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Smoking cigars is a great way to relax after a hard day. It is a whole ritual that can be compared to wine tasting. It is vital to understand that a cigar is entirely different from a cigarette. Cigar smoking is a kind of an art. And you will not be able to enjoy it to the fullest without knowing all the intricacies of this process. It is not enough to choose the right variety of a cigar. Before starting a cigar, it must be properly prepared. Without this, you will not experience full depth of taste and flavor. A failure to do it will result in an unpleasant bitter smell of burning, which will spoil all pleasure. So you need to learn how to cut the cigar and light it up. This process will require special tools and a little skill.

A cigar is cut from the sealed end – it is also referred to as the head. If you do not know which side of the cigar to cut off, explore the cigar attentively. You will notice a small piece of tobacco leaf in a rounded shape – a cap. It protects the outer tobacco leaf from unfolding. The cutting line is usually a few millimeters away from the cap.

The purpose of cutting is to prepare a cigar for smoking without damaging its original shape. You will need to take a cigar with one hand and the cutting device with the other. Place the cigar head in the tool and cut the cap up to 1/8 inch down. This procedure is done in one quick cut. If you do it very slowly, you risk damaging the wrapper.

There are many special devices you can use to cut a cigar. But the punch is one of the most suitable cutter options. This accessory is both functional and stylish. Unlike cigar guillotine, it not only cuts off the tip, but punches a round hole inside the cigar. A punch is equipped with a special rounded blade, the diameter of which is matched to the product. With the growing number of cigar and tobacco smokers, this device is gaining popularity. So, let’s have a look at the most successful models you can find on the market today.

Screwpop Cigar Punch – an ultra-sharp tool for cigars

Screwpop is known for its clippable keychain tools. And its cigar punch is no exception. It will help you prepare your cigar for smoking with no effort. The device is very sharp and cuts the cigar’s tip without cracking it.

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It is actually a 2-in-1 tool with part of it being designed for bottle opening. The item is very lightweight, compact and comes with a loop that allows you to clip it to a belt loop and any key ring. Even if it is a compact size, you will find the gauge big enough for large diameter cigars.

The device is very easy to use – you just need to unscrew it using the punching part. Then use this part to twist it forth and back to make a hole. Then you simply need to twist back the tool to clean it. With this device, you will easily make a precise and neat cut and avoid the mess you may usually have after using a guillotine. You will find this accessory very convenient and will easily clip to anything you want. Besides, you will get a bottle opener as a bonus feature.

Stainless Steel Cigar Punch – an elegant accessory for smoking

A well designed punch to get your cigar ready for smoking in a minute. It is made from high-quality stainless steel and has a nice golden finish.

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The device is very easy to use. It is enough to put it over the cap of a cigar and twist. Once you hear or feel a distinct pop sound, the job is done. The punch comes with a round circular blade – it is very sharp and is positioned in a way it can be replaced later.

Some customers warn to be careful when you keep it on a keychain. The cover can easily get removed on itself and lost. There is no rubber or silicone resistance to prevent the cover from unscrewing. Other than that, the tool is convenient to use and is suitable for all cigar sizes. The punch is very compact to carry it just in your pocket. The construction and appearance is very attractive as well as value for money. So it is a great gift idea for any occasion.

Vintage Cigar Punch – a sophisticated punch in a retro design

If you are fond of various vintage items, you will love this cigar cutter. And besides elegant appearance, the device is very functional.

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This exotic looking punch comes with two built in blades of different sizes. So it is applicable to cigars of all diameters. The punch cuts easily and neatly plugs out. It is made from true copper and has an attractive pattern engraved on it. It is of a compact size and can be carried comfortably in the pocket.

The manufacturer successfully combined aesthetics and functionality in this punch model. The device is made from pure copper. You can add engraving to the device and turn it into an exclusive gift, especially in view that the punch comes in a beautiful gift box. In case you come across some issues, you are free to use a lifetime warranty. Make sure children have no access to the punch as it is extremely sharp.

Modus II Cigar Cutter – a stylish 3-in-one smoking accessory

This pen-resembling smoking accessory combines three practical elements – a punch, a nubber and a draw tool. The punch helps you to prepare a cigar for smoking effortlessly and the nubber enables you to enjoy your cigar to its very end without the fear of burning your fingers.

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Moreover, it is made in a very laconic design and looks really stylish. It is produced from special alloy and stainless steel and is durable enough. The accessory is very convenient to carry with you thanks to its small size and practical design.

If you love to have your cigar finished completely, this tool is a must-have for you. Thanks to the nubber feature, you will prolong your smoking process by 10-15 minutes. And a draw tool will facilitate the cleaning process. The customers complain of poor draw tool quality in the previous models. And the manufacturer has improved it now. In general, this smoking accessory is sleek and elegant and can be purchased to surprise your boyfriend or husband.

