dull cutter and punch?

[nightowl]

Sometimes when I cut or use a punch on a cigar, the cap of the cigar comes off. Both the cutter and punch I use were not that expensive, $10 each.
Could they be dull and pinching or something when I use them?
Also when cutting a cigar like a rothchild, It looks like the cap would be cut off when using a cutter, It doesn't go very far onto the cigar so when you would cut it, you would be cutting the whole cap off? I usually use a punch on these. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Volusianator]

It's possible that a cheaper cutter would get duller than a more name brand one, i.e. Palio, Xikar or SAK (which IMHO has the sharpest blades on the planet.)

On the question of cutting off the cap...just don't cut as much! Is it fair to say that you're a newer cigar smoker? If so, you'll refine your technique on cutting, get a nice cutter as mentioned above and you'll see your cuts improve. As I said, there's also much to be said for your technique. For me, it's kind of like riding a motorcycle, I don't ask my bike to shift, I tell it when to shift. Same for cutting a cigar, don't hesitate or cut like a wuss, cut the thing like a man. Now by that I don't mean as fast as you can, just when ready, make a smooth solid cut, medium pace and you'll be just fine.

Wade

 

[Volusianator]

As for the punch...not sure, I never punch as to much tar builds up in the cap end. IMHO, I'm not sure why punches are even made, I see no use for them whatsoever. Again, just my HO.

 

[daniyal]

Cutters and punches do tend to get dull with use I have several cheap punches and cutters that are now completely useless because the blades have lost their edge but are always good to give to a poser.

 

[nightowl]

On the question of cutting off the cap...just don't cut as much! Is it fair to say that you're a newer cigar smoker?

Wade

Fairly new to smoking good cigars. Have smoked store bought crap for a few years until I smoked a real cigar.
As far as cutting, I like Punch Rothchilds, it just seens if I cut 1/16-1/18" off the cigar, the whole cap is going to be cut off, so I usually use a punch instead of a cutter.

 

[Volusianator]

There's certain cigars, take the Sancho Panza Double Maduro line for example that no matter what, every time you cut one the entire cap comes off, just nature of the beast with that cigar. I'll look at the Punch Rothchild today at the shop and cut one just to get a better idea of what you mean and get back to you.

Try this next time:

Lay your cutter in the open position on a table
set the cap end of your cigar in the cutter, with the cutter still on the table
snap the cutter closed while holding the cigar upright with the cap end resting on the table

This should in nearly all cases not remove the entire cap.

 

[CWS]

Try this next time:

Lay your cutter in the open position on a table
set the cap end of your cigar in the cutter, with the cutter still on the table
snap the cutter closed while holding the cigar upright with the cap end resting on the table

This should in nearly all cases not remove the entire cap.

This is a great idea to learn how to cut a cigar. Too often folks cut way too much. If you have a dull cutter it is harder to shave the cap and get a good cut. Try to cut as little as possible. Shave the cap.

Invest in a good cutter. A palio is a great investment. The SAk and Xikar are also good but a little harder to learn how to use.

 

[Cigary43]

A friend of mine told me how to ensure a good cut even when your cutter might be a bit dull. He told me to slightly moisten the head of the cigar in your mouth,,,don't saturate it but just slightly moisten so that when you make your cut it won't unravel as if it were a dry cut. A dull blade will cut better if the tobacco is slightly moist and I have been following this rule for the last 10 years and have not had a problem. I have some great cutters but when I don't have mine with me and have to use those cheapies, this method works great.

 

[nightowl]

Lay your cutter in the open position on a table
set the cap end of your cigar in the cutter, with the cutter still on the table
snap the cutter closed while holding the cigar upright with the cap end resting on the table

I tried cutting that way and it worked well.
Thanks for everyones input.

 

[rick12string]

As for the punch...not sure, I never punch as to much tar builds up in the cap end. IMHO, I'm not sure why punches are even made, I see no use for them whatsoever. Again, just my HO.

