2 quick questions
Good afternoon, folks! I've been reading up on a variety of things, and can't seem to pinpoint the answers to these two issues.
A) I prefer a punch cutter, but that is also because its the only one I've used and don't feel another kind is worth $30 or more. Where is one supposed to punch the hole? On the Torpedo-shaped Cafe con Leche, I jabbed into the slanted side, not removing the tip, but noticed it would burn either my tongue or the roof of my mouth pretty quickly, and it was very easy to lose track of where the hole was. On standard shaped ones, I plug into the very bottom. Thoughts?
How do I save a cigar for later? If I have a particularly gnarly cigar and its a bit overwhelming, how does one save it for later without just putting it down and letting it burn itself out? I feel that would waste a decent chunk of the cigar, so would like to avoid it if possible. I also don't have much of a reference point as to how long it takes to smoke a cigar of X size, so if I underestimate, or my kiddo needs something, the cigar will have to be put down. Can they go back into a humidor? I noticed when I saved half of the Cafe con Leche for later that it was certainly not bad, but also not as good as it first was.
A) I prefer a punch cutter, but that is also because its the only one I've used and don't feel another kind is worth $30 or more. Where is one supposed to punch the hole? On the Torpedo-shaped Cafe con Leche, I jabbed into the slanted side, not removing the tip, but noticed it would burn either my tongue or the roof of my mouth pretty quickly, and it was very easy to lose track of where the hole was. On standard shaped ones, I plug into the very bottom. Thoughts?
How do I save a cigar for later? If I have a particularly gnarly cigar and its a bit overwhelming, how does one save it for later without just putting it down and letting it burn itself out? I feel that would waste a decent chunk of the cigar, so would like to avoid it if possible. I also don't have much of a reference point as to how long it takes to smoke a cigar of X size, so if I underestimate, or my kiddo needs something, the cigar will have to be put down. Can they go back into a humidor? I noticed when I saved half of the Cafe con Leche for later that it was certainly not bad, but also not as good as it first was. 0
Comments
Why does one not punch a torpedo? Just because of the angle and shape making the draw funny, or because of a "just don't do it" stigma, or something else?
If I could find a good cutter for less than what it seems to be the same price everywhere, I'd jump on it; I've read some reviews for various ones and a V-cut, if sharp enough, sounds like what I would like the most.
Whatever works for you is what you do. That said, I use a double guillotine almost exclusively. My nice one was a gift, but it was only around $20.
I like Oliva and Quesada (including Regius) a lot. I will smoke anything, though.
I like Oliva and Quesada (including Regius) a lot. I will smoke anything, though.
these are the cutters I use, I have had the black V cutter, and the green "Cheep o" cutter for a few years - given to me from my local B&M when I had a few bad sticks, they replaced the cigars and gave me the cutters,(they are only $2-3.00 each if you buy them) work good but not the best, also the stainless steel 2 finger cutter I purchased on Amazon for $10.00 over 2 years ago (its the one I use most often and it works Great, and between my wife and I we may use it 2-5 times a day on average, the yellow (put the dime over the pic because I got it from an online shop-not C.Com) and It works very nice and was $12.95 I just prefer the two finger stainless one, the scissors I have for my wife and some of her smaller gauge cigars from eBay for $5.00, the lighter shown has 2 sizes of punch I have used a few times-just don't prefer to punch, got it for $19.99 on sale its the lighter I use most often to light though, and the little pocket knife I keep in my truck (along with a little sharpener) it works Very nice when I'm out of the house and need to get a stick going, and I bought it from Sportsman's Warehouse for $10.00
I know what I have is not the best or expensive but have had zero problems since I started in this great hobby the last few years
I also agree with getting a more expensive cutter right off the bat and pay for the high quality rather than multiple mediocre items. I think I'm settling on a punch first and a guillotine later, after I determine what I can't successfully punch.
The image below is basically the cut I use on my torpedoes, though not exact. I sometimes feel the draw take more effort, so I punch again overlapping it halfway, like a Venn diagram, to widen the hole.
Quick edit: Thanks for the images of your own! Its good to see what all tools people have. I've been seeing the scissors around lately, but haven't used them.
OK
A) Seriously?
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars and that's close enough.
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars and that's close enough.
Second, you picked an apt username, 0patience. I'm not trolling your forums but I'm more than willing to take my questions elsewhere.
But put yourself in our shoes.
We have people come to these forums with "questionable" questions.
And as I stated, because they were what I would classifieds as "Duh" questions, it made it hard to reply to it with any seriousness.
And you are saying you had a presence of mind to Google chisel, but not punching torpedoes?
But it is what it is. You don't know anything about me, but you too made a snap judgement on the written words. Hmm, sound familiar?
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars and that's close enough.
Yes, it does sound familiar. I didn't mean to take offense, nor offend, so I apologize.
Most of what I found regarding punching vs cutting was heavily preference based, and not much torpedo-specific. I've read all the stuff on another site's cigar 101 section I found, and it didn't answer my questions, but was quite enlightening in its own right.
I do agree, though, they are most certainly "duh" questions. As much as I don't want to ask them for fear of looking like the total noob that I am, how can I get the answer if I don't ask?
The only other person I know who smokes cigars doesn't usually smoke torpedoes, so when I asked him where to punch it, he didn't know either. I now understand the consensus is not to do it, but I don't know WHY. To that end, what is it about a gentle punch on the side that damages the torpedo?
Saving a cigar for later certainly isn't a pressing issue, but one that came up on my first cigar that then burnt itself another half - 3/4 inch before going out.
Understand that we get some crazyness around here, and let's just let things slide. That being said, hang out, stick around...and I promise you'll enjoy the place!
I've kept a cigar for about 24hrs after lighting it the first time. (personal preference only here) If you get close to half way, or beyond...either finish it, or toss it. If you are at less than 50% of the stick smoked...here goes.
(you'll need a cutter for this)
Slide your cutter on, via the end you are smoking
Cut off the burning end, as close to the "cherry" as you can
Blow into the cigar until there is no more smoke coming out where you just cut
Put the stick in a plastic baggie, NOT your humi
finish within 24hrs
A chisel, is completely different in design from torpedoes in that folk have punched them with considerable success. But remember that you are directing the smoke and heat into one spot in your mouth, which can be a bit of a problem.
As for the relighting after it has sat for a while, do not put into a humi, as it will taint your other cigars. And be aware that if you go back to it later, you will have a funky taste to it. Not always terrible, but not the same and you might not like it.
And welcome to the forum.
Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy cigars and that's close enough.