Cut/Punch Differences?

[WkndSmoker]

I have never liked the punch, the only time I have used it is when I am offered a cigar and the host offers a punch cutter.

 

[unfairtoast]

All the cigars I smoke come pre-punched. :disappoin

 

[ciggy]

The only reason I occasionally punch a cigar (large ring cigar) is to "centralize" the flow of the smoke versus cutting the end off with a Palio.

( and I checked - cant really tell a difference at all)

Ditto here as well...I used a punch when I first started out but most cigars I found were just packed to hard and made it difficult to draw from. Cutting the cigar really made a big difference on making the draw easier which I prefer.

 

[Psojka RP,601]

All the cigars I smoke come pre-punched. :disappoin

:hammersma

:crying:


Quick, who has his addy? :waving:

 

[LiLo]

I experience a bit of oil and tar build up when i punch a cigar. That can alter the flavor profile for me. I ALWAYS use a straight cut.

 

[CWS]

I use a punch on a large ring cigars. The secret is to make sure it is very sharp and not to cut too deep.

 

[elderboy02]

I don't notice a difference at all.

 

[mav_sd]

I use a punch on a large ring cigars. The secret is to make sure it is very sharp and not to cut too deep.

Bingo... sharp cutter and a shallow cut won't compress your leaves...it'll just cut the cap for you.

I am with Chuck, when I have a RG that is too large to smoke comfortably, i'll punch it, but i don't care as much for the larger RG, so it's rare that I pull a punch out to use.

 

[Madvillain]

somewhat different

It can get some tar build up and that is terrible. I try to when I punch is to do three overlapping punches to eliminate that problem as much as possible. Though that is more work than a simple cut

 

[coastalgriff]

I used to v or straight cut most smokes until I got a lighter w/ punch as a birthday gift. Out of convenience I've been using the punch quite a bit. I have definitely noticed an increase in the number of cigars that get tossed due to heavy tar build up. I never had a problem before I started punching everything. I voted for a very distinct difference. I do have a very small punch that I use on all lanceros without problem.

 

[Docbp87]

I've never noticed a difference in flavor. A difference in performance, and burn is definitely possible, and I have noticed it at times. I tend to punch cigars that are either really big, or that seem somewhat less well constructed.

 

[Wink]

I just realized, where different cuts/punches come into play. Torpedo shaped cigars or the sticks which are tied at the end. It's impossible to punch those, I had to use my cutter for the Connecticut the other night. Good cigar, couldn't really tell the difference between punch & cut.

 

[tedp]

I find that punch tends to give more tar on cigars. Not every cigar is like that...but when one does hit a tar spurt...Im done...

+1 on that!

 

[PLUSH]

I'm a Palio straight cut kinda of guy. I like to open things up more than a punch offers. I have used a punch but it is just to feminine for me.

 

[torin]

I'm a cutter not a puncher.

 

[The EVP]

For me, it doesn't so much affect the overall flavors as much as the intensity of those flavors. A punch is going to create a smaller opening and will initially concentrate the smoke to a smaller portion of the palate, giving the smoke a more intense flavor. Whereas a cut make a larger opening and creating a more subdued, creamier smoke.

I prefer cut.

 

[Fafhrd]

As a result I only punch Padrons, and clip everything else. Damn padrons and their dinky little single caps. :skew:

I just peel them off with a fingernail!

 

[Jenks]

I used to use a punch cutter but when I switched to a double-blade I noticed the lack of a tar build-up that sometimes happens when I use a punch. I do think there is a possibility that the punch channels the smoke to make the experiance more intense and that is why I may punch light-bodied sticks if I want more intensity from them.

 

[Rev]

The punch cut or shallow guillotine cut will sometimes cause a hard draw, thus resulting in tar/juice buildup at the tip of the cigar. I cut mine 99% of the time, cut the cap with my teeth the other 1%.

 

[Burning Man]

Still pretty new so I don't notice a big difference. I use my keychain punch more when on the go. :smokingbo