Are Cutters Overrated? Anything simpler?

[David M]

I enjoy my Xikar cutter. Its nice. It works. Gets the job done.
But as I am learning more and more, we only need to cut the smallest amount off the cigars head. So small in fact that a full size large cutter is extreme overkill.
We have all these big huge massive blades, large enough separation or hole offered between the two that we could stick a carrot inside and chop it in half. But we never put the cigar in that far so...whats the point?
The intelligent way to cut a stogie is to make a small incision at the cap and try to make it so small that the cap stays on and doesn't unravel.

Beyond just using your teeth, any other simpler / more plain style of cutters out there that coexist with the actual need of only needing to cut off the smallest amount from the tip?
I guess this would mean a very small gap between the blades (if it even has blades) and or something else thats small and thin.

What do you guys think and/or know of?

[Jack Straw]

Scissors. Just got a Xikar multi tool 2 weeks ago or so, it is fantastic. You can take of as little or as much as you want, just don't use it like a regular cutter, use it to snip off a little bit at a time until you get the cut you want.

[yourchoice]

Sounds like you'd prefer a punch

[David M]

Yah. Punch would work.

I am gonna expand a bit on the topic although I do think the original questions is valid.

I am in the process of customizing a cigar case to my specs. Beyond obviously holding the cigars I want to create a compartment inside to hold accessories like a lighter, cutter and a humidification device.
Its a 4 finger case and I am trying to figure out what the minimum width of this extra compartment has to be. 3 cigars should be good enough for me for 1 day of carrying them around. So thats cool. It works. But we are talking about possible millimeters here.
The Atoll Eye Cutter which I just found and read about has a very small width. 1 inch. But that means that the compartment would need to be at a minimum - 1 inch. Which I am pretty certain would take up too much space in the case. But thats the smallest one I have found so far.
Cigar Aficionado | Web Features | The Atoll Eye Cutter

Beyond going to a thin option that would rest on the walls of the case, the punch right now seems to be the best bet. But maybe someone has heard of or has something very small and compact.

[BlueHavanaII]

Simpler? I've been known to use my fingernail!

[Cypress]

I like using a V-Cut and make it into a cross. Never had any problems of cutting too much or draw problems.

[tx_tuff]

Yeah sounds like you need a punch for what you want. You can also try looking at some V-cutters, I have seen some small ones but don't have any links.

[Dgar]

Cutters are one of those things I dont think about until.
1. I cant find it........ or
2. it becomes dull and starts pinching the ends of my cigars.


I think a good cutter is worth its price, I recommend Palio.. always sharp, easy to handle.

[pmp]

cigar scissors are very cool if you are at home. Xicar cutters and punch cutters are very convenient when you are on the go. In a pinch I've used my teeth, wouldn't recommend it.

My expensive global chef's knife works pretty good too. The steel is harder and sharper than any cutter I've ever used. It slices through a cigar like butter. Course its a bit unweildy so I would't recommend putting it in your pocket.

[jledou]

This Cuban Crafters one is set to make "the perfect cut" every time. I know of two who use it and like it.

Perfect Cutters Cigar Cutter - CUBAN CRAFTERS

[fiddlegrin]

V cut is the bomb! they don't compress the end of the gar like a guillatine will and it seems to open up the draw just right.

A punch will remove the end cap all right but doesn't seem to open up the draw like a V cut does.

I have also used my pocket knife to do straight and or V cuts, but that tends to freak people out sometimes...

I have never messed up a cap using the v cut.

I think the V is what you want bro!

If after one go it is not enough draw for your liking, you can do it again slightly higher or lower. Or as Cypress said, a cross. (I am gonna have to try that)

Things seem to be a little different if you are working with a tapered end ie; perfecto, figurado, torpedo, pyramid etc.

The other day I was going to do a torpedo so I scissored the end a bit then v cut after that to improve the draw more.

That works far better for me than a plain G slice would have...

annnd out!

[K Baz]

I still shave the end of my cigars with a Palio however I know a fellow and he does the following.

He uses the Palio to score the end - he closes the Palio until it just touches the cap and then he twists his hand around with the Palio just touching thus scoring the cap. He then takes a finger nail or other pointed object then flicks off the end of the cap he has just scored.

This should avoid the comression problem you mentioned.

Or perhaps a punch

[billybarue]

Funny this thread came up.

I also love both my Xikar, palio, and liittle Havana cutters I have.

But lately I have just been using a pocket knife. I smoke outside exclusively so I am usually in/around the shop/garage. So there is always a pocket knife handy. One caveat, I keep them quite sharp. Additionally I use it to just cut the smallest bit, essentially taking the cap off. You can V-cut with it if you want to open up more area. You can also do a crude punch, but don't recommend that with a knife. I also like it is more precise and easily manipulated than a cutter. Again, only use a sharp knife.

$.02

[Patrick B]

I use my pocket knife to make my own "punch"- four or five little poke-slices and I have a hole. In Cuba they bite them, use a toothpick, a knife, etc.

So yes, cutters are overrated.

[gvarsity]

I typically prefer a v-cut or a punch.

I also used to take a very sharp small bladed pocket knife and make a single vertical slit. It would be a little tight for a minute or two but it would open to something like a v-cut very quickly.

Another small cut trick is using something like a small finishing nail and poking a whole in the cap. Just creates a small hole like a machine made pre-cut.

I have never been a big fan of a full guillotine cut (unless they are really tight) although I like my palio of type.