Cigar Accessories - Making the Cut

How do you properly prepare your cigar for smoking? It’s an age-old question with as many answers as there are smoking preferences. The truth is, how you cut your cigar, and the tools you use, make a profound impact on your ability to enjoy its aroma and flavor. Fortunately, Corona Cigar Co. is here to help you cut through all your options.

A Slice of Heaven

We cut a cigar to create a generous, uniform opening without hurting its structure. The goal is to produce a fairly large exposed surface of cleanly cut filler leaves. This allows equal draw from both the cigar’s core and its rim. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this goal, but experts say some methods work much better than others.

Once Bitten

Back in the day many cigar smokers simply bit off the end off their stogies. Cost is the primary advantage of this strategy since it’s absolutely free. However, it does have some serious drawbacks. First, it’s not very precise. It’s hard to see what your doing, and if you’re biting down on the right place. Second, you probably won’t get a very clean cut since your teeth aren’t as sharp as a knife, or a cigar cutter. Finally, it’s virtually impossible not to wind up with a wad of tobacco in your mouth. We want to smoke our stogies, not eat them.

The Piercing Question

The 1870’s saw the introduction of the piercer, or cigar perforator. Also known as a Punch or lance, this tool creates a bullet cut, which leaves you with a very small opening in the end of your cigar. This makes the draw harder, but the little hole can actually deliver a big, intense blast of flavor. However, the narrow opening also allows tar and nicotine to build up. That eventually results in harsh smoke. Precision’s also tough with a punch. Go too deep and the inside of your cigar will burn too hot. That ruins its aroma, and makes its smoke bitter.

V for Victory?

A V-Cut, or cat’s eye cut creates a larger opening, and thus, a much easier draw than piercing. It produces a funneling effect that increases the concentration of smoke and results in richer, fuller flavors. However, this technique can also cause a cigar to burn too hot, and release acrid smoke. It’s also a bad choice for smokers who tend to chew their stogies, because the narrow opening can easily collapse under the pressure of your bite.

Blade Runners

A Cigar Knife is probably the easiest of all smoking tools to keep sharp. Many models include a variety of blades to accommodate different ring gauges. They may also feature tools similar to a pocket knife. Knives do take some skill and a steady hand for a clean cut. Still they are convenient, and some cigar makers, like Davidoff, have elevated them to a status symbol.

Cigar-specific scissors are also an option, but they can be tricky to use. Unless the blades are very sharp, you risk tearing the wrapper, and undermining the stogie’s structure. Balance is also a key consideration. Corona Cigar Co. offers top-quality Multi-Tool Cutters that combine the convenience of scissors with a number of smoking accessories, like a poker, and a cigar box opener.

Off With Its Head!

Guillotine Cutters may be the most popular simply because they’re the easiest to use. This type of cutter produces a wide surface area for a smooth, open draw. They come in single and double blade options. Experts say the double blade protects a cigar’s structural integrity best by reducing the risk of tearing. They also advise watching out for tobacco buildup if you select a single blade cutter. Corona Cigar Co. has dozens of guillotine cutters to chose from in a variety of prices, styles, and colors.

Cutting to the Chase

The bottom line: a bad cut can ruin a good cigar. That makes your choice of tools extremely important. Contact Us for expert advice on properly preparing your prized stogies and protecting your cigar investment. And remember, Corona Cigar Co. ships all orders of $50 or more for FREE!