Do you like to smoke cigars? If so, you know that using a cigar punch is an essential part of the smoking experience. A cigar punch is a small tool that allows you to easily pierce the end of a cigar and cut off the tobacco filler. This makes it easier to smoke the cigar and prevents it from becoming unraveled.
In the event of an emergency, you may use a knife, cigar punch, and even a traditional cigar cutter to trim your cigar. In most cases, most experts would avoid using the last technique since it’s extremely risky. Using a cigar punch cutter is really easy because it almost does the task for you.
The punch cutter perforates the cap, keeping it intact and producing a clean draw with little tobacco fragments in the way. Make sure your cigar cutter is sharpened for a smooth cut. You won’t have to worry about ripping your “puro” this way. The cigar cutter is portable and convenient to use, making it ideal for traveling [1].
In the following blog post, cigar aficionados will discuss how to use a cigar punch and provide some tips for getting the most out of your smoking experience!
Table of Contents
Should You Cut A Cigar With A Punch Cutter
Pros Of Punching A Cigar
Cutting a cigar produces a significantly smaller hole than punching it does. What are the consequences of this? Many cigar smokers claim that because smoke is forced through a smaller opening, it will concentrate the tastes more effectively, resulting in a greater taste and effect. There’s also less of a risk of getting tobacco fragments in your mouth since cutting cigars makes them easier to smoke.
Another advantage is that punching a cigar is considerably quicker and easier than cutting one, according to several individuals. Are these claims correct? Certainly, and many individuals like a punched cigar over one that has been cut, therefore let’s look at the drawbacks of punching.
Punching a cigar produces a small, round hole in the cigar’s cap. While this is great for concentrated flavor, it can also result in an overly harsh smoke.
Cons Of Punching A Cigar
The smaller hole and stronger push of smoke may not appeal to the more leisurely smoker who enjoys a cut cigar. Furthermore, saliva can easily obstruct the hole – which is, after all, quite tiny – and delay the smoking process.
The small amount of ventilation in this design can also make the cigar too hot because of its confined area[2].
Punching isn’t appropriate for thinner stogies, and the punch is a little gadget that’s easy to misplace, so it’s not an ideal solution.
If you’re not a fan of the punch, or if you don’t have one on hand, there are other ways to slice your cigar.
Different Kinds Of Punch Cutters
The most popular type is the guillotine cutter, which looks like a small pair of scissors. This type of cutter is very easy to use and can be very precise, but it can also damage your cigars if you’re not careful.
Another popular type of punch cutter is the V-cutter, which cuts a V-shaped notch in the cigar. This type of cutter is much less likely to damage your cigars, but it can be more difficult to use and isn’t as precise as a guillotine cutter [3].
Finally, there’s the bullet punch cutter, which is basically just a small metal tube that you insert into the cigar and twist. This type of cutter is very easy to use, but it doesn’t provide a very clean cut.
No matter what type of punch cutter you use, make sure that you practice using it on an inexpensive cigar before you try it on your good cigars. That way, if you make a mistake, you won’t damage your expensive cigars.
Types Of Cigar Caps
You must first understand what you’re dealing with before cutting a cigar. There are two basic kinds of cigar forms [4]:
- A parejo is a cigar with straight sides and a rounded cap, which are the most frequent cigar forms available. The Corona, Robusto, Toro, Longsdale, and Churchill are some of the most popular sizes;
- A figurado, in the context of this article, is any cigar that does not follow a standard form. A figurado is most often associated with a pointed cap.The Torpedo, Belicoso, Pyramid, and Diadema are all popular figurados;
Clipping The Cigar With A Punch
Place The Bladed End Of The Punch Against The Cap
With the bladed end of the punch, cut a small hole in the center of the cigar’s cap.
Be careful not to cut too deeply, or you’ll pierce the tobacco beneath. Make sure the blade is centered to get a clean cut [5].
Pressure The Punch As You Slowly Rotate The Cigar
Insert the blade a little deeper into the cigar after piercing the cap. Try your best to avoid applying too much force since it may unravel the cap.
Remove The Punch
Remove the punch cutter and set it aside; carefully extract the section chopped off of the cap. Remove any remaining inside the punch cutter with care.
FAQ
Is it better to cut or punch a cigar?
If you’re new to cigars, you might be wondering whether it’s better to cut or punch a cigar. The answer is that it depends on your preference. Some people prefer to cut their cigars because they feel it provides a cleaner cut and allows them to control the size of the opening.
Others prefer to punch their cigars because they feel it’s quicker and easier. Whichever method you choose, make sure you use a sharp cutter or punch so you don’t damage the cigar.
If you do choose to punch your cigar, there are a few different ways you can do it. You can use a standalone punch, which is a small tool that has a cylindrical blade. To use it, simply twist the blade into the cigar until it penetrates the wrapper. Then, remove the punch and enjoy your cigar.
Another option is to use a V-shaped cutter. To use this type of cutter, place the point of the V on the cigar and press down so the blades penetrate the wrapper. Then, twist the cutter and remove it from the cigar.
What is the purpose of a cigar punch?
A cigar hole punch stands for a cylinder-shaped cutting instrument that creates a uniform, circular end for the cigar for smoking. Cigar smokers provide over 12 various cigar punch cutters to make creating holes in your cigars as simple as possible. Any time you utilize one of our top-quality cigar punchers, it’s sure to spark conversation [6].
