There’s no shortage of tools you can use to cut your cigar; but if you don’t have one on hand you can always use a pair of scissors. This can be a bit tricky if you have never done it before, but with a little practice, you will be able to do it like a pro!
Although single- and double-bladed guillotine cutters are simple, cigar scissors take some practice. Scissors, despite their elegance, are the most difficult to master of all cutters.
In the following blog post, cigar experts will discuss the steps that you need to take in order to cut a cigar with scissors. Our cigar experts will also provide some tips on how to make the process easier. So, if you are interested in learning how to cut a cigar with scissors, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Types Of Cigar Cutters & Cigar Cuts
Straight Cutter
The most basic type of cigar cutter, a straight cutter, is a small, sharp blade that cuts cleanly through the cap of the cigar [1].
To use a straight cutter, simply align the blade with the edge of the cigar cap and make a quick, clean cut.
If you’re new to cigars, or if you’re cutting a particularly expensive cigar, it’s best to err on the side of caution and make a smaller cut than you think you need. It’s very easy to accidentally damage or ruin a cigar by cutting off too much of the cap.
Once you’ve made your cut, gently test the draw of the cigar by taking a gentle puff. If it feels too tight, give it another quarter turn and try again.
Cigar Scissors
It’s difficult to ignore the use of scissors when it comes to cutting. However, using regular scissors to cut cigars is not a good idea. Instead, cigar shears are used that are similar to typical household scissors but are intended to provide the finest cut possible on a cigar.
When buying cigar scissors, look for high-quality stainless steel blades that are kept sharp. Any cigar wrapper will be sliced effortlessly by high-quality stainless steel blades. Low-quality blades, or ones that have not been properly maintained, will increase the likelihood of ripping your cigar wrap.
To cut a cigar with scissors, hold the cigar in one hand and the scissors in the other.
Cigar scissors offer many benefits over straight cutters. They provide a much cleaner cut and are less likely to damage your cigar. They’re also great for making small adjustments to the size of your cut if needed.
Punch Cutter For Punch Cutting Cigars
Not all cigar cutters are made to remove the entire cap from the cigar. Punch cutters, as the name implies, punch a hole at the end of the cigar without removing its cap. This is not a standard cigar cutter.
While it may be used to remove the entire cap, its main purpose is to cut a small hole in the cigar. This type of cutter is ideal for those who want to try different cigars without having to commit to smoking an entire one.
A punch cutter makes a small, circular cut in the cigar’s cap. If you’re using a punch cutter, make sure the circle is big enough so that air can pass through when you draw on the cigar. If the hole is too small, your cigar will be difficult to smoke. To use a punch cutter, simply insert the blade into the center of the cigar’s head and twist until it penetrates the tobacco. Be careful not to twist too hard or you’ll damage the cigar.
The punch cut’s main advantage is that it prevents loose tobacco or filler from falling into your mouth when you smoke. They can, however, be a little simpler to use – because you don’t have to worry about cutting too deeply. You also eliminate the risk of wrapper unraveling!
Punch cutters have one disadvantage: they don’t work with very small cigar gauges. While punch cutters do create small circumference holes, some cigars are simply too thin for a punch-cutting instrument to function.
V-Cutter For V-Cutting Cigars
A V-cutter, like a punch cutter, does not slice the entire cigar end. Rather than removing the whole end of the cigar, however, a V-cutter produces a tiny V-shaped cut in the cigar’s tip. This is similar to a punch cut but results in an even smaller and more focused cut.
The V-cut has many of the same advantages as a standard round punch-cut. You minimize the chance of loose filler entering your mouth and accidentally chopping off a big section of the cigar because less of the cigar is removed.
A V-cut also provides a larger surface area than a punch cut, which means more flavors and aromas can be detected when smoking.
To use a V-cutter, simply place the cutter on the cigar so that the blade is lined up with where you want to make your cut. Then, push down on the cutter to create your V-shaped cut. Be sure not to twist the cutter as you’re cutting or you may damage the cigar.
