEsq]

Actually I use both but more often it is the cutter.

 

[Brickhouse]

I use a cutter. And to avoid cutting too much off I place my open cutter flat on the table, flip the cigar over, drop the head into the cutter and snip. Works every time.

Yep, great way to prevent cutting too much.

I use a cutter myself. I like a punch now and again with a larger gauge cigar, but I'm most comfortable performing the cigar lobotomy to get the right cut.

 

[bilder]

I use both.

Use my Palio for pyramid types and smaller ring size and a punch for regular head type cigars if they are ring gauge. 46 or higher.

I got a Blazer lighter at the sportsman's show up here and it has a punch built into it. Works pretty well.

 

[humboldtflyer]

I use a cutter except for the small ring guage cigars... then I use my punch...

 

[junkman_56]

I use a punch for almost everything, with the exception of cigars with pointy ends...
I have punches as large as 16.5mm. That's about the diameter as a 42 ring gauge cigar.
It works very well for cigars that are a 50 ring gauge or larger. :thumbs:

 

[bfisher88]

I only use a cutter, i just like more of a draw than what the punch will let you get...

 

[Devil Doc]

If the taste of tar doesn't bother you then use a punch. If it does... And by the way, the cutter is not a guillotine. I see folks in my B$M regularly cut into the body of a cigar. You're only supposed to remove the top of the cap, best done by carefully circumscribing the cap and lifting it off.

Doc.

 

[Marcos]

I don't own a punch and have always used a cutter. If you only remove the flag/cap and don't cut below the shoulder there won't be a problem. The upside down table top method previously described is a great method and works well.

 

[Ginseng]

Here's the technique I use. It employs a double-bladed cutter, is simple to do, and almost eliminates the risk of splitting the wrapper from the typical crushing action of a shear-type cutter (scissors, single or double-bladed guillotines such as the Davidoff, Xikar, or Palio). Ginseng's Score and Lift Techinique.

An added plus is that since it is so gentle, you get a look under the cap to examine construction details of your cigar.

Wilkey

 

[anvil]

I use a Punch on large gauge Cigars, a single blade cutter on smaller gauge and Cigars the Punch will not work on or let draw. I also have a very sharp antique Gentleman's knife which has a short blade and a half round sharpened notch which works very well on removing the cap.

 

[rectifythis]

I also use both...if I know a particular brand typically has a tight draw, I use the cutter to open it up more. If a brand is known for having the wrapper come undone on me, I punch it. Otherwise, it depends on my mood.

 

[BlindedByScience]

Here's the technique I use. It employs a double-bladed cutter, is simple to do, and almost eliminates the risk of splitting the wrapper from the typical crushing action of a shear-type cutter (scissors, single or double-bladed guillotines such as the Davidoff, Xikar, or Palio). Ginseng's Score and Lift Techinique.

An added plus is that since it is so gentle, you get a look under the cap to examine construction details of your cigar.

Wilkey

I'm a convert to Wilkey's method. My razor sharp Xikar gets it done, time after time.

I will confess that with torps I take a pretty liberal "chop" on the end to open them up. Works fine, every time.

Regards - B.B.S.

 

[Shooter]

I use a cutter, or a beer cap in a jam, works great.

 

[Brickhouse]

Here's the technique I use. It employs a double-bladed cutter, is simple to do, and almost eliminates the risk of splitting the wrapper from the typical crushing action of a shear-type cutter (scissors, single or double-bladed guillotines such as the Davidoff, Xikar, or Palio). Ginseng's Score and Lift Techinique.

An added plus is that since it is so gentle, you get a look under the cap to examine construction details of your cigar.

Wilkey

I'm a convert to Wilkey's method. My razor sharp Xikar gets it done, time after time.

I will confess that with torps I take a pretty liberal "chop" on the end to open them up. Works fine, every time.

Regards - B.B.S.

X2

If you do it right you don't cut the bunch. It keeps bits of tobacco coming out while smoking because you haven't cut anything, simply removed the cap.

Glad Wilkey showed me this one, it's a great method.

 

[MX]

Thanks
Great info here as usaual
I love it that I can ask a simple question and gain so much insight, I am truly blessed to have found this Forum

Thanks again

 

[Ginseng]

I should add that sometimes, the cigar will have been built with some of the binder extending above the shoulder and thus covering part of the opening of the bunch after you have lifted the cap off. In this case, you simply give the cutter another gentle twist around the protruding binder and you're good to go.

Wilkey

 

[KingGeorge]

Here's the technique I use. It employs a double-bladed cutter, is simple to do, and almost eliminates the risk of splitting the wrapper from the typical crushing action of a shear-type cutter (scissors, single or double-bladed guillotines such as the Davidoff, Xikar, or Palio). Ginseng's Score and Lift Techinique.

An added plus is that since it is so gentle, you get a look under the cap to examine construction details of your cigar.

Wilkey

I've used this method when you posted about it before. I only use the cutter if I have to.

george