How to Properly Cut a Cigar

Choose the Right Type of Cigar Cutter

• 1

  Choose between guillotine cutters, cigar scissors, punch cutters or V-cutters. Guillotines and cigar scissors will make a clean cut. A punch cutter cores out a small piece of filler at the tip while leaving the sides in tact. Finally, a V-cutter leaves a notched cut across the head of the cigar while preserving much of the surface.

• 2

  Experiment with several cutters to find the right one. Guillotines can fit in the palm of your hand and will properly cut a cigar with just a pinch of your fingers. Cigar scissors cut cleanly, but are less convenient to carry. Punch cutters are small, sharp blades that can fit on a key chain, making them convenient and versatile. V-cutters provide the same cut every time, but take a little practice.

• 3

  Find the right cutter for your favorite type of cigar. Each one provides a different draw.

• 4

  Invest in a good-quality cutter and keep the blades sharp to properly cut a cigar without smashing the tip.

Cut a Cigar Properly

• 5

  Use a guillotine or cigar scissors to remove the top 1/8 inch of the cigar, making a straight cut where the tip begins to curve from the body. Place the cigar into the hole of the guillotine and press the blades together, being careful not to cut at an angle. If you're using scissors, make one quick cut. Guillotines work best on cigars up to 54 ring gauge.

• 6

  Insert a punch cutter into the closed end of the cigar, twist gently and remove the core. Punch cutters work well on mixed filler and large ring gauge cigars. They also enable you to adjust the size of the cut.

• 7

  Place a V-cutter against the head of the cigar and press the lever. V-cutters work well on thinner cigars.