Imagine this scene: a tumbler of whiskey rests on the table in front of you, a small circle of moisture where it sits. In your hand are a set of playing cards – a pair of sixes. In the center of the table lay another six, a queen, a jack, and a nine. Do you fold, or do you continue?
This scene is common at most any men’s night, but one thing is missing: a cigar. Cigars are the ultimate addition to an evening out with the guys, but you have to use the right type of cigar cutter to avoid ruining your cigar. No one wants a mouth full of flaky tobacco, after all. Many types of cigar cutters can be found, but perhaps the most common type is the dual blade.
Dual Blade Cigar Cutters
Dual blades (or double blade cutters, as they’re sometimes called) are cigar cutters that cut the cigar from two angles. This provides a very clean, crisp cut – exactly what you want with a cigar. However, these do require a bit more finesse with the hands to use accurately, as most have hooks on the end which must be pressed together simultaneously. It’s a learned skill, but once you learn it, it’s like riding a bicycle – you never forget.
Single Blade Cutters
A single blade cutter is less expensive than a dual blade cutter, featuring one sharp, angled blade. The blade typically comes down from the top like a guillotine to cut the cap off the cigar. These cigar cutters tend to be larger, accommodating thicker types of cigars; however, the cut is not as accurate because there is only one blade. This means that a single blade cutter takes more skill to use accurately. It’s a good idea to start off with a double blade cutter and thin cigars until you get the hang of it.
Cigar Scissors
Perhaps the original cigar cutters, cigar scissors are exactly what they sound like: a pair of scissors with blades aimed at cleanly cutting the end from a cigar. Because of the design, you can put my power into the cut and often get more precise cuts; however, you can also cut as far down the cigar as you like, no matter what its thickness. These are the most versatile types of cigar cutters available. Just be careful not to destroy the cigar, as cigar scissors are capable of doing quite a bit of damage if you aren’t careful.
Punch Cutter
According to FloridaTobaccoShop.com, “A punch cutter is not actually cutting a cigar; it’s sometimes called a bullet hole cutter. It creates a bore in the tip of the cigar that allows the tobacco within to burn without cutting the end off.” However, this also limits the amount of smoke that escapes, which means the cigar will not burn as quickly, since your ability to draw will also be limited. Many people enjoy this type of cutter because it can help the cigar last for longer periods of time.
V-Cutter
Much like the punch cutter, the V-cutter does not slice the end off, but rather creates a small opening in the cap that limits the amount of draw you can create. It does create more area than a punch cutter and works very well on the smallest types of cigars, something the punch cutter cannot do.
No matter what kind of cigar you want to smoke, you need a high-quality cutter to get the most enjoyment out of it. Take your time and research the various types that are available before making a decision; if you need additional help, most tobacco shops can make recommendations when you buy a cigar.
