How to Cut a Cigar

The concept of cutting a cigar is simple. A cut should create an opening in the cigar's head without damaging the cigar. Cigar cutting is crucial to enjoying a cigar since an improper cut can leave the cigar smoker with an unraveled or split cigar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cigar
• Cigar Cutter

1. Choose a cutter that you plan to use. There are several different types of cutters available to cigar smokers: Traditional (Guillotine), Punch (Bullet) and the "V" cut.
2. Look at the closed end of the cigar. This capped end is the head of the cigar and what you will be cutting. Find the line where the cap ends and the rest of the cigar begins.
3. Using your cutter, make a swift and strong cut between 1/8 inch and 1/16 inch from the head of the cigar. If you are unsure about where to cut, look at the cigar head again. There is a place where the cap straightens before the cigar and cap meet. This straight line is a cigar's shoulder and you should be able to cut there safely.

Tips & Warnings

• Certain cuts are better for certain types of cigars and cigar smoking preferences.
• Cutting a cigar depends on the individual cigar. Once you are familiar with cigar cutting, you will be able to judge cuts better. Some cigars may only require thin cuts (1/32 inch") from the cigar's head, while some may need larger cuts (3/8 inch). It is based on your preference and familiarity.
• Bullet cutters can not be used on Figurado shapes.