Cigar Punch Tool – a trendy accessory for cigar smokers

If you are looking for some unusual accessories for cigars, you may consider this exclusive tool. It is actually a novelty on the market. Its main idea is to enable a smoker to experience smoother draw and the depth of the flavor.

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The design is very interesting – a punch tool with spikes. It comes with a protective cap for the owner not to get injured. And the whole device is shipped in a nice pouch which makes it convenient for traveling.

With this advanced punch tool, you can easily regulate your draw – slow, medium or full. All you need to do is to punch a cigar cap several times to make at least seven holes. If you want a more robust draw, you may punch cigar sides as well. Overall, it is a new cool cigar accessory that will make your smoking process more enjoyable. You will get wrapped in a velvet bag, so you can use it for a gift.

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re looking to take your cigar smoking experience to the next level, then it’s time for you to learn about cigar punches. There are many different styles of cigar punches that can be used in a variety of ways. We’ll go over some basic information about how they work, and where you should consider using them so that you can get the most out of your cigars.

True cigar connoisseurs always have a lot of smoking accessories. And they use a wide range of tools to cut a cigar cap. So what can you use for this purpose?

Guillotine

It is one of the most often used instruments. It is a small device with blades which move towards each other. The tip of the cigar is inserted into the hole with blades and leveled. And then you only need to press blades together with a precise movement. The diameter of cigars cut by such a device should match the diameter of the inner hole in the instrument. Although you may find guillotines   for large cigars as well.

Knife

The cigar knife differs from the usual one in that it has a hole in the handle where the tip of the cigar is inserted. When the knife moves, it cuts off the tip of the cigar. You can use this device to cut other not very hard objects. The principle of operation is similar to the classic guillotines, but here the blades do not move towards, but at an angle, like in scissors.

Scissors

Cigar scissors are perhaps the oldest cigar cutting tool.  But these are from the ordinary device we use in households – they have thickened and rounded blades. They should also be sharp enough to cut off the cigar and not to crush its cap. If you are a beginner in cigar smoking, you may outline the cut line in advance.

Punch

A punch is a tool with a sharp rounded blade that makes a hole in a cigar’s cap. It is one of the most convenient devices for this task. Punch has undeniable benefits:

• It is compact (can be often attached to a bunch of keys);
• It makes an even cut without damaging the leaf;
• It reveals the cigar aroma in a new way due to the small hole;
• It is often cheaper than other toolkits.

Not all punches are suitable for large cigars, so you need to check well what size cigar a certain model is recommended for.

Is an expensive cutter the best?

The high cost of accessories does not always mean reliability. But of course, if you smoke often, you should avoid a few dollar souvenir products. Even if it seems that it is a second’s job to cut off a cap, it is not so. It is a real challenge to smoothly cut through a tightly folded bunch of tobacco leaves.

As a rule, the blades of cheap cutters are of a very poor quality and very quickly become blunt. If you use a device like this, you will immediately destroy the wrapper leaf.  A decent quality cutter or punch should provide at least several years of good performance.

So, to make the right choice, it is a wise approach to choose a pair of really high quality tools depending on how often you need to use these, and devoid yourself of headaches about this for a longer time.

FAQ

Is it better to cut or punch a cigar?

This is a question that has been asked by cigar smokers for years. Some people swear by cutting their cigars with a cutter, while others believe that the best way to enjoy a cigar is to punch it. So, which is the right way to do it?

There isn’t one definitive answer to this question. It all depends on the type of cigar you want to smoke and how much time you have. If you’re in a hurry, cutting your cigars with a cutter is fine. However, if you are looking for that full-bodied flavor from premium tobacco leaves, then punching them will do the trick!

The process behind it all:

Punching your cigars is a very simple process. You take the cap and spread it like you would with an uncut cigar. Then, using either a metal or wooden guillotine punch tool (they are sold at most tobacco shops), press down on the cap until it reaches the other side of your cigar. The result will be a hole in the cigar that is about the size of a nickel.

The advantage to punching your cigars is that you are not damaging the tobacco leaves as you would be if you were to cut them. This means that the flavor and aroma of the cigar will be much more intense than if it was cut. Additionally, because there is less surface area on the cigar that is exposed to the elements, it will stay fresh for a longer period.

So, if you’re looking for an intense smoking experience and don’t mind taking a little extra time to punch your cigars, then go for it! But if you’re in a hurry and want to get that cigar lit as soon as possible, then cutting your cigars is the way to go.

What size cigar punch do I need?

You should first think about what size cigars you usually smoke. Cigar punches come in a variety of sizes, from small (for little cigarillos) to large enough for big Cubans or Churchills. I recommend having a punch that is at least as wide as the diameter of your most common ring gauge cigars so you can enjoy full-flavored cigars without having to put them in your mouth.

The best cigar punches are the ones that come with a case or box so you can carry your punch and extra blades around safely, preventing any accidents during travel. Make sure you buy cigar punches from manufacturers like Xikar, V-cutter, Colibri Punch Cutter & Lighter, and other reputable brands that have a good reputation for making quality cigar accessories.

