Cigar puffing technique question from a newbie

[macjoe53]

Since no one else has asked, I will.

How are you cutting the cigar? Do you use a punch, guillotine, v-cut?

Are you sure you are doing that right?

What kind of cigars are you trying?

I have gravitated to a V-cutter for most of my cigars because I like the way it opens the head and I always have a smooth draw. After you cut it, put it in your mouth and then - liking sucking through a straw - see if the air flows through it easily.

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Not to be a jerk or anything but are you lighting the right end?

[roarknumber1]

Originally Posted by macjoe53

Since no one else has asked, I will.

How are you cutting the cigar? Do you use a punch, guillotine, v-cut?

Are you sure you are doing that right?

What kind of cigars are you trying?

I have gravitated to a V-cutter for most of my cigars because I like the way it opens the head and I always have a smooth draw. After you cut it, put it in your mouth and then - liking sucking through a straw - see if the air flows through it easily.

Was thinking the same thing.

What cigars are you smoking and are they properly stored? What I'm getting at is: are the cigars being left out in the car or on a table for days/weeks on end.

[SimFan777]

We've used a guillotine in the past, and usually we cut too much off and the cigar starts to flake and unravel a bit. We've tried a Romeo & Juliet and a macanudo (I don't remember any more specifics than that, though). We also, admittedly, have had difficulty lighting the cigar, although our last excursion went pretty well as far as that is concerned.

Also, thank you all for replying. I've tried other forums and have been completely ignored. I've even laughed at the small jokes and jabs a few of you have made.

Any more advice?

[ZedR2]

When you light the cigar you want to toast the foot or end of the cigar until it is fully lit and then take a couple puffs to stoke it up , I use a butane triple torch lighter ..

[IndyRob]

I started using one of the cheapie guillotine cutters that you can find at any B&M for under $3.00. I've quickly come to the conclusion that those suck and should only be used when you have nothing else to use...

I upgraded, slightly, to a combo guillotine/v-cutter. This was under $10.00 at the same place. I really liked the v-cut because it opened it up but didn't really thrash the end much. Being nothing more than sharpened stamped steel, the edge didn't last very long at all though and it started ripping rather than cutting.

A co-worker gave me a bullet punch that he had. It was way better than the guillotine and have been using it for quite some time now. I noticed, however, that my cigars would heat up quit a bit quicker, and they got very bitter/acidy towards the end. I'm assuming this is tar build up.

I just got a Xikar xi2 and the two cuts I've made with it have been great. I really prefer the full cut as well. I get a better draw, it doesn't heat up as much and the cigar doesn't tend to get a ton of build up at the end of the smoke. I realize a lot of this might have something to do with the quality of the stick itself - but overall, it has made a big difference. Great investment. I would like to get a nice pair of scissor style cutters though. They look a lot easier to maintain when the edge starts to get dull.

As for lighting... I have a cheapie torch lighter that I bought at my local B&M. It lights well, but it really churns through the butane. I'm thinking about ordering one of those Blazer Torches and maybe a Z-Plus because I really do miss owning a zippo.

I usually get the end a little wet before I cut my cigar. I guess if you're cigar is properly humidified this shouldn't be necessary, but I like to be safe. I like the getting a sample before I light up anyways!

Lighting... I toast first, then keep the cigar about 1-2" away from the flame and start puffing. The flame leaps up and licks the end of the cigar and gets things rolling for me.

Puffing... I smoke too fast. I'm still trying to pace myself. Sometimes I'm so excited that I just can't hide it.... Yeah - that was cheesey but fun all at the same time.

[AriesOpusX]

Heres some basic "how-to" articles from neptune cigar, might help ya out with some stuff.

http://www.neptunecigar.com/faq/cigars.asp?a=4&q=18

At the bottom of the page theres a "related articles" link.

This one is how to cut a cigar:
http://www.neptunecigar.com/faq/cigars.asp?a=4&q=2&ST=

[ronhoffman2]

Originally Posted by SimFan777

Any more advice?

Take the cellophane off before you try smoking it. Nah, just kidding. I never realized how hard it is to explain how to puff on a cigar. To me it always just came naturally. But these guys are doing a good job describing how to do it.

[BillyCigars]

Originally Posted by SimFan777

We've used a guillotine in the past, and usually we cut too much off and the cigar starts to flake and unravel a bit.

Hi SimFan,

Here's a visual description of how to properly cut a cigar - hope this helps!

[ZedR2]

Cigar Tips :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw5vV_R5iy8