Fingernail Love

[Chief StrongLeaf]

I love my Palio cutter. What a difference it makes vs my cuban crafter cutter. Straight clean cuts with ease.

That being said, I also really like using my fingernail to scrape the cap off.

I read the fingernail method is used in the "old country" by the cigar rollers themselves--I don't know how true this is?

Here is a quote from this page: http://www.stogieguys.com/2008/07/07232008-stogie-tips-how-to-properly-cut-a-cigar.html

"A relatively precise cut can be made on non-torpedo cigars by using your nail to slice a circle in the wrapper and binder, which can then be lifted off to expose the filler."

I've never tried it quite like described above, because I tried the nail out before reading this.

I just scrape/chip the cap and binder away with my Finger (not thumb) nail, kind of like scratching the grey foil of a lotto scratch ticket. It takes a little finesse to ensure it comes off without tearing too far down the head, but it's really quite easy to determine just how big you want the hole to be.

Here are some photos of the fingernail cut head of the Tatuaje reserva (out-fricking-standing smoke) I tried last night:

Anyone else use their nail? Why or why not?

 

[Clint]

I love my Palio as well, and use it as intended: To successfully and efficiently cut the cigar WITHOUT damaging the wrapper! Not so willing to risk it my using my blunt fingernail z

 

[BigFoot]

Use my fingernail all the time, sometimes even a tooth to get the cap off. Never once have I damaged the wrapper. Unless you have edward scissor hands, I think you ll be fine and so will the wrapper.

 

[Hoshneer]

I sometimes use my nail, I also have a nice sharp pocket knife I like to keep around. These methods work good.

 

[javajunkie]

actually why i went back and learned how to "bite" off the end of a cigar, to explore some "old school" methods. if you imagine skinning a grape with your teeth, then apply the process to just the very edge of the cap, you can get surprisingly precise cuts. also, bonus preview of flavor while chewing contemplatively on the cap. o)

unfortunately, i keep my nails pared back to nothing. fortunately, between the palio, the choppers, and the gerber micro box cutter i keep as a pocket knife, i always have SOME clean cut.

 

[UpInSmoke]

If I used my nails it would take me 6 days to get it smokeable lol. Nails are ripped down to nothing

 

[YodisMatt]

Might give this and the "bite" a try sometime.