What is a cigar punch on a lighter?

A cigar punch is a small tool that is used to cut the end of a cigar off. It is inserted into the head of the cigar and then turned, which cuts the end off. This can be done with or without a lighter.

There are many different types of punches that range in size and shape. They can also vary in how they are made, with some being more well-known than others.

Some punches come in the shape of traditional lighters while others are straight or curved like a penknife. Punch brands that have been around for years include Colibri and Xikar. They both make high-quality products that can be found at most tobacco shops.

How do you punch a cigar?

There are a few ways to punch a cigar, but we’ll show you the best way.

Take your Punch cigar cutter and place the blade on top of the cap of the cigar. Apply pressure with your thumb and index finger, then twist the cutter while keeping pressure applied. This will cut through the cap of the cigar and give you a clean punch.

The other way to punch a cigar is to use a cigar poker. This is just a metal rod with a point on one end and a blunt end on the other. The point goes into the cap of the cigar and you twist it to create the hole.

This is not as clean as using a Punch cutter, but it will do the job.

What is the most popular cigar size?

The most popular cigar size is the Robusto. It has a ring gauge of 50 and a length of about five inches. The Robusto is perfect for an hour-long smoke.

Are cigars bad for you?

Cigars are among the most popular and aromatic comfort foods for many people. There is nothing like smoking a good cigar after work, especially when you have had a long day at the office or field. According to statistics from 2005, men in America smoke more than five billion dollars worth of cigars annually; this translates into about 17% of all cigars smoked in the world. With this popularity, there is also a lot of controversy around cigar smoking. Some people say that cigars are bad for your health while others maintain that they have certain benefits. So, what is the truth about cigars?

Cigars are not as harmful to your health as cigarettes, but they still contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Cigars also contain more tar and nicotine than cigarettes, which can be harmful to your lungs over time. Additionally, cigar smoke contains cancer-causing agents that can increase your risk of lung cancer.

Despite the health risks, cigars still offer some benefits over cigarettes. For starters, cigars are not as addictive as cigarettes and do not have the same harmful effects on your lungs. Additionally, cigars are made of tobacco that is air-cured and fermented, which gives them a smoother flavor than cigarettes.

Overall, cigars are not as bad for you as cigarettes, but they still contain some harmful chemicals. Cigars offer some benefits over cigarettes, such as a smoother flavor and a lower risk of addiction. However, cigars are still bad for your health in the long run and should be enjoyed only as an occasional treat after work or a stressful day at home.

Do both ends of a cigar need to be cut?

If the cigar has a pointed end and an open end, there are two ways to cut it. You can either start by cutting off all of the closed parts at one stroke or you do not make any cuts until you get close to the pointy tip. The latter way is usually preferred because with this method more tobacco remains on both ends of the cigar and you can use it to light up your smoke.

The classic way of cutting a cigar (the pointed end first) is considered better if you are using a mini-cutter or even scissors because it makes the process easier. If no tools have been used, then the open cut is much more traditional, but also less tidy.

Both methods produce a clean-cut, but the first one is neater and faster.

Do you have to cut a cigar to smoke it?

While you can smoke a cigar without cutting it, it’s not usually recommended. As the best-selling cigar puncher for over 20 years running, we want to make sure that everyone has the very best experience smoking cigars possible and will cut your next cigar with ease! Here are some of our favorites from years past.

The Xikar Xi cutter is a favorite of ours. It’s simple, sleek, and gets the job done. With its stainless steel blades, it can easily cut through any cigar – no matter how thick. Plus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you know it will last for years to come!

Another great cigar punch is the Xikar’s Xi cutter. It has a sturdy feel and razor-sharp blades that will make quick work of any cigar, no matter how thick it may be. You can even get this one engraved so you know your guests are getting something special!

How do you cut a Cuban cigar?

The best cigar punches are the ones that create a nice clean hole in your cigars. Any tool or device you use should be able to cut through the wrapper and binder of your Cuban cigars with ease, no matter if it is for personal consumption or as part of an event where others will smoke from this same Havana Punch (pun fully intended).

There are many different types of cigar punches on the market, from simple and small to flashy and large. But what is the best cigar punch for you?

The answer to that question depends on your personal preferences. If you like to smoke a variety of cigars, then it might be a good idea to purchase a punch that has multiple blades and will work on a wide range of cigars. But if you only smoke one type or brand, then it is easier to purchase an expensive punch that can do the job with style instead of having more than one tool for your personal cigar needs.

Video Tutorial: How To Use A Cigar Punch

Conclusion

When choosing a cigar punch, it is important to follow your own feelings. It is best to hold the tool in your hands, feel its weight and features of the cutting element. Now you know that cutting a cigar cap is a crucial part of the smoking ritual even if it takes a few seconds only. So it is vital to purchase a high quality accessory with good steel blades which will allow you to do the job with one confident movement. Hopefully, this article will make it easier for you to make the right choice and you will add the right device to your smoking accessories collection.