A V-cut, on the other hand, limits your ability to draw from the cigar while smoking since it has a smaller hole.
The “notch” created by the v-cutter might be made too big. Remember to cut only as deep as necessary; otherwise, you risk increasing the draw and causing the cigar to burn hotter than intended.
Why Should You Use Scissors To Cut A Cigar?
There are a few reasons why you might want to use scissors to cut your cigar instead of a knife:
- First, it can be easier to get a precise cut with scissors;
- Second, using scissors can help you avoid crushing the cigar’s delicate wrapper;
- And third, some people simply find it more enjoyable to cut their cigars with scissors;
If you do choose to use scissors, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:
- Be sure to use a good quality pair of scissors;
- Take care not to cut too deeply into the cigar;
- And make sure the cigar is positioned correctly before you start cutting;
Steps To Cut A Cigar With Scissors
Locate The Cap
The first step is to find the right place to cut your cigar. You’ll want to locate the “cap” of the cigar which is a small circle of tobacco leaf that covers the head of the cigar [2].
Moisten The Cigar Head
Next, you’ll want to moisten the cigar head with your mouth. This will help the cigar keep its shape when you cut it.
To do this, simply place the head of the cigar in your mouth and give it a gentle suck. You don’t want to wet the cigar too much, just enough to make it slightly damp.
If you don’t moisture the cigar before cutting, it may unravel on you and ruin the smoking experience. Cigars are dry by nature and need a little moisture to stay intact. Once the cigar is moistened, you can proceed to cut it.
Apply Pressure With The Scissors
Once you do this, it’s time to start cutting. Place the scissors at a 45-degree angle and apply pressure until the blade punctures through the tobacco.
Twist The Scissors To Make A Clean Cut
Now that you have pierced through the tobacco, twist the scissors in a clockwise motion to make sure you have made a clean cut. If done correctly, you should now be able to see the cigar’s “foot” which is the part of the cigar you will be lighting.
Cutting a Cigar With Scissors: Tips
Cut Swiftly & Cleanly
When cutting a cigar with scissors, it is important to make sure that you are cutting the cigar cleanly and swiftly. If you take too long or if your cuts are jagged, it can ruin the cigar.
To cut a cigar cleanly, hold the cigar in one hand and the scissors in the other. Line up the blade of the scissors with the end of the cigar that you want to cut. Make sure that the blade is parallel to the length of the cigar so that you can get a clean cut.
Then, simply close the blades of the scissors quickly and smoothly. You should hear a light “snap” sound as you make your cut.
If done correctly, your cigar should have a clean, straight cut.
If you find that your cigar is not cutting cleanly, you may need to adjust the position of the scissors or try a different type of cutter.
Avoid Shallow/Deep Cuts
When cutting a cigar with scissors, it is also important to avoid making shallow or deep cuts. A shallow cut will not cut the cigar cleanly and may cause the cigar to unravel.
A deep cut, on the other hand, can damage the inner structure of the cigar and affect the taste.
To avoid making these types of cuts, take your time and make sure that you are holding the cigar and scissors correctly. Cut slowly and steadily so that you can control the depth of your cut.
Don’t Bite Off A Cigar Head
Also, it is important to avoid biting off the cigar head.
If you find that your cigar is too tight or difficult to draw, try using a punch cutter instead. A punch cutter makes a small hole in the cigar head without damaging the cigar.
Keep Your Cutters Sharp
Finally, it is important to keep your cutters sharp. Dull scissors will not make a clean cut and can damage the cigar.
If you notice that your scissors are getting dull, sharpen them with a knife sharpener or take them to a professional to have them sharpened.
FAQ
How to cut a cigar without a cutter?
The quickest and most accessible way to cut a cigar with your thumbnail is without a doubt the best approach. It’s also the most basic and common technique. Simply loosen a section of the cap with your thumbnail, then move clockwise around the perimeter of the cap [3].
