Cutter/Punch Survey

[Phillys]

used to always use a guillotine but only use them for piramides. I am now using a punch mostly and prefer it to the guillotine, but I often use the guillotine to open up the punch if it becomes too restrictive.

I think that some cigars benefit from a different cut depending on how it is rolled. I have noticed that cigars with a pronounced dimple in the cap benefit the most from a punch as the draw is usually perfect. I find that with certain cigars, the punch is too restrictive and needs to be cut just below the shoulder to draw properly.

[tjohn7]

Personally I've been using a guillotine for quite a while now. Interesting to read about the different opinions. May start using a punch in the near future.

[RijkdeGooier]

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.

Ibid

[HarveyBoulevard]

Personally I've been using a guillotine for quite a while now. Interesting to read about the different opinions. May start using a punch in the near future.

I bought a couple punches after reading this thread a while back and smoked 4 or 5 that way. I ended up cutting most of them with my guillotine after a few puffs. Maybe I will give it another shot...or maybe if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[...]

I bought a couple punches after reading this thread a while back and smoked 4 or 5 that way. I ended up cutting most of them with my guillotine after a few puffs. Maybe I will give it another shot...or maybe if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I have had a similar experience. I think one should experiment and never confuse prejudice with informed opinion. Do what feels best. I have punched a few but prefer a straight cut.

[Louich]

I use mostly my bullet casings for punching my cigars.

I have a 30-06, 7mm, 300 win mag and looking for some smaller caliber to 'expand' the selection.

[Bulldog4]

I still only have the cheap 5$ black guillotine cutters but they have worked well I research for a more reliable one. but I mostly just use my fingernail now unless its a torp seems to work better then a cutter

[Lasabar]

I have every cutter I could find. Punch, Palio, Xi3, cheap guillotine, everything except the V-cut. I must say I trust and love the Palio more than anything and even though I just recently bought the Xi3 I have not used it yet (for months) as the Palio is just that great.

I find a punch, when not concentrating on the smoke blasts my tongue with all the intense flavor and burns out my tongue. The cut rolls the smoke through the whole mouth and spreads the love over all my tastebuds.

[Pedro2486]

I use mostly my bullet casings for punching my cigars.

I have a 30-06, 7mm, 300 win mag and looking for some smaller caliber to 'expand' the selection.

So you basically have three 7 mm punches?

Get a 22 or 5.56, a 9mm and a.45

And for the new Cohiba LE a .950 JDJ

[rtrimbath]

Mainly I use a Xikar ZX Guillotine or Xi3, but I like their VX-V cutter as well.

[CdnLimitada]

Punch for everything except a torpedo/pyramid. My wife just bought me a small diameter punch so now I can do my PCs.

[tjohn7]

I bought a couple punches after reading this thread a while back and smoked 4 or 5 that way. I ended up cutting most of them with my guillotine after a few puffs. Maybe I will give it another shot...or maybe if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That's kind of how I feel. After having some really good experiences with sticks from Rob, I explored some old video reviews and the HDM Epi 2 review shows them cutting the cigar differently mid smoke. It made me wonder what the advantages/disadvantages of the different styles would be. Like you said though, I'm having a great experience and don't feel like I want to change. Still nice to know what's out there.

Tom

[TM-US]

Guys (and girls)- please be very mindful about using cartridge cases for anything besides ammunition components. The priming material contains lead, unless you are using somewhat rare, lead-free ammo. If you use a cartridge case to punch a cigar, you will be ingesting a small quantity of lead each time.

I can't say how much, but you should avoid any lead consumption at all, as it can lead to neurological disorders.

If you ream out the primer completely and thoroughly clean the brass, you might be safe.

[leoan]

Usally a Xikar Xi2 cutter, but really depends on how tightly or loosely the cigar was rolled. I usually opt for a punch cuter on my "loose" draw cigars

[fokker4me]

I really like my Xikar folding scissors, but you really need practice at first with these. I'll also use a punch on certain cigars.

[Moogypug]

or this

580-583.jpg

I love Benchmade knives. Quality stuff.

[Lasabar]

I punched a Davidoff No. 2 NC over this past weekend for a rooftop Chicago wedding and it worked out really well. Maybe it was the Whiskey/Gingers but I didn't get that one point on my tongue that was overwhelmed that I normally get with punching. But, the Davidoff is also a well balanced cigar, so that helped.

[Susanne]

I have 2 guillotines (one is ready to retire as its getting dull)... I'll also use one of my "pocket" knives if somehow I don't have a cutter, but do have a good, solid surface as a cutting board. And if I'm out of luck there (say, at a dinner where I'm all dressed up), I'll actually score the cap with a thumbnail until it is liberated.

[ramon_cojones]

I've been using a knife the past few months, love the ceremonial aspect rather than the vulgar chop with the guillotine I do sometimes.

[JohnS]

I also use the Xikar VX V-Cutter or a punch (it came part of my Regal 4-jet butane lighter) on occasion. I only use guillotine cutters for piramide cigars (e.g. Montecristo No.2's).

[cdnstogie]

Cutter.

Used the punch a handful of times, but find I get that 'tar' buildup too easily.

[vitruvius]

I either use this

m765ct.jpg

or this

580-583.jpg

What is the name / vendor for that tool in the first picture ? It seems well made and very solid. Any feedback on how it performs ? Thanks !

[airtrade]

I have been using a cheap punch lately. If the draw is tight I'll cut it with the guillotine.

I like how it leaves the cap in tact.

Sometimes use a V cutter on a PC size stick for the same reason.

[kevfi]

I use a punch for anything with a flat cap. If it needs to be opened up a little more, I use my flat xikar double-bladed cutter.

Of course figurados and torpedoes I cut with the straight cutter.

Same here.

[iahawk36]

This is what I use....and it is the BEST cutter out there, IMHO. Lifetime replacement guarantee, perfect cut every time....best $15 you'll spend....

http://www.cubancrafters.com/cuban-crafters-perfect-cigar-cutters-cuts-the-exact-amount-off-all-ring-sizes/