Does the cut really make it smoked better?

[Smoked]

I have been using a 17.00 cutter that I got from my local B&M and it seems to be doing ok. It does not exactly make the clean smooth cut that I read about but does it really matter? I have been looking at buy a new cutter but as a newb I have to say that I might enjoy buying some new smokes instead. My question is, does it really matter?

[davemo]

Originally Posted by Smoked

I have been using a 17.00 cutter that I got from my local B&M and it seems to be doing ok. It does not exactly make the clean smooth cut that I read about but does it really matter? I have been looking at buy a new cutter but as a newb I have to say that I might enjoy buying some new smokes instead. My question is, does it really matter?

I would say, as long as it is getting the job done, it isn't that huge a deal. However, if your cutter ends up mutilating your cigars, its time to switch. I use a Palio now, cost $42.95 shipped, that works great. Prior to that I had a cheap cutter that came apart while I was using it (plastic casing broke). So, I kinda had to get something new and, based on the glowing reviews, I picked Palio.

[physiognomy]

I agree that if its working for you now, then that's great. The problem might be down the track when it starts to get dull & makes a mess of the one & only cigar you have to enjoy for the night... I have been using nicer cutters for a while now (Xikar & Palio), & while I can't say that any cigar cut with them smokes better, the overall experience is definitely improved. I'm guessing you will want to upgrade sooner rather than latter.

[Marlboro Cigars]

A bad cut certainly wouldn't add to the experience.

[tazziedevil]

I think it matters alot-not the cutter, per se, but the actual cut. I have double blade giullotine cutter that's a few years old but still gives me a good cut every time. I rotate with a single blade Club Stogie cutter, I'd really like to have a V-cutter but they seem non-existant here.

[ca21455]

It depends on the cigar, size, leaf, etc. You can cut a torpedo with just about anything and get a decent cut. If you want to get a nice shallow cut on a large ring gage robusto with a delicate leaf, then you need a good sharp cutter or it will tear it apart.

[Puros]

I'd have to agree about a good sharp cutter. To me a clean cut is more an aesthetics thing. Where getting a bit of leaf in the mouth doesn't ruin a smoke; a clean cut with a good draw just adds to the experience.

As to the cut itself... the proper cut can make a world of difference. I tend to plug cut more than anything but it is all dependent on the draw of the stick. I go with the theory that the cut should allow for good draw but keep it in check as not to lend to a hot smoke. If you are finding that the draw is to firm then cut it end a little more. I tend to cut about 50% of the cap and go from there. being a plug cut lover, it can lead to some tar build up on certain sticks or large rings. If this an issue, I either giullotine cutter or double plug it. As to the V cutter, it has been my experience to be a good cut but requires a firmly constructed stick, a very sharp V cutter and the stars and moons to be aligned to get a nice cut without a frayed mess.

Either way, bud, anyway you can get the cap open is cool. You'll get feel for what stick is going to need what cut as you go. I am eyeing up the Xikar cutter myself. My local shop has it and has cut thousands of stick as clean as the first one. As in all things Stogie, it comes down to personal preference and how much you want to spend. All that matters that you enjoy your smoke.

[lowcountrycigars]

Originally Posted by Smoked

I have been using a 17.00 cutter that I got from my local B&M and it seems to be doing ok. It does not exactly make the clean smooth cut that I read about but does it really matter? I have been looking at buy a new cutter but as a newb I have to say that I might enjoy buying some new smokes instead. My question is, does it really matter?

I think the cut can effect the cigar smoking experience. TO small a cut and you will not be able to get agood draw. To big a cut and your cigar could unravel.

[kjd2121]

I've been using a $4.00 cutter for over a year and it still cuts extremely well. Sometimes I'll use one of my Messermeister kitchen knives which are very sharp. I'll someday get a nice cutter, but that will probably be the day I loose it as well. My luck.

[monsoon]

I've developed a habit of running the tip of my tongue across the cut....certain smokes have a really nice saltiness that I enjoy from this. So ... a good clean cut does matter to me.

That being said, will I fret over a poor cut ? ... Not usually.

[carni]

Originally Posted by kjd2121

I've been using a $4.00 cutter for over a year and it still cuts extremely well. Sometimes I'll use one of my Messermeister kitchen knives which are very sharp. I'll someday get a nice cutter, but that will probably be the day I loose it as well. My luck.

in my experience this has been an exception not the rule. your luck must be great for an el cheapo to cut so well. most of the cheap ones just fall apart without warning. in the long run (palio/xikar) with a lifetime gaurantee you will save $ dropping $50 once instead of $5-$15 ever year or less.

The cut is important to me for the integrity of the cigar. i hate dull cutters that crush the tobacco instead of cutting. then you have an unravelling mess with shards of leaf.

[Papichulo]

I have been getting into the v cuts, because when you bite down on the v it opens up the smoke when you have a knot or some tightness in the draw. Make sure your cutter is sharp. I am thinking about getting a table cutter with multiple cut selections. I believe there is one out there that stays sharp.

[andy_mccabe501]

bad cuts can lead to all sorts of problems, the wrapper undoing a bit, filler everywhere and tobacco in your teeth ><. If you're getting away with out the above, it shouldnt make too much difference (in my experience) but the better the cut the better the whole experience will be (as stuff wont unravel!)

thats my 2pence!

andy

[Fistville]

It can't make it better, but a bad one sure can ruin it.

[sparkygreen]

I agree with the consensus here....its nice to have a perfect cut, but as long as you arent biting the ends off then it will probably be ok. I have a cheapy single blade cutter I got at my B&M a few months back and its did great for a while but now its getting dull. I have some double edged cutters on the way from cbid I got 2 pair for 3 bucks so I couldnt say no! Whenever I decide to man up and get a real cutter it will certainly be the PALIO...they get more love around here than god.