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Cutting vs. Punching

Bucky

New Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2008
Messages
39
Location
Worcester, MA
I'm new to cigars, and I was wondering what the difference between cutting and punching a cigar. So far, I've only cut my cigars, but there is a large difference between the two, and which one do you prefer, and why? Thanks for your help!
 
Welcome to CP! If you use the search tab in the top right of the screen you will find all the answers you desire. Because this has been covered LOTS of times.



EDIT- Check HERE for some good reading.
 
I'll give you some info...

Punching creates a small hole in the head of the cigar. You can find this typical of your cheap gas station variety cigars. Most of those come punched.

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Cutting slices off the top of the cap.

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I would say most people cut. I have heard quite a bit that punching results in a harder draw since the surface area to breathe in from is smaller. However, punching is easier than cutting. If you cut too far down the wrapper can start to unwravel (quite annoying). Cutting becomes easy too once you practice a little.
 
I almost always use a punch. I find I like the draw better and there is less chance of messing up the cap with too deep a cut. Also, Joel Sherman gave a presentation at the Quad State Herf this year, and he said that using a punch (he prefers the cats eye cut), is a better smoking experience because it concentrates the smoke in a smaller area on the draw.
There is really no right or wrong method, everyone should cut/punch/bite/whatever if that is what they like. It is like cigars, it is a matter of taste.

Dave
 
I've only cut so far, but i'm going to get a punch cutter and try it.
 
I never use a punch. They seem to help promote the creation of tar.

I've seen that too. That's why I stopped using punches except on rare occasions. I use Wilkey's method of just slicing around the cap and popping it off. Works great every time. :)

---John Holmes...
 
Until about a month ago, I was a dedicated "punch" lover. Then I bought my first V-cutter and I absolutely love it. Best way to go, IMO! :thumbs:
 
I have never tried a v-cutter but have always wanted to. What is a good cheap one?

Also, what are the benifits of the v-cut?

Hey Devonn Dan, I found a cheap 2.99 V Cutter here in Cali, want me to send one to you?? LOL. I like the V-cut because of the same reasons fellas like the punch, it doesn't mess up the cap.

Now, I only use the V-cutter unless it's a torpedo, then I'll use the cutter like the one you've got. The cheapie V- cutter I found works like a dream vs. some tabletop Zack was trying to sell to me for $50. It's nice and big, but really more of a finer gentleman's accesory.




Edited to correct Dannyboy's name....doh'eth!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
I use a Swiss Army punch knife on all my cigars. I've tried using a cutter and sometimes it works well, other times I destroy the cap. With the punch it's always perfect. With the SA punch, you have three ring/punch sizes for the different gauges. I've not had any problem with tar build up as yet.

Of course for torps/belis I use a cutter.

Punch before

Punch after
 
I have never tried a v-cutter but have always wanted to. What is a good cheap one?

Also, what are the benifits of the v-cut?

Hey Devonn, I found a cheap 2.99 V Cutter here in Cali, want me to send one to you?? LOL. I like the V-cut because of the same reasons fellas like the punch, it doesn't mess up the cap.

Now, I only use the V-cutter unless it's a torpedo, then I'll use the cutter like the one you've got. The cheapie V- cutter I found works like a dream vs. some tabletop Zack was trying to sell to me for $50. It's nice and big, but really more of a finer gentleman's accesory.


Devonn? You mean Dan :D

Yeah, on torpedos the only choice IMO is a cutter.

V-cut sounds intriguing, plenty of surface, won't ruin the cap/wrapper.

I will check some locals here so you don't have to waste your time and shipping money on a cheap cutter. I will let you know if I cannot find one. Thank you very much though, again, very generous BOTL.

Thanks Jonathan.
 
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