Newish guy, Making Cigar cutters.
Just starting a small business from my garage so, As an introduction ill knock out my small story. Been smoking for around 10 years, and going to turn 40 next month. Several years back, I went to Las Vegas and into my favorite lounge, Casa Fuente. Grabbed a $50 stick which they cut with a $4 guillotine cutter. Shear force cutting a leaf baffles me now as to cut a leaf or something similar, you should slice it for a clean cut. But of course it was a horrible cut. Being raised to work with my hands I felt I could make a better one. Im also kind of a knife junkie so thought to use better material than the typical china made cutters often sold. I started with a crud scissor/nipper type which turned out good. After refining the grind geometry and a few things, It began cutting great. I spent a ton of money on tooling, machines, and material. It was meant to be carried in a travel humidor, 5 sticks, lighter and the cutter which takes up minimal space. After designing this one, I really started to appreciate punches. I was once a, "I cut everything" guy until I really began making these and studying the cigar construction. You realize way to many people completely cut the cap off of a normal Parejo (Toro/Corona) which ruins the burn and wrap often. So I began making Titanium punches which are straight on the outside, beveled inside with serrations. The typical punch is straight edge and angles on the outside. This forces the cap to push outward. The angle on the inside with serrations cuts very clean.
I was asked by a few friends to make a knife style one which is turning out incredibly well. I will post more about this later as this is becoming a long introductory post.
As for the name, Eleven 71 cigar cutters, 11-71, radio code for fire.