Cutter/Punch Survey

[brazoseagle]

What type (not brand) of cutter/punch does everyone prefer and why?

[tmac77]

99% of the time I use my Xikar X8. Like cutting butter with a hot knife.

[James4226c]

Xikar Xi because its easy to carry. But if mobility wasn't an issue I would use a siglo/davidoff style scissor.

[riazp]

guillotine cutter, currently using a siglo cutter, looking to get a xikar XI3 cutter. I also use a siglo punch cutter for petit robusto sized cigars...I find it gives them a better draw and burn

[laficion]

Guillotine!!! Maybe because I'm French ?

[Lotusguy]

Missing an option for "multiple" - I use scissors at home, and a guilloutine cutter (Palio or Xikar Ti) or a punch (Xikar) when away, depending on the cigar.

[TonyV]

Guillotine,cuban crafter perfecto,takes the guess work out of where to cut.

[brazoseagle]

Guillotine,cuban crafter perfecto,takes the guess work out of where to cut.

I have several Cuban Crafter products and have had problems with quality. I have a perfecto and the blades come out of the housing every time I use it. I agree the concept is awesome, the craftsmanship is lacking.

[brazoseagle]

Double blade. Kinda surprised at how many people are using a guillotine. I find it pinches the cigar before cutting and occasionally ruins the wrapper at the head.

Isn't a double blade still guillotine style/function?

[Cohiba Stevie]

Xikar Xi1. I also have a palio and it's pure ****. I've ranted about it before on here, it's my only gripe about cigar forums, I think hype and things like group buys mask the true products ability. Next time I will just trawl for honest and in depth reviews.

[perfectform]

Once I tried scissors, I never wanted to use anything else. The only reason I do is because they broke.

[anacostiakat]

I use a punch on and larger ring size cigars. I dont smoke a lot of those so I dont us a punch much. Sometimes on a robusto too.

I prefer a scissors but I cycle my cutters (and lighters) so I use a guillotine as well.

I am utilitarian. . .

[maverickdrinker]

been using a punch lately. only use the palio on torpedos.

[KarlJ]

Isn't a double blade still guillotine style/function?

I'd consider a guillotine a single blade cut, if the blade isn't kept sharp I'd think it would crush as it cuts.

Double blade is a scissor type action with 2 blades working together to make the cut

[KarlJ]

I use a scissor type cutter (xikar). I like that there are no holes or loops to put my fingers in so using it is effortless, It looks nice and the double blades remove the cap cleanly and quickly. I have owned it for many years and never felt the need for something different. -Karl

[Lotusguy]

I'd consider a guillotine a single blade cut, if the blade isn't kept sharp I'd think it would crush as it cuts.

Double blade is a scissor type action with 2 blades working together to make the cut

I guess I need to change my statement from "guillotine" to "double blade" then

My Donatus Scissors are by far my preferred tool but they don't fit in my pocket when I am not home

[matt14]

HAd 3 xikar all crap, one fell apart , and the other 2 wouldnt close evenly would never buy again, Palio on the other hand excellent, razor sharp and easy to use.

[Lotusguy]

whatever you use, I highly recommend to go with a cutter that has a no-hassle lifetime replacement warranty (like Xikar or Palio)

[Guest rob]

I use just about anything.

- Xikars (I have a couple of different models)

- My fingernail (actually does a great job once you fine tune and learn to do it properly)

- My Kershaw pocket knife is one of my favorite methods.

[Wil]

I use a Palio. Great cutter.

[Habanos2000]

I used a double guillotine for years until I replaced my Blazer mini torch lighter with a Xikar Element lighter. I didn't notice the punch at the bottom at first, but I'm a convert. Never a worry that a wrapper might tear and one less thing to carry around in my pocket.

[livedavid]

Like a lot of people here, I don't only use one tool for cutting. As of right now, I use a guillotine (Palio), a punch (Xikar 009), and a V-Cutter (Wolf). It all depends on the cigar and my mood. The only reason I don't use a scissor is that I don't own one.

Now with that said, I prefer the guillotine. To me, it is the most versatile of cutters, easily slicing through everything I smoke (Gauges 40-50). There also seems to be an abundance of styles, shapes, brands and prices of guillotine style cutters making it both the most common and extraordinary of the four types. No matter the type of cutter/punch, my ultimate preference is for the sharpest one.

[Michel1968]

Palio cutter and Passatore punch. Tried a Donatus scissor a while ago and it's something that got my attention...

[Ghabanos]

Can't believe there are so few punch fans. Keeps the cut clean...and like to keep the look of the cap...

[joeypots]

I use a Xikar. I got it free with a box of cigars in the mid nineties. I contacted them when the screws got loose a few years ago about getting them tightened. They simply replaced the cutter when I sent it in.

I do find I use a punch now and then but sometimes the tars gather in the hole and I have to cut the cigar with the Xikar.