How to cut a cigar
The short answer: cut the cigar just above the shoulder, where the rounded cap meets the straight body. That is about 1.5 mm (1/16 inch) from the tip. Do it in one quick motion. The cigar then draws well and the wrapper (the outer leaf) does not unravel. You can choose from three cuts: straight (guillotine or scissors), V-cut or punch.
Why you cut a cigar
The head of a cigar has a cap: a small round piece of leaf that holds the wrapper together. As long as the cap is closed, no air gets through. So you remove just enough to draw, but not so much that the wrapper comes loose.
Three cuts and the cutter that goes with each
| Cut | What you get | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (guillotine or scissors) | A wide opening, works on most cigars | Do not cut too deep |
| V-cut | A wedge in the cap, most of the cap stays in place | The draw can become too easy |
| Punch | A small round hole in the centre | Not for cigars with a pointed head |
Straight cut: guillotine
The guillotine is the best-known cutter. There are single-blade and double-blade models. A double blade cuts the cigar from both sides at once. According to Cigar Aficionado this gives a smooth, clean cut. Take a look at the Siglo Seki cutter, made in Seki, Japan, from Japanese stainless steel, the Siglo Switch Blade or the S.T. Dupont Maxijet.
Straight cut: cigar scissors
Cigar scissors also give a straight cut, and according to Cigar Aficionado a very clean one. Scissors do need to fit your hand, so try them first if you can. Examples: the Siglo Hexagon scissors small, the Hexagon large and the large Siglo scissors with pouch.
V-cut
A V-cut makes a wedge in the cap. Most of the cap stays in place, so the wrapper holds well. The downside: the draw can become too easy, which makes the cigar burn hotter. And chewing on the cigar can close the wedge. The Formula cutter combines a V-cut, a punch and an air pin.
Punch
A punch makes a small round hole in the centre of the cap. Twist gently back and forth with light pressure. Press too hard and you pull out too much tobacco, which spoils the draw. A punch works best on cigars with a straight, rounded head, not on pointed heads. See the Siglo Keychain Punch or the S.T. Dupont Double Puncher.
Cutting a cigar with a guillotine in 4 steps
1. Find the shoulder
Look for the point where the rounded cap meets the straight body. Cut there, about 1.5 mm from the tip.
2. Place the cigar in the opening
With a single blade, place the cigar on the side furthest from the blade. With a double blade, rest it against one blade.
3. Cut in one motion
Close the cutter quickly and firmly. Cutting slowly or in steps squeezes the cigar and leaves a ragged edge.
4. Check the opening
Is the opening too small and the draw tight? Trim a tiny bit more. Better twice a little than once too much.
Mistakes to avoid
- Cutting too deep: the wrapper comes loose or the head splits.
- Cutting too little: the draw is tight.
- Cutting slowly: the cigar gets squeezed before the blade is through.
- Using a blunt knife or your teeth: you end up with a ragged, uneven head.
- Punching or piercing too deep: a tunnel forms in the centre and the cigar burns hot.
Frequently asked questions
How much of a cigar should you cut off?
About 1.5 mm from the tip, just above the shoulder. There the cap still holds enough to keep the wrapper intact.
What is the best cigar cutter?
That depends on the cut you want. A double-blade guillotine works on most cigars and gives a clean, straight cut. If you prefer a smaller opening, choose a punch.
When should you choose a V-cut?
When you want most of the cap to stay in place. Expect the draw to become easier.
Can I use a punch on a cigar with a pointed head?
No. For a pointed head, use a guillotine or a V-cut.
Can I open a cigar without a cutter?
You can, but a knife or your teeth almost always leave a ragged head. A cutter makes a clean cut in one go.
See all cutters in our cigar cutters. Looking for a specific brand? Browse Siglo and S.T. Dupont.
