Is this your first time smoking a cigar? Then it's time to learn how to cut one properly. Even if you don't want to smoke it yourself, it can still be useful to know, perhaps to cut cigars for others at a party or reception.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Method 1 of 4: Straight Cut with the Double Blade Guillotine
Step 1. Choose the right end of the cigar to cut
This is the part of the cigar that you put in your mouth and which is called the "head" of the cigar. The opposite end of the cigar is instead known as the "foot". The head is recognizable by the fact that it is closed by a cap, a circular tobacco cutout attached to the head in order to keep the outermost tobacco leaf of the cigar secured.
The head is also easily recognizable by the fact that it is the end closest to the label (the one with the brand) that wraps the cigar
Step 2. Identify where the cigar's “shoulder” ends
The shoulder is the point where the curved end of the cigar begins to straighten. The point where you will need to cut is just above the shoulder, where the curved part is still intact.
Step 3. Hold the cigar cutter between your thumb and forefinger, using your dominant hand
Step 4. Put the cigar in the cigar cutter and close one eye to align it correctly
Place it in such a way as to cut it just above the shoulder.
Remember that it is always better to cut a little less than a little more. You can always retrace your steps and shorten some more, but it's impossible to reattach a piece of cigar after you've cut it. Better to act with caution so as not to regret it later
Step 5. Cut the cigar quickly, in one smooth motion and using as much force as you can
With the other hand, keep a firm grip on the cigar and make sure you don't let it move until it is cut clean.
- The key factor here is speed. You have to make the guillotine slice the cigar clean and not slowly tear it apart.
- Make sure you get a sharp cigar cutter. As with a kitchen knife, the sharper your guillotine the better. Unless you hit clumsy (let's do the spells!) You will never regret having a tool as sharp as possible.
Method 2 of 4: Method 2 of 4: Puncture with the cigar punch
Step 1. Get a cigar puncher
A cigar puncher simply punches a hole in the head of the cigar. There are three different types of cigar punches available:
- Bullet cigar punch: fits on a chain key ring; spinning it reveals a small blade that makes a hole in the cigar's head.
- Havana model cigar punch: safer than a bullet cigar cutter, it has a recessed part that can be inserted into the cigar head and which removes the tobacco residue after piercing.
- Multi-Blade Cigar Punch: Offers different blade sizes for piercing cigars of different sizes.
Step 2. Take a cigar cutter, possibly the most suitable size, and push the blade into the cap
Step 3. After the blade is inserted into the cap, rotate it until you get a hole, then pull the blade out
The removed part will also come out.
Method 3 of 4: Method 3 of 4: Wedge cut with a V-scissor
Step 1. Use V-shaped scissors to get a bigger draft
A cigar cutter of this type offers smokers a higher draft by cutting deeper inside the cigar. A contraindication to the use of the V-shaped scissors is that it sometimes causes an excessive draft, making the cigar smoke too hot.
- A good V-scissor is considered a tabletop item and is too heavy to carry around. A small scissor is as big as any small cigar cutter and can cost as little as 5 euros.
- A V-shaped scissor does not remove an excessive part of the head, which could cause the cigar to open.
Step 2. Hold the cigar in one hand and the cigar cutter in the other (the dominant one), the cigar cutter must have open blades
Step 3. Insert the cigar into the indentation of the cigar cutter
Be careful not to insert the cigar head too deep or the cut may be excessive.
Step 4. Push the cigar towards the cigar cutter and close the blades together
Remove the tobacco remnants from the cigar by lightly tapping the ashtray or lightly blowing on the cut made.
Method 4 of 4: Method 4 of 4: Bite
Step 1. Be aware that the bite is inaccurate and can result in a poor smoke
Although this method is strongly discouraged, you can use it in desperate situations. However, if you have the option of making a straight cut, puncture, or wedge cut, opt for these methods rather than biting off the hood.
Step 2. Place your teeth as if they were the blades of a guillotine cigar cutter
Step 3. Bite the cigar gently, a few times, as you rotate it
Step 4. After a few bites the cap will come off and can be removed manually or with the mouth
Advice
Always choose a good quality cigar cutter, in order to cut the cigars in the most appropriate way, and remember: the sharper it is the better
Warnings
- Removing an excessive part of the cap can cause the detachment of the outermost tobacco leaf, while removing a too small piece could cause a too difficult draft with the risk that the cigar goes out.
- Make sure you cut the cap quickly and cleanly and in one motion, otherwise your cigar could get damaged and become useless.