How do you cut a cigar perfectly?
There’s no one way to cut a cigar perfectly, as each smoker will have their own preference. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when cutting a cigar with scissors:
First, make sure the blades of your scissors are sharp. This will help you get a clean cut and avoid crushing the cigar;
Second, take your time cutting the cigar. It’s important to not rush the process as you don’t want to damage the cigar;
Finally, be careful not to cut off too much of the cigar. You should only cut off the very tip of the cigar, which is called the cap. Cutting off too much of the cigar can affect how it smokes;
Is it better to punch or cut cigars?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some cigar aficionados prefer to punch their cigars, while others prefer to cut them. Ultimately, it is up to the individual smoker to decide which method works best for them.
If you are new to cigars, or if you are simply looking for a change, then cutting your cigars with scissors may be the way to go. Scissors offer a clean cut and can help to prevent damage to the cigar wrapper.
Can I cut a cigar with a knife?
If you don’t have a cigar cutter, you can use a sharp knife to cut your cigar. Be sure to cut the cigar above the level of the tobacco leaves, and make a clean, straight cut. If you cut too low, the end of your cigar may unravel.
Do you cut cigars at both ends?
On a new cigar, the “foot” is already open. The “cap”, which is encased within a tiny piece of tobacco leaf distinct from the main wrapper, is closed. Before you can smoke it, the cap end of the cigar must be sliced open [4].
Whichever method you choose, be sure to cut cleanly through the tobacco leaf – otherwise, you risk damaging your cigar and ruining the smoking experience. Once you’ve cut through the leaf, gently rotate the cigar and take a few test puffs. If it draws too tightly, re-cut the end and try again.
Which end of a cigar goes in your mouth?
The foot of the cigar, or the part that you light, goes in your mouth. The head of the cigar, or the part you cut, does not go in your mouth [5].
The cigar should be cut at the narrowest point, which is the end closest to the cigar’s “head”. The head of a cigar is typically rounded, while the foot is usually cut at a 90-degree angle.
Do all cigars need to be cut?
No, not all cigars need to be cut. If the cigar has a tapered end, it can be smoked without being cut. However, if the cigar has a straight or blunt end, it will need to be cut before smoking.
There are a few different ways that you can cut a cigar. You can use a guillotine cutter, punch cutter, or scissors.
Do you poke a hole in a cigar?
No, you don’t poke a hole in a cigar.
You cut the cigar. How do you cut a cigar with scissors:
- First, find a good pair of sharp scissors;
- Second, snip off the tip of the cigar at a 45-degree angle;
Now that you know how to cut a cigar with scissors, get out there and enjoy your next smoke. And remember, always dispose of your cigars responsibly when you’re finished smoking them.
How do you cut a cigar with a razor blade?
There are a few ways to cut a cigar with a razor blade, but the most popular method is to use a double-bladed cutter. This type of cutter has two blades that come together in the middle, allowing for a clean cut on both sides of the cigar. To use this type of cutter, simply place the cigar in between the blades and apply pressure until the blade cuts through the tobacco.
Another popular way to cut a cigar is to use a single-bladed cutter. This type of cutter has only one blade, making it slightly more difficult to get a clean cut. However, many smokers prefer this method because it allows for more control over where the cut is made.
To apply a single-bladed cutter, simply place the cigar in between the blade and the cutting surface. Apply pressure to the blade until it cuts through the tobacco.
Useful Video: How to Cut a Cigar with Scissors
References:
- http://www.chalonerscigarhouse.com/cigars-101/index.php/2019/07/10/how-to-cut-a-cigar/
- https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/how-to-cut-a-cigar-with-scissors-19370
- https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/cutting-a-cigar-without-a-cutter
- https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-cut-a-cigar/
- https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/how-to-hold-a-cigar-in-your-mouth
