Giving Up on Cutters

[mjohop]

At the beginning of Spring I found myself not using cutters, I developed an affinity for biting. Not mangling or destroying the cap but just shaving a little off the top of the cap. I do this no matter the shape or size and through trial and error I've perfected a technique that gives me a great draw.

I have my share of cutters, including one of the Xikar Mayan cutters, and have no fear of losing or damaging them, but I still love the bite...it just feels natural.

Has anyone else moved to the bite? I stick out like a sore thumb being the manager of a B&M and not whipping out a nice cutter when its time to light up.

 

[SurpriseMVP]

Have only ever tried the bite once and that was it. I now just barely skim my cutter on the edge of the cap to remove it and don't cut into the filler at all.

 

[Hoshneer]

I always find the bite comes in handy from time to time. There are people that think its blasphemy but do what you like. Its your personal traditions that make a smoke enjoyable. I also like to carry a very sharp pocket knife to cut my cigars.

 

[bugbear]

Have only ever tried the bite once and that was it. I now just barely skim my cutter on the edge of the cap to remove it and don't cut into the filler at all.

I do the same, just a sliver with my Palio

 

[HarleyMark13]

I mostly use a pocket knife to peal the top of the cap off, but if I'm without a blade I give 'er the teeth works great and less stuff to carry with you.

 

[javajunkie]

i have never perfected the bite, and love the day i ponied up for a palio, but it sounds like you have got down pat EXACTLY how to do it. good on you!

and now i am going to have to try it. just not with anything out of my good stash, until (if) i get it down. o)

 

[CO Smokes]

The only way the bite ever worked for me was to put the cigar in my mouth and moisten the cap a little and once it gets a bit softer just pull a tiny piece off with my teeth. Never got used to it completely though and only do it in a pinch.

 

[Chrisso]

Excuse me for my ignorance, but is there not a binder also between the cap and the filler?

I was thinking about this bite process the other day, and though that it wouldnt work still just do to the binder being there....... But thinking about my cuts each and every time, I dont see anything extra there.... soooo.... I unno?

-Chrisso

 

[javajunkie]

Excuse me for my ignorance, but is there not a binder also between the cap and the filler?

I was thinking about this bite process the other day, and though that it wouldnt work still just do to the binder being there....... But thinking about my cuts each and every time, I dont see anything extra there.... soooo.... I unno?

-Chrisso

no, usually the binder holds up thought the shoulder (rounding portion of the cap), and the cap literally caps it all off. and helps keep form during smoking.

you want to see for yourself, smoke one with a bullet cut. afterwards (when cool), take a very sharp blade to the remainder, do a little dissection. it can be very telling. then go wash up, as that will linger. o)

 

[maverickdrinker]

I use a punch for everything except torpedos.

 

[Chrisso]

I didnt think about doing that JJ, thanks for the 2 cents.

been wanting to show the wife a stick from the inside out.

-Chrisso

 

[Cigary43]

I've tried biting the tip off but it soon turns into a problem because one needs a good cut to smoke cigars...biting the cap off and then smoking it will increase saliva flow onto the head turning it into a mess after awhile esp. on the longer cigars. At the end of the day it is up to the smoker as to what they like.

 

[GoingPostal]

I've done the bite technique few times i don't have a cutter. I had the same problem you did using cutter till i moistened the cap a bit. Also jfire posted a video where he gave good tip on putting pressure on the cap while you cut. Punch cuts are also an option just make sure you a large enough punch for the RG your smoking, too small and you'll have tar build up problem. There is also the V-cut my new favorite cut for larger RG and figurados.

 

[limdull]

I've tried biting the tip off but it soon turns into a problem because one needs a good cut to smoke cigars...biting the cap off and then smoking it will increase saliva flow onto the head turning it into a mess after awhile esp. on the longer cigars. At the end of the day it is up to the smoker as to what they like.

this makes no sense

 

[mwlabel]

I just bought a bunch of punches off cbid, so I'll at least have one on each set of my keys. Won't ever need to bite the cap.

 

[vperlman]

To me, biting the cap on a cigar is like cleaning an antique table by banging it on the floor. JMO, YMMV.

 

[CigarGavin]

To me, biting the cap on a cigar is like cleaning an antique table by banging it on the floor. JMO, YMMV.

Haha, ive done it once to a 2 dollar house blend and even then I felt like I was ruining it IMHO

 

[Cigary43]

I've tried biting the tip off but it soon turns into a problem because one needs a good cut to smoke cigars...biting the cap off and then smoking it will increase saliva flow onto the head turning it into a mess after awhile esp. on the longer cigars. At the end of the day it is up to the smoker as to what they like.

this makes no sense

Neither does your response because you didn't point out what didn't make sense to you...with 3 posts I can understand why.

 

[ciggy]

I'm to much of a neat freak...cannot even think about biting off the cap without sending chills down my spine. Must use a cutter or it would bug the shit out of me.

 

[mdwest]

I just bought a bunch of punches off cbid, so I'll at least have one on each set of my keys. Won't ever need to bite the cap.

i use the same solution...

i prefer cutters over a punch..

but I keep a punch on my key ring, my favorite lighter has a punch built into it, and I keep a punch in my laptop bag, travel backpack, etc... that way I am never without...

will never reach for a punch first...

but Ive found that keeping a bunch of cheap ones around is a convienient and easy solution...