Why Cutting a Cigar Correctly Matters
Premium cigars are hand-rolled and sealed at the head (the end you smoke) with a cap. You must remove part of this cap to create airflow. Cutting too much can cause the wrapper to unravel. Cutting too little restricts the draw.
Learning how to cut a cigar properly ensures:
- Smooth draw
- Even burn
- Preserved wrapper integrity
- Better flavour delivery
Where to Cut a Cigar
The key to knowing where to cut a cigar is identifying the shoulder - the curved area - where the cap ends and the straight body begins.
The Rule:
Cut just above the shoulder line, removing only the cap, not the body. If you cut too high, you will have a tight draw. If you cut too low, the wrapper will unravel. Cut just above the shoulder and you will have the perfect airflow.
When learning how not to ruin a cigar cut, this is the most common mistake beginners make.
Step-by-Step: How to Cut a Cigar Properly
- Inspect the cap - Locate the shoulder, the curved edge near the head.
- Position the cutter - Place the blade just above the shoulder line.
- Commit to the cut - Use a swift, confident motion. Any hesitation will potentially cause a tear.
- Check the Draw - Take a cold draw before lighting. Air should flow freely but with slight resistance.
That’s it! You now know how to cut a cigar properly. Now you know how to cut a cigar, you need to decide on a cutter type
Guillotine Cigar Cutter (Straight Cut)
The guillotine cigar cutter is the most common and beginner-friendly option. It uses either a single or double blade that slices straight across the cigar’s cap. It is best for most cigar sizes and allowing maximum airflow.
This is considered the best way to cut a cigar for a full draw and flavour expression.
Some of the best guillotine cigar cutters:
- ST Dupont - S.T. Dupont cigar cutters are luxury accessories that combine precise engineering with razor-sharp blades to deliver consistently clean, effortless cuts for a smooth draw and enhanced smoking experience.
- Colibri - The Colibri S-Cut is contoured for beauty and to fit securely in your hand. The primary stainless steel blade is spring-loaded and is purposefully designed to meet the secondary blade with almost no space between the two blades to produce a crisp shear off the cap of your cigar.
Punch Cigar Cutter
The punch cigar cutter creates a small circular hole in the cap. It provides a cleaner cut with less chance of the wrapper unraveling, but it does give you a tighter draw and it isn't ideal for smaller ring gauges.
Some of the best punch cigar cutters:
- Xikar - Xikar create a clean, circular opening in a cigar’s cap quick and easy, helping to preserve wrapper integrity and smooth draw. These compact, stainless-steel tools often feature twist or pull-out mechanisms and a lifetime warranty, making them durable, portable accessories that many cigar enthusiasts trust for everyday use.
- Adorini - using high-quality Solingen steel blades to create clean, precise holes without tearing the cigar wrapper, making them practical tools for preserving draw and smoke quality.
Straight cut vs Punch cut: Which is better?
| Feature | Straight Cut | Punch Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | Maximum | Moderate |
| Risk of Damage | Higher if done poorly | Lower |
| Best For | Most cigars | Larger ring gauges |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes | Yes |
Need the perfect cigar for beginners? Find them here.
How Not to Ruin a Cigar Cut
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Cutting Too Deep - Removes structural support and causes unraveling.
- Using a Dull Cutter - Tears the wrapper instead of slicing cleanly.
- Twisting While Cutting - Leads to uneven caps and burn issues.
- Overthinking It - Confidence matters - a quick and clean is better than slow and hesitant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you know where to cut to?
- Never cut too low as the cigar will unravel. Cut conservatively as you can always trim more.
- Can I cut torpedo cigars with any cutter?
- Use a straight cut but remove less of the cap.
- How do you ensure a clean cut every time?
- Make sure your cutter is sharp. A blunt cutter will cause a lot of wrapper damage, rendering your cigar unsmokable.
Written by Oliver Partington
