Is my cutter bad?

[rjorgenson]

I got a double blade guillotine from my local B&M, it's a cheapie, liek a $10 plastic body cutter, but the blades sem sharp ... I can't seem to snip anything without the wrapper unwraveling ... am I doing something wrong, or should I try a better cutter? Any recomendations?

[montecristo#2]

Originally Posted by rjorgenson

I got a double blade guillotine from my local B&M, it's a cheapie, liek a $10 plastic body cutter, but the blades sem sharp ... I can't seem to snip anything without the wrapper unwraveling ... am I doing something wrong, or should I try a better cutter? Any recomendations?

I don't really like the cheap plastic double blade cutters (less than 10 bucks). At least for me, even if they are sharp, you have to give them a good even squeeze which is rather awkward. I actually prefer the single blade havana cutter or the more expensive Xikar type cutters (never tried a palio). I actually grab for my havana cutters before my Xikar these days, I have to place the Xikar on a table and cut that way, using it in my hand is still a little awkward (would probably feel better if I used it more often, bought it before I found the havana cutters). I have also pinched my finger a couple of times using it, and that really sucks.

Just make sure you are giving a fast even snap, that should help. You could also try lying it flat on a table and cutting that way until you get better at judging the speed and strength required for a good clean cut.

If you have a cigar you don't want, you can practice cutting it to pieces as well.

[beezer]

I've got a single blade that came with my humi and my big thumb doesn't fit right in the hole. My double blade fell apart from playing with it.

Maybe your sticks are too dry?

[ghostrider]

Originally Posted by rjorgenson

I got a double blade guillotine from my local B&M, it's a cheapie, liek a $10 plastic body cutter, but the blades sem sharp ... I can't seem to snip anything without the wrapper unwraveling ... am I doing something wrong, or should I try a better cutter? Any recomendations?

If the blades are sharp, you should be able to get a good cut with it. As for the wrapper unraveling, make sure you are only cutting the very tip of the cap off. Cutting past the cap is what usually causes the wrapper to come apart like that. I don't have any experience with the Xikar, but I do have a Palio that works wonderful, and of course you just can't beat those Havana Cutters.

[rjorgenson]

Most recently I have noticed it with torpedo's, is there a different way to cut torps? I still cut them off at the elbow for the full opening. Also ... whats the protocol on using a punch on a torp? If a cigar pulls well a punch is my favorite cut by far, but a guillotine is nice when you want a lot of smoke.

[ghostrider]

Originally Posted by rjorgenson

Most recently I have noticed it with torpedo's, is there a different way to cut torps? I still cut them off at the elbow for the full opening. Also ... whats the protocol on using a punch on a torp? If a cigar pulls well a punch is my favorite cut by far, but a guillotine is nice when you want a lot of smoke.

With torps, I just nip off the last 1/4" to 1/2" depending on the RG. Just enough to get a good draw. Nip it, take a pre-light draw and judge if that's enough. If not, nip a little more until you like the feel. As for punches, wouldn't recommend them on a torp.

[RGD]

Originally Posted by rjorgenson

... am I doing something wrong, or should I try a better cutter? Any recomendations?

If your wrapper is coming undone - it's normally one of two things: you are cutting to much of the cap off or your cutter is actually crushing the cigar as it cuts.
If it's crushing - then it's due to a dull cutter or you are not cutting fast enough. Try using a quick snap when cutting.
As for cutting away to much - try this. Lay your cutter down on a table in the open position. Insert the smoke into it so it also rests on the table. Now without lifting the cutter or cigar off of the table - snap the cutter closed. It should take off the correct amount.

Ron

[n2advnture]

If the wrapper is unwrapping, you are probably cutting too much off.

If it's crushing the sides of the smoke, it's not sharp enough.

Invest in a Palio, Xikar or SAK (swiss army knife cutter) bro!

~Mark

[berk-m]

Here is a good article I used at one point, it walks you through the steps before you actually smoke, and has pros and cons of most cutter types. I don’t know if it is a coincidence but when I got my first Xikar my cuts improved, and wrappers stopped tearing.





http://www.neptunecigar.com/faq/cigars.asp?a=4&q=2

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by rjorgenson

Most recently I have noticed it with torpedo's, is there a different way to cut torps? I still cut them off at the elbow for the full opening. Also ... whats the protocol on using a punch on a torp? If a cigar pulls well a punch is my favorite cut by far, but a guillotine is nice when you want a lot of smoke.

Cutting off way too much. Try cutting the size of a pencil, if too tight, cut an 1/8 inch and try the draw. If too tight, repeat.


NCRM

[RockyP]

i would get the palio. best cutter around. the xikar are no good. i got the one i bought in the mail last night and it broke on the first stick i snipped.

[zemekone]

get a palio bro, its gonna be your first and last cutter....

[SUOrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by ghostrider

If the blades are sharp, you should be able to get a good cut with it. As for the wrapper unraveling, make sure you are only cutting the very tip of the cap off. Cutting past the cap is what usually causes the wrapper to come apart like that. I don't have any experience with the Xikar, but I do have a Palio that works wonderful, and of course you just can't beat those Havana Cutters.

[chip]

Originally Posted by zemekone

get a palio bro, its gonna be your first and last cutter....

Why not use the best? It's a cheap investment when you consider the cost of your cigars.

[Big Dawg]

Originally Posted by ghostrider

With torps, I just nip off the last 1/4" to 1/2" depending on the RG. Just enough to get a good draw. Nip it, take a pre-light draw and judge if that's enough. If not, nip a little more until you like the feel. As for punches, wouldn't recommend them on a torp.

Exactly - if you cut as much as what you say you are doing, you might as well just have a toro. As for your cigar unravelling issue, I agree with what was stated by someone else earlier and that is probably because you are cutting more than just the cap.