Cutters

[Tater]

I have seen different cigar reviews where different cutters are used to kick off the smoking experience.

Is there a preference amongst you guys? Does it depend on the cigar you're smoking?

I use a Xikar Guillotine but have been thinking about purchasing a punch as well.

Does it make a big difference?

[slowburning]

Different strokes for different folks.

I have used double blade guillotine (Xikar), punch, and V-cut. Here is my preference:

Double blade guillotine
Punch
V-cut

(I also have a Xikar MTX scissor, but haven't really begin to use it yet, so I will leave it out for now.)

Double Blade guillotine works well on all shapes of cigars; punch works well on larger ring gauge round-headed cigars, but not on smaller ring gauge cigars, and it will cause cigar heads to crack on occasions; V-cut works well on rounded-head cigars, but not on torpedo-shaped cigars.

It is my experience that v-cut does not cut deep enough to produce a good draw on occasions.

My suggestion is to get one of each at reasonable price to try out before making a decision.

[Acesfull]

I use a punch on large gauge or fragile smokes...

Typically I use the scissor style guillotine, but I got a cheap $3 cutter from the local B&M... Had a Xicar for 2 days and lost it.

I do want to get those scissors though, I lovem.. and i you mess up the cut its easier to fix with the scissors.

[anton]

I use a Xikar, but I also have a Palio which is very nice as well.

Best thing about the Xikar is the lifetime warranty. If the blade gets dull, mail it to them and they sharpen it for you.

[riverdog-cr]

Originally Posted by Anton

I use a Xikar, but I also have a Palio which is very nice as well.

Best thing about the Xikar is the lifetime warranty. If the blade gets dull, mail it to them and they sharpen it for you.

X2 - I use both Xikar and Palio. The Xikar is my "beater", go anywhere, in the car, in the canoe, in the hunting vest, in the fishing vest, etc. cutter. Does an excellent job, but the Palio is just so slick, and sharp and freaking sweet....

[anton]

also, there is a big difference from the Xikar Xi and Xikar Xi2. The Xi2 is made from cheaper materials. The close/open doesn't feel as "springy" and it just feels cheap. Spend the extra coin and get the Xi

[lazylightningNY-cr]

Lately, I have been using scissor cutters. If you do it right, it strips off the end of the cap without removing filler tobacco.

[olsaltybastard]

You'd think I would have shelled out the money for a decent cutter, but so far I haven't. I have a punch that I use 90% of the time, so a five dollar cutter lasts longer than a month.

[Acesfull]

I agree Xicar makes the best cutters but, the warranty doesnt cover it getting lost so if you are prone to losing things I'd just get the $3 cheapies over and over...

[riverdog-cr]

Originally Posted by Acesfull

I agree Xicar makes the best cutters but, the warranty doesnt cover it getting lost so if you are prone to losing things I'd just get the $3 cheapies over and over...

.....but make sure it's a double bladed cheapo or you're just gonna get some damaged smokes. But with a single blade cutter, if you do a partial cut through the cap on one side and rotate 180 degrees before finishing the cut..... you're generally good to go without crushing.

[Stevemal]

I was always a cutter person, never believed that a punch would give a good draw. But I gave a punch a shot and it works fine! I now use a punch on all larger ring gauges and a cutter on all smaller ones, torpedoes, and box pressed. Also what is great about the punch is if the draw is not that good, you can also use a cutter to improve it!

[19redwings]

Originally Posted by riverdog

X2 - I use both Xikar and Palio. The Xikar is my "beater", go anywhere, in the car, in the canoe, in the hunting vest, in the fishing vest, etc. cutter. Does an excellent job, but the Palio is just so slick, and sharp and freaking sweet....

+1 here!!

I go out of my way to cut cigars with the palio before I even leave the house

[CRider]

I've got a nice Xicar...but anymore, I find myself using my punch on most cigars except torps.

[Python]

I only use my Xikar. I used to punch every now and then, but I don't like punching anymore. I prefer a full cut on mine.

[wilsondude]

Originally Posted by Python

I only use my Xikar. I used to punch every now and then, but I don't like punching anymore. I prefer a full cut on mine.

Me to - this is my preferred method, especially after a little practice with a good cutter.