Cigar Cutting 101 - In Pictures -

[RGD.]

As it's always a topic of how to cut your cigar - I thought I'd show you how I do it all. First up is the cutters I will be using and the volunteer smokes -
My youngest daughter helped by taking the pictures - not bad for her first time using my camera.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0142.jpg

In this picture is what I consider the best way to learn to cut the correct amount off. Now I am using an XiKar here but most all cutters will work the same way. Start by opening your cutter and laying it flat on a surface.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0146.jpg

Now insert your smoke directly into the center - then snap the cutter shut.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0147.jpg

You should end up with a perfectly cut smoke ready to enjoy.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0149.jpg

__________________

[RGD.]

For the next cut we will prepare a torpedo shape cigar. Here I am using the Palio.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0150.jpg

Inserting the tip into the cutter somewhere between 1/4" to maybe 3/8". Remember that you can always cut off more if the draw is not good enough for you.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0151.jpg

Ready to go!

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0152.jpg

[RGD.]

Again using the Palio we will do a traditional cut. Just like the first example except no table.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0153.jpg

What I am trying to do is to just take off the cap - and nothing more.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0154.jpg

Mission accomplished!

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0155.jpg

Notice how thin the slice is. Again if you have a bad draw you could either re-cut or grab your Henry's Tool -

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0156.jpg

[RGD.]

And lastly is the punch. Mine is made by Donatus Solingen - it contains two sizes of cutters. You simply twist the end cap to get whatever size that you need.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0157.jpg

I grasp and cradle the cigar in my left hand, and using my thumb as a guide, position the cutter against it.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0158.jpg

Once I get it where I want it then it's a simple twist. I normally go clockwise with slight pressure as it cuts into it. With a little practice you can feel when it goes throught the cap.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0159.jpg

Once through the cap, a slight wiggle and the cut part simply falls right on out.


http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/cscut/IMG_0160.jpg


And there ya go. I'm sure everyone has a favorite cutter and technique - but those are mine.

Good luck with it all!


Ron

[dccraft]

Great pictures and info. Thanks for the tutorial.

[Mugen910]

Great pictures and info. Thanks for the tutorial.

:tpd::tu

[68TriShield]

Thanks for posting this Ron!

[Wolfgang]

WOW! I have been doing it wrong the whole time!!! I have been using my teeth:ss:tu

Great thread. Love the pictures

[Coz77]

I remeber this thread...fantastic post...should be a sticky!

Hey RGD...Put your florist foam to bead conversion post up too! I followed that one step by step to convert my creedos. :tu

[RailRunner]

Cool tutorial Ron!

WOW! I have been doing it wrong the whole time!!! I have been using my teeth:ss:tu

Great thread. Love the pictures
:bh:r rofl!

[RGD.]

I remeber this thread...fantastic post...should be a sticky!

Hey RGD...Put your florist foam to bead conversion post up too! I followed that one step by step to convert my creedos. :tu

Fixin to get ready to . . .:D


Ron

[zmancbr]

Nice tutorial! :tu

[GWags]

Thanks! - I've been cutting off too much ...

[Rabidsquirrel]

Thanks, I've been looking for something like this.

[FriskyDingo]

Way to go RGD! Thanks for the info!

[BlackDog]

Thanks for the tutorial. I use the table top method with my Xikar too.

[Jay Hemingway]

nice work here. :ss

[Hardcz]

Very awesome, glad you posted this...next up.... V cut?

[Tombstone]

Looks familiar ;)

[elderboy02]

That is awesome sir! Thanks for posting this. Where can you buy that punch cutter at? Mine is a cheapo that makes too small of a hole.

[IndyRob]

hmm, I never thought about using my xikar flat on the table like that... I'm going to have to try that tonight.

[Boobar]

Great tutorial, thanks. :ss

[Molarman777]

Thanks for posting this thread.... a year to late! I have masacerd so many cigars but not now!


Using your teeth I know a good dentist if things go bad:D.


jason

[Scottw]

Nicely done, thank you!

[gvarsity]

This would be a nice sticky in a noob or cigar basics area. I second the call for a v-cut addition as well. My particular favorite in general.

[md4958]

nicely done... never seen a punch like that either