cut or punch

[pogodo111]

I have a normal cutter and have recently seen the punch devices. Can you use the punch device with any size cigar? I know that the cutter may not be big enough for some cigars (like the square shape ones)

[Proud Bear]

I use the standard double-guillotine cutter. I have punched a few cigars, and I do not care for the concentration of the smoke or the feel of the cap.

Bear

[RigilKent]

you can use either but torps must be cut. personally i like cutting the whole cap. hope that helps

[caudio51]

You can use a double punch on the larger box pressed cigars. Torps I suggest being cut but I guess you could try to punch them on the sides.

I used to punch but find I enjoy a clean cut better.

[terrantheman]

I use to punch years ago but now I'm all about the double guillotine never have a draw issue unless it's a shit cigar!

[dpricenator]

I punch first, and if its drawing too tight, I'll cut it with the double G. On larger ring cigars I use the punch with 3 over lapping punches in order to open the draw a little.

[vperlman]

You can double (or even triple) punch a large cigar, if you like punches. I used to use them but switched because of the build-up of tar. Also, you can buy punches in various sizes, and then match them to the appropriate cigars.

[thecatmac]

Cutter all the way!

[MichiganM]

I used to punch all the time, and never noticed anything negative effects. Some people say it builds up tar around the small hole...I'm not sure.

I fell in love with the Palio though and use that exclusively. Just got the burlwood!

[Headbanger]

Palio, Xikar, or SAK cutters for me. Only time I do not cut if the stick ring gage too large to fit in the cutter. Then I punch holes till draws well.

[CWS]

Use a cutter most of the time. Use a punch on major ring cigars and chisels.

[tedski]

I cut most cigars, but find a punch is just right for coronas.

[dpricenator]

[QUOTE=MichiganM;313553] Some people say it builds up tar around the small hole...I'm not sure.
QUOTE]

I acctually punched a Big Te Amo Churchill for the ride home yesterday and about half way through got slammed with the worst bitter taste ever. then it happend again a few draws latter. It was drawing well, but I did notice the build up for the first time. So I reached out the window with the Xikar I got from Tubaman and cut the puppy. Finished nicely.

[jwintosh]

never used a punch,,, always a cutter (or my teeth!!!)

[rick12string]

If you like a punch cutter, try the Xikar Wolf Double Punch. I bought one from my local cigar shop for $19.95. The larger of the two punches on it (42 ring gauge) makes a large hole which opens a 50 ring cigar just about as much as a double G gutter would. Check out this link to Cigar Extras.com. It has a good picture of the cutter. I’ve seen it on other sites also and you may be able to find it on sale. I also have a standard bullet punch and the cutter on that one fits inside the smaller of the two cutters on this double punch. It makes a nice size hole and may be what you’re looking for. I use double G cutters and this one. Like them both.

http://www.cigarextras.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=284

[dpricenator]

How strong is the magnet? I have been eyeing this for a while, but i'm afraid it won't hold and I'll lose a piece.

[Angry Bill]

I rarely use a punch. The only time use one is if I am not at home and the ring gauge of my cigar is too large to get into the blades of the cutter. At home, I have a Four Cutter.

To me, the punch creates a smaller area to concentrate the smoke onto my tongue. I prefer to taste the cigar in a fuller manner. JMHO

[rick12string]

How strong is the magnet? I have been eyeing this for a while, but i'm afraid it won't hold and I'll lose a piece.

I thought about that too at first but haven’t had any problem with it. The magnet is reasonably strong. I’m not concerned about it coming apart and losing anything.

[Garvey]

How strong is the magnet? I have been eyeing this for a while, but i'm afraid it won't hold and I'll lose a piece.

dpricenator --

I have the Xikar punch and I like it very much. But you cannot use it on a keychain -- I did and found myself looking for the punch because it would bump off in my car or pockets because it was dislodged by the keys.

Now I just carry it alone when I need it & don't have a problem.

[smokey the bear]

I always use my xikar. I don't have a great reason for it. A couple of years ago I just switched from a punch to a cutter and never went back.

[TexasHammer]

I prefer a cutter to a punch

[diesel]

I am fond of the cutter.

[bballbaby]

I'm a puncher. Been punching for years. the only time i cut is when i don't punch.

As for the tar build up opthers have mentioned...someone taught me years ago that a way to reduce build up is that everytime you take a draw, blow out slightly through the cigar to push just a small amount of smoke out the lit end of the cigar. So if you ever see me smoke you'll see a small puff of smoke everytime i draw. I can personally attest that it defniitely reduces the bitter taste that can build up when pulling through a cigar and never blowing out.

I've even heard people talk about "purging" a cigar. That's a new term to me, but i assume it's when they take a big breath and blow out the cigar, cauing it to smoke like mad from the lit end. In effect that would help push those resins and tars to the buring end of the cigar and then burn them away.

Regardless of the punch or cut, you're going to have tar and resin build up that needs to be eliminated or incinerated.

[BORIStheBLADE]

I heard somewhere that punching can hold in the flavor of the cigar. Has anyone noticed this?

[BamaRed]

I love my little cheap guillotine cutter... Never punched before, but I could see it being worth a try...

-BR

[TBone]

I cut. Ive noticed I get a different taste when I punch especially torwards the end of the smoke.

[WhiteLightning]

I'm a cutter not a puncher.

[Phrankenstein]

Don’t have a punch, I have a nice looking double G Xikar cutter, but my favorites are “el cheapo” or freebie double G’s! I just like the way they cut and I’ve never had to sharpen one or had any problem with em. Guess I’ll pick up one of those punches and try one out.