Cutter vs punch

transplant

I saw another thread here debating the relative merits of a good cigar cutter vs teeth.  Teeth? Seriously?  I figured that this thread wouldn't be out-of-bounds.

When I started smoking cigars, I bought a lighter.  It happened to have a built-in cigar punch.  I also bought a first-rate cutter.  I tried 'em both.

For 50+ ring gauge cigars, I prefer the punch.  If done right, you completely avoid the loose tobacco spit problem.  This said, for skinnier cigars, the punch can destroy them if you're not careful and a cutter is the better choice.

My sense is that cigar aficionados religiously use a cutter.  Thoughts?

The3Stogies

Lately been using a v-notch, sometimes 2 finger guillotine, haven't tried a punch yet.  Never teeth!

Nolagizmo

Bought a punch. Hate it
Use a xikar v cutter and I'm a rookie
Love the v cutter

Bob_Luken

I don't call myself an aficionado but, 98% cutter and 2% punch just because I forget the cutter every now and then and I have a punch built-in on some lighters.   

What are you calling a first rate cutter? 

I'm pretty one-dimensional when it comes to cutters. I first started out with a punch and some cheap cutter. Used the punch as much as possible because a cheap cutter will force ya' into that habit. I tried to get better at it. I really really tried. Other guys made it look so easy but, the cheap cutters I had just tore and mashed my cigars all to pieces. Then, I was introduced to the xikar x2 and I swear I heard this music in my head. 


https://youtu.be/YQ2ywczFcME?t=9s



I've got three of them now. I never use a punch unless I don't have access to my "good" cutters. I know that not every cutter brand besides xikar is inferior. I just don't have much experience with anything else. So I'm curious to know what cutter are you using.

onestrangeone

I tend to go with a punch more often than not, box press gets a v,  torpedoes get the guillotine

peter4jc

I'm a Xikar cutter guy, and 5% of time a punch guy.  Next time I feel rich I'm getting a quality v-cutter; got a freebie v-cutter that just rips  :-( .

I've gotten in the habit of giving the cut end a good flick of a finger to dislodge some of the little flakes and bits, which helps.

YankeeMan

Transplant, I do the same thing you do.  For larger ring cigars, I use a punch and for 50 and below, I use my Xicar.

transplant

@Bob_Luken , I believe it's an Alaska Bear stainless steel guillotine model.  Delivers an easy, clean cut.

Bob_Luken

transplant said:

@Bob_Luken , I believe it's an Alaska Bear stainless steel guillotine model.  Delivers an easy, clean cut.

Thanks. I had never heard of that brand. I looked up your cutter on amazon and I paid particular attention to the reviews. Mostly positive. I'm glad to hear you're having good results with it. 

CharlieHeis

YankeeMan said:

Transplant, I do the same thing you do.  For larger ring cigars, I use a punch and for 50 and below, I use my Xicar.

Same here. 

avengethis

I just picked up a colibri v-cutter (much higher quality than the cheap grip cutters you get for freebies) that I am loving right now.  I also have a Xikar xi2 and xi3.  Love both of them.  I have a couple punches as well but have used them maybe 2 times in the past year.  

[Deleted User]

I use the punch on my lighter and love it for >44 ring gauge. It's nice to have only one tool to use. 

Ive ve found the cutters always cause the tip (that's what she said) to unravel. Perhaps it's skill level even though I use a sharp xikar. 

Bottom line, I don't care as long as I get that sucker lit and my quality time starts. Ymmv. 

YankeeMan

james40 said:

I use the punch on my lighter and love it for >44 ring gauge. It's nice to have only one tool to use. 

Ive ve found the cutters always cause the tip (that's what she said) to unravel. Perhaps it's skill level even though I use a sharp xikar. 

Bottom line, I don't care as long as I get that sucker lit and my quality time starts. Ymmv. 

Try laying the Xikar flat on a table.  Put the cigar tip down against the table and then cut the cigar.  It takes off just enough and the cigar does not unravel.

What usually causes the unrqveling is cutting below the cap, using the table method prevents that.

reggie713

I use my punch, on most everything, besides torps and lances