EPISODE 5 “Cut Like a Chief: How to Choose the Right Cigar Cutter for Your Smoke.”
For the most part there are 4 different cutters for a cigar. I will discuss the 4 and then give recommendations for each. Finally, I will tell you which cutter Chief uses most often.
1. The Straight Cut (Guillotine)
Best for: Most traditional cigars, including Robustos, Coronas, and many Toro shapes.
A straight cut removes the cap in a straight line, creating an open draw across the cigar's head. A sharp, properly sized cutter can provide a clean opening without unnecessarily damaging the wrapper.
The Chief's recommendation:
- Use a sharp, appropriately sized straight cutter for everyday versatility.
- Remove only enough of the cap to open the draw.
- Avoid cutting too far down, which can cause the wrapper to unravel.
Chief's tip: If you're recommending one cutter for a cigar smoker's first accessory, a quality straight cutter is a practical place to start.
Chiefs Pro tip: On a flat table lay your cigar cutter on the table with it open. Put the Head of the cigar in the opening so the head touches the table in the opening of the Guillotine cutter and then cut cigar.
2. The V-Cut
Best for: Many Robusto and Toro cigars with a suitable cap and enough diameter for the cutter.
A V-cutter creates a wedge-shaped notch instead of removing a straight slice from the cap. Some smokers prefer this opening because of the way it directs airflow through the cigar.
The Chief's recommendation:
- Try it on medium- to larger-ring-gauge cigars when the cutter's capacity allows.
- Look for a deep, clean cut without splitting the cap.
- Experiment with the same cigar using a straight cut and V-cut to compare your draw preference.
Chief's tip: A V-cut can be a distinctive alternative for the smoker who already owns a straight cutter and wants another option. I love this cutter for a 54” ring or higher.
3. The Punch Cut
Best for: Many round-headed cigars with enough cap surface for a punch of the appropriate diameter.
A punch removes a small circular section from the cap rather than slicing across it. It creates a compact opening, which some smokers prefer.
The Chief's recommendation:
- Consider it for cigars with a sufficiently broad, rounded cap.
- Match the punch diameter to the cigar and your preferred draw.
- Avoid forcing a punch into pointed or delicate heads.
Chief's tip: A punch is convenient to carry, but it isn't the best match for every cigar shape. When traveling this is very convenient and many lighters have this built in.
4. The Scissor Cutter
Best for: Smokers who want precise control and are comfortable using a manual cutting tool.
Cigar scissors can produce a clean straight cut when their blades are sharp and properly aligned. They require a steady hand and correct positioning.
The Chief's recommendation:
- Choose scissors with blades sized for your usual cigar ring gauges.
- Keep the blades sharp and make a decisive cut.
- Take extra care with the cap so the wrapper stays intact.
Chief's tip: Scissors can be a refined addition to a cigar accessory collection, particularly for experienced smokers who value control. Its important to keep the scissors SHARP!
The Chief's quick-reference cutter guide
|
Cutter type |
Best starting point |
Main consideration |
|
Straight cut |
Most traditional round cigars |
Versatile, clean opening |
|
V-cut |
Suitable medium- and large-ring-gauge cigars |
Cutter depth and cigar diameter |
|
Punch |
Rounded heads with adequate surface area |
Opening may be too small for some preferences. Good for easy travel and built in many lighters |
|
Scissors |
Various traditional cigar shapes |
Requires control and sharp blades |
These are starting points, not hard rules. The cigar's head shape, ring gauge, cap construction, and the cutter's dimensions all matter. No cutter guarantees a better draw or changes the cigar's underlying quality.
Chiefs Overall Pick is
THE V-CUTTER!! I like the V-Cutter as Chief of the Leaf Cigars have a 54” ring and it gives me the best draw on the cigar which is very important to me.
Tell Chief which you prefer and why?
Chief
Joe Coamey
Prefer the V-Cut, but occasionally use the punch !!
Reagan Moon
I mainly use a “V” cutter. Every now and then a punch, but very rarely. The guillotine scares me in as far as I’m afraid, I’m going to cut the whole end cap off with it. I recently received a very beautiful and heavy Liga Privada V cut/guillotine combination cutter as a swag gift, however it seems to be more suited for Cigars with A 58 to 60+ ring guage. Toro 50 ring guage and some Toro-Gordo are my go to sizes, and it sadly cuts just a tad too much off with both styles.
Jeff Johnson
I use a straight and a V cutter, depending on what I’m smoking at the time.
Bill
Prefer a V cut for sure, but keep each style in my travel box should the cigar dictate a different cut.
Daniel Davis
I also prefer the V-cut. I use it every cigar except a torpedo. My lighter has the V-cut built in.