Age old question

[Nader18]

This has been asked a million times i bet, but ill ask it again. Which provides a better flavor of the cigar? Cut or punch?

[Yawgeh]

Depends on the cigar and even more on the person's taste buds.

That said, I typically go for a punch on the super-fat ring gauges like Nubs.

[Randy_LL]

i like punch better ,, it smokes better for me that way

[pitbulljimmy]

I'm a cutter myself... I find it gives a nice solid draw, without being too tight.

[Cigary]

The cigar is going to taste like what it is going to taste like. The cut or punch is only a vehicle to get the smoke to your mouth and taste buds. Try different cuts and see which one you prefer. If you drink whiskey out of a glass or a flask you're still going to be tasting whiskey.

[e-man]

Traditionally, a smaller cut is desirable, as it concentrates the smoke.

I prefer a larger cut, because it draws easier and is less likely to plug from tar buildup. I also smoke larger ring gauges that weren't common when the "proper" methods were developed.

I prefer a double guillotine cutter, followed by a V-Cutter.

Iv'e seen a lot of people crack the head with a punch, so I stopped using them. They seem to work better if you lick the head before punching.

[tx_tuff]

I getting a better flavor from the smoke, but thats just me LOL

[veteranvmb]

Originally Posted by e-man

I prefer a double guillotine cutter, followed by a V-Cutter.

I.

Excuse me for not understanding. Are you saying what your cutter is in preference of use, or are you saying you use a double cutter and then do a v cut. Just want to make sure.
Much regards Jerry

[Bhobnine]

A punch tends to keep the cap on longer, but I prefer more draw. I dont care for those V cutters. Cheaper guillotines tend to just rip half the cap off. I would prefer a really sharp guillotine cutter that would allow me a surgical cut, most likely a higher priced item, but worthy of the investement.

[madurolover]

Originally Posted by Bhobnine

A punch tends to keep the cap on longer, but I prefer more draw. I dont care for those V cutters. Cheaper guillotines tend to just rip half the cap off. I would prefer a really sharp guillotine cutter that would allow me a surgical cut, most likely a higher priced item, but worthy of the investement.

Get a Palio for $40ish and never worry about buying another cutter for the rest of your life.

[jorgito]

I also prefer cutters because of better draw, and +1 on palio.

[Tarks]

Originally Posted by madurolover

Get a Palio for $40ish and never worry about buying another cutter for the rest of your life.

I 2nd this.

I disagree with some of the other posts here. I think punching vs cutting does change the flavour to some degree. You are more likely to get more tar build up if you punch, thus giving a different taste.

[Bhobnine]

Originally Posted by Tarks

I 2nd this.

I disagree with some of the other posts here. I think punching vs cutting does change the flavour to some degree. You are more likely to get more tar build up if you punch, thus giving a different taste.

Not sure about tar buildup ruining the event, but a punch leaves too much cap on, which during the course of smoking, captures too much spit under the cap resulting in a rude soggy end. Everybody say "ewwww"

[Plop007]

my 3 doller gullotine cutter works like a charm. Always great clean cuts.

[fuente~fuente]

I use em all. I gotta Vector punch on my keychain, a Wolf V-cutter, & a S.T. Dupont double guillotine.

Whatever floats my boat right then is what I use, unless there is a size or vitola that constitutes me using a certain one.