Are you supposed to poke a hole in a cigar?
No, you’re not supposed to poke a hole in a cigar. It’s actually better to use a cigar punch. This small, cylindrical device can cut a small, round hole at the end of a cigar. This allows you to draw smoke from the cigar more easily and prevents the tobacco from coming loose and getting into your mouth.
To use a cigar punch, simply insert the blade into the end of the cigar and twist it clockwise until it penetrates through the entire width of the cigar. Then, remove the punch and gently blow through the hole to clear any debris that may have been left behind.
Why do people V-cut cigars?
The head of the cigar is cut with a V-cutter, which slices a V shape out of it. A V-cut, like a punch cut, delivers a more focused draw. Before it reaches your mouth, smoke is drawn from both the top and bottom of the cigar to converge on your tongue in greater intensity and heat [7].
This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your preferences. If you like a lot of flavor and intensity, then go for it!
If you’re not sure what kind of cutter to buy, ask the tobacconist for help. There are many different types and styles, so it’s best to get some guidance before making your purchase.
Do you cut both ends of a cigar?
A lot of people ask me if they should cut both ends of a cigar before smoking it. The answer is no, you only need to cut the head off. Some people like to cut a small bit off the foot of the cigar too, but it’s not necessary.
The rounded end of a cigar without the tobacco exposed is known as the cap, and it is always cut here. A knife or your teeth may be used to slice or bite off the cap, but if you do so jaggedly or carelessly, the cigar’s end won’t burn properly, resulting in unusable tobacco [8].
If you’re using a punch cutter, make sure to twist it as you insert and remove it from the cigar. This will help create an evenly round hole in the head of the cigar.
Should I take the wrapper off my cigar?
After you’ve purchased the cigar, take away the cellophane before placing it in your humidor. Cellophane will prevent humidity from reaching the cigar, which will make it easier for humidification to work [9].
Cigar punching is a great way to get started with cigar smoking. It’s quick, clean, and easy to do. Plus, it doesn’t require any special equipment.
Here’s how to punch a cigar:
- Hold the cigar in your non-dominant hand;
- Place the punch on the top of the cigar, where the cap meets the wrapper;
- Push down on the punch with your dominant hand while twisting it clockwise;
- Repeat this motion until you’ve made a hole that’s about ¼ inch deep;
- Be careful not to push too hard or twist too tightly, as this can damage the cigar;
What causes a tight draw in cigars?
A too moist cigar will not draw easily. The easiest way to fix a humidor that is overly humidified is to let it sit out of the box for one day or overnight before smoking it. This will allow the cigar to dry out a bit and make it easier to draw.
If you live in a very humid climate, it is best to keep your cigars in a “tupperdor” or an airtight container with a humidity Boveda pack to ensure they do not get too wet [10].
A too dried cigar will also have a tight draw. If you live in a dry climate, it is best to keep your cigars in a humidor with a Boveda pack to ensure they do not dry out. You can also try rehydrating your cigars by placing them in an airtight container with a damp sponge for 24 hours.
Another cause of a tight draw can be the way the cigar was rolled. If the cigar was rolled too tightly, it will be difficult to draw. The best way to fix this is to use a cigar punch or a sharp knife to cut a larger hole in the cigar.
A final cause of a tight draw can be the type of tobacco used in the cigar. Some types of tobacco are more difficult to draw than others. If you find that you are constantly having trouble with a certain brand or type of cigar, it may be best to try something else.
Should you wet a cigar before cutting?
Most people don’t wet their cigars before cutting, but some say it enhances the flavor. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
Some smokers prefer to wet the tip of their cigar before cutting and lighting up, while others find it makes no difference whatsoever.
There’s no need to moisten the cigar with saliva since your mouth’s humidity is enough. Furthermore, you’ll be able to get a preliminary sense of the cigar’s wrapper before lighting it, which is often very nice. It’s far easier to cut a moist cap than one that has been dried out.
What is a cigar nubber?
The nubbers, as they are sometimes known, are sharp-pointed instruments used to pierce through the final two inches of a cigar in order to smoke it more comfortably and without the risk of burning your fingertips. Nubbers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all do essentially the same thing [11].
To use a nubber, simply insert the pointy end into the cigar’s head and twist it around until you’ve made a small hole. Be careful not to make the hole too big, or else the cigar will unravel.
Once you’ve made your hole, place the nubber back in your humidor until next time.
Useful Video: Straight Cut, V Cut, or Cigar Punch?
References:
- https://cigarcountry.com/how-to-use-a-cigar-punch-cutter/
- https://cigarhombre.com/how-to-use-a-cigar-punch/
- https://hespokestyle.com/how-to-cut-a-cigar/
- https://hespokestyle.com/how-to-cut-a-cigar/
- https://cigarcountry.com/how-to-use-a-cigar-punch-cutter/
- https://cigarstar.ca/how-to-use-a-cigar-punch
- https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/does-cigar-cutter-type-make-a-difference
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigar_cutter
- https://www.cigaraficionado.com/glossary/cellophane
- https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/how-to-fix-hard-draw-cigar
- https://cigardagger.com/pages/faqs
