Choosing the Right Cigar Cutter
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Posted On :
Nov-07-2011
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Article Word Count :
780
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If there’s one thing that most people don’t realize about cutting cigars before smoking them, it’s that there are many different ways to do so. Some are more efficient, some are more proper, and still some are unconventional (and are usually last resorts!). There are pros and cons to each cigar cutter—a special mechanical tool designed to snip off one end of a cigar in order for the cigar to be properly smoked.
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It is important to note that the end of a cigar that is snipped is the covered end, the cap. The cap is made up of small pieces of a wrapper that is pasted on to one end of a cigar, either by using a natural tobacco paste or a mixture of flour and water. Make sure you cut the cigar at the spot where the curved end starts to straighten out. You should never cut the open end, the foot, of the cigar.
Let’s just cover the basics when it comes to choosing the right cigar cutter. There are three main types of cigar cutters: the guillotine (also known as a straight cut), the V-cut (this can have various other names associated with it), and the punch cut.
The most common type of cutter is the guillotine cutter, which creates a straight cut to expose the tobacco beneath the cap. There are single- and double-bladed straight cutters, but most prefer to use the double-bladed cutters as they obviously create a cleaner cut.
Pros to guillotine cutters:
*Easy and essentially safe to carry in pockets.
*Least expensive.
*Practical and reliable.
Cons:
*Usually best only for cigars with smaller ring gauges.
*May take some practice getting used to using properly.
*Must be done quickly to discourage tearing or ruining the end of the cigar.
V-cutters are similar to guillotine cutters but instead of cutting straight across, they create a wedge-shape in the end of the cap. Good ones usually cut further into the filler tobacco than guillotine cutters do and are often the preferred cutting tool for thicker gauge cigars.
Pros to V-cutters:
*More concentrated smoke (if this is something you are looking for).
*Easier to use on thicker cigars.
Cons:
*May cut too deep into the filler tobacco, causing uneven burn.
*For those who chew on their stogies, the end may fall apart or get clogged.
*May take some practice getting used to using properly.
*Must be done quickly to discourage tearing or ruining the end of the cigar.
The last of the main types of cutters is the punch cut. Within the group of “punch cutters” are three basic types of punches—the bullet punch, the Havana punch, and the multi-punch.
The bullet punch is a small bullet-shaped device that can fit on a keychain. To use, simply twist off the cap and ta-da! you find a circular blade that will cut a hole in the cap. Just press into the end of your stogie and enjoy!
A Havana punch is like a bullet punch, only the blade is recessed. When a button is pressed the blade springs out; simply place on the end of your cigar, press the button, and that’s it.
Multi-punches are just what you think they are—devices that come with blades to make different-sized holes for different sizes of cigars.
Pros to punch cutters:
*Easy to use and carry.
*Durable and inexpensive.
*Quick, nearly foolproof in execution.
*Exposes less filler and binder, reducing the odds of tobacco ending up in your mouth.
Cons:
*Does not allow as much smoke to come out.
*Hole often gets clogged (saliva, tobacco buildup, etc).
*For the bullet punches, the removable cap can easily be lost.
There are a few unconventional ways to cut the end of stogies as well. I cringe as I write some of these, but alas everyone has to turn to a last resort sometimes!
One cringe-worthy way to cut a stogie is to simply bite off the cap. This is quick, but often leaves the end of the cigar cut jaggedly and harshly, causing an uneven burn and loss of smoke-able tobacco. Another is to use regular scissors or a knife to cut off the end. These devices are not made for the specific purpose of cutting a cigar and may result in the same conclusions as biting the end off. A third way to cut cigars (and a very acceptable way!) is to use cigar scissors. They leave a similar cut to a straight cutter and may be more beneficial, but tend to be expensive and cumbersome.
All-in-all, it comes down to preference. Some prefer one method while others swear by another. I suggest trying each out and tailoring your choice to your preferences (do you like concentrated smoke? Do you prefer convenience over effectiveness? Do you smoke thicker or thinner gauge cigars?).
As always, use these devices with caution! Improper use of a cigar cutter can create dire consequences—wouldn’t want to mistake your finger for a cigar, would you?
Good luck—and happy lighting!
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Choosing the Right Cigar Cutter_101089.aspx
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Author Resource :
StogieBoys is America’s fastest growing online cigar retailer. With over 1400 products and years of industry knowledge, StogieBoys is the #1 choice for cigars, accessories, and information.
Check out the line of Premium Cigars, Cigar Gifts, Cigar Accessories, and Cigar Samplers; also look for Smoking Clubs or Cigar Smoking Clubs.
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Keywords :
Cigars, Cigar Shop, Cigar Lighters, Cigar Gifts, Cigar Samplers, Humidor, Cigar Cutters,
Category :
Product Reviews
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Product Reviews
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