Wade
Try taking a look at the Xikar 357 Double Mag Cigar Punch also called the Xikar Wolf Magnetic Cigar Double Punch Cutter. It has two sizes (double ended). I agree with you about the smaller punch sizes but the smaller one on this punch is larger than any bullet punch I’ve ever used and the larger punch will open a 50 ring cigar about as large as you can with a guillotine as long if you plan on leaving some cap intact. I use it often and it makes a very nice cut and no tar build up. Also a lot if times it removes the cap leaving the filler slightly recessed instead of flush with the cut so you don’t have small pieces of filler coming off while smoking some cigars.

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

 

[Gummi Bear]

I use a punch 95% of the time, unless of course it's a torpedo, or other shaped cigar. I can always follow it up with a short shave if the oils become too much. Some folks just don't like the draw, some just have problems with damaging good cigars using a punch.

I seldom ever have problems with a punch (I have a Xikar 007 punch, and a pair of Xikar MTX scissors)

Moisten the head like you did before, and turn the punch slightly as you press down lightly on the head of the cigar. Continue turning it back and forth until you feel it get through the wrapper and cap. Gently extract it, and you're good to go. It takes a little time, but it's a part of my routine. It takes me a while to light my smoke too compared to other folks.

 

[vperlman]

No matter what kind of cutter you use, the cutting edges will stop working as efficiently as chemicals from the cigar build up. Just wipe the cutting edges down periodically with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. You will be amazed at the difference.

 

[Hardcore]

As for the punch...not sure, I never punch as to much tar builds up in the cap end. IMHO, I'm not sure why punches are even made, I see no use for them whatsoever. Again, just my HO.

I hear you. I've used punches, but the build up in the cap stinks. I used cheap freebie cutters for awhile until I grew tired of screwing up a great smoke. Now I love my xikar mtx. A perfect cut every time. It didn't break the wallet either. Sure a good cutter may cost a little more. But think of all the cigars you'll save. Also if my xikar ever gets dull they will replace it. No questions asked. For me it was a no brainier. Now if I could just find a good v-cutter....

 

[vperlman]

... Now if I could just find a good v-cutter....

Good luck. And let me know, if you do.

 

[architeuthis]

There's certain cigars, take the Sancho Panza Double Maduro line for example that no matter what, every time you cut one the entire cap comes off, just nature of the beast with that cigar. I'll look at the Punch Rothchild today at the shop and cut one just to get a better idea of what you mean and get back to you.

Try this next time:

Lay your cutter in the open position on a table
set the cap end of your cigar in the cutter, with the cutter still on the table
snap the cutter closed while holding the cigar upright with the cap end resting on the table

This should in nearly all cases not remove the entire cap.

The cutter I use has a built-in backstop. It allows for a perfect cut (about 1/16 inch) each and every time. The sucker is sharp as hell also... <G>

 

[Swampfox21]

Ive used a punch only 3 times and all 3 times it wasnt really a punch it was just a .40 shell when i got back from the range... but if you want a good cutter cheap, i recommend craftsmans bench cutter they are great and only about 7 bucks. they also make a punch if you really want a punch.

 

[Donk]

actually I'm kinda pissed, I think my xikar is getting dull, Which means I would have to mail it in and wait for ever to get it back. How ever I would love to get a Palio cutter, Wade let me use his and Damn what a sharp cut that was.

 

[Gummi Bear]

actually I'm kinda pissed, I think my xikar is getting dull, Which means I would have to mail it in and wait for ever to get it back. How ever I would love to get a Palio cutter, Wade let me use his and Damn what a sharp cut that was.

No need to mail it in, any local shop should exchange it for you so long as they're a dealer. It's part of the Xikar program.

The Palio is sure nice too. I'm hoping Santa comes through with one for me this year. :eyebrow:

 

[Hardcore]

Good luck. And let me know, if you do.

Ya I sure will. All I can find are the cheap plastic ones. And they only last for so long. That's the only cheap cutter I use. Sometimes I just like a cats eye cut.