What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I've searched through the Accessory threads for discussions on cutters and ones on Xikar vs Palio or using punches. I think there was even a thread about using knives to remove the caps.

So here is the question stated another way: How do you prep the end of your cigar?
And the follow questions: Do you prefer a particular brand name tool or have you found a generic one that works? Do you prefer cutter or punch or V notch or pocket knife?


I'll start. My first cutter was just a generic cheapie one and it worked pretty well. I bought a Cigar Star one online and it was useless. The blades were loose and dull. Finally I received a Palio from SilverFox in my first NST. It has always worked perfectly for me. I haven't had the opportunity to try any others.

I have used a punch on a few occasions, but generally prefer a cut. I have had to use a knife once or twice, but still prefer a cutter.

I have never used a V Notch or scissors.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I prefer to punch, otherwise I cut with the Palio that Mark (Conch Republican) gifted me.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I used to punch all my sticks. Now I use my Palio and clip it!! :tu

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Why? Just curious.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I prefer a punch as well when the cigar is within the "right" ring guage zone for me, otherwise I'll cut it with a double-blade guillotine.

I currently use a cheapo $2 punch that's easily replaced and also a $3 cheapo guillotine. The problem is that, though easily replaced, they are OFTEN replaced. :r I'll be getting a better quality punch and cutter ASAP.

I prefer the punch cut because in my opinion it preserves the integrity of the structure of the cap and head of the cigar more than any other cut. The problems I've run into are that too small RG cigars are difficult to punch, too large RG cigars won't smoke as well (for me) when punched, and cigars with delicate, fragile or dry wrappers crack to hell and gone when my paws get a hold of them and try to punch. In all those cases I'll use the cutter instead.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I started with a cheap guillotine, then bought a Xikar and then a Palio.
I also tried a punch once when I first started with cigars but had difficulty with the draw and have been using either the Xikar or Palio exclusively.
I recently tried (an inexpensive) punch again and now use it on occasion when I am smoking something other than a torpedo, which are my favorite vitola.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Cool. Thanks for the info.:tu

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Ditto on the punch. I received the one I currently use from Smokin Gator through the NST II. My first cutter was a cheap plastic Macanudo single blade which worked but sucked. My next was a double guillotine ss cutter from China via Ebay that cost like $3 but works great. I am currently using a fiberglass xicar cutter that I got free with a fiver from Monster. The xicar is great. Haven't tried a Palio but I think I'd like to get one in the future.

By the way, I've seen one person use there teeth with some success.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Hm.. I have a punch for smaller cigars or sometimes cheaper cigars that don't hold up to cutting as well. Also, I keep the punch with me, so if I find myself smoking a cigar when I wasn't planing to, I'm set.

As for cutters, I have a few cheap metal ones. They seem to work well. I've never tried a Palio. How much are they? Are they worth extra cash?

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I punch with the bottom of my Xikar Element or if its a torp the Xi1. I prefer the punch seems to stay cleaner and find to get a bit more flavor or maybe that's just in my head, but that's what I do.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

It's harder for me to **** up the cap with a punch then with a cutter :) I also get less tobacco in my mouth and the cigar won't unravel on me.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

If it's something with a tightly rolled pigtail like the Kristoffs, I'll just bite it off. Otherwise, it's my Palio. I think I paid just under $50 for mine, but they also have a lifetime warranty. I had an issue with the tabs on the rails jamming, and Palio replaced it. So now I'm thinking of getting another one to replace the cheapie Wolf cutter I carry in my golf bag.
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Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I have cheapies of both a double blade cutter and a punch. I pick which one to use depending on the cigar cap. If I have issues with my cheapies I may look at something better but until then they work for now.
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Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

My first choice is my Palio cutter, damn I love that cutter, than comes my Wolf V-Cutter and than my punch (54 and above cigars).

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I have tried pretty much every cutter out there and now that my stash of Havana Cigar Cutters has run dry (my previous favorite) I use a Cuban Crafters Perfect Cigar Cutter.
For me the Cuban Crafters cutter at $15.00 is a steal! Great clean cut, heavy duty construction, lifetime warranty.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I started by using a razor blade, while I waited for my Xikar to be sent.

I used that for a while then Navydoc sent me a Palio cutter and brother I love that cutter.

I see what you guys are saying about a punch and I think I will have to try that out some day. But for now I am all about my Palio!

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

SilverFox turned me on to using a Kershaw Onion assisted opening knife to slice off the a smidgen of the cap. If I don't go that way, I use my Xikar.

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In the past I used a knife point to cut a hole in the cap kind of the way a punch would. Today I tried using the blade of a belt knife I have. I rolled the cap over the blade to get through the wrapped, then was able to slice through the binder/filler. It worked pretty good but requires a sharp knife. I think this could also present problems if the stick was dry and brittle.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I almost always use a V cutter. Sometimes I put 2 V's on the larger RG smokes. Habit I guess.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

was primarily a punch for yeays, mainly because it was built into my lighter (Nice triple soft flame Colibri).....now use my Palio with great success

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use a punch by default. Cheapy keyring one. It's just fine. With particularly tough wrappers I just twist it and let the blade do the work. If I'm patient (big if) I don't have any problems. I use a plain old double-bladed guillotine for my Mac Mad Ascots and other quickies.

Those guitar pick looking thingies look interesting though, I may make one or two of them (having a surplus of heavy gauge guitar picks to start with.)

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I used to punch all my sticks. Then I bought a Palio....:tu

Just out of curiosity, having never used a V cutter: do you do two cuts side by side, or at right angles to make an X?
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Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I have a cheapy combo v/guillotine that I usually stick in my pocket, plus a punch on my keyring. Typically I punch larger RG cigars, especially shorter ones like robustos, I feel that the constriction of the punched hole creates a more concentrated flavor and can improve the draw of a loose stick. Also, if the draw is tight after punching, it's no sweat to snip a little more off with the guillotine, ditto the v-cutter for that. I find myself using the V quite often on the longer vitolas in the 50 RG range, I like the way the V-cut preserves the shape of the cap and gives me a little more to hold onto with my teeth from time to time. Also, with a smaller cigar it's fairly easy to make a V-cut and subtly reshape the tip into something resembling the LFD Chisel tip, which I find highly desirable.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

no particular order
Xikar Multi-tool
Palio
Tiffany Punch (that one was a gift)

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use a punch most of the time. I have a couple of nice Xikar ones, but I started using the cheap ones with the rubberized sides from Cbid and am hooked. The are sharp and cut a smaller hole than the Xikars. Like Shawn said... it keeps the tobacco bits out of my mouth.

For torps and pigtails I use a Xikar or a Palio depending on which one is closer. The Palio cuts a little cleaner, but I like the Xikar as well.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use a cheapy punch cutter on most cigars larger than 54 RG. On torpedos or small RG cigars, I use a guillotine cutter. No name brand that I can see, but seems to work ok. Silver all metal, seen in some of my cigar photos. Maybe I can pick up a nicer cutter in the near future.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use a cheap bullet shaped punch most of the time to keep most of the cap intact.

I also have a Colibri cutter (gifted by my lady) that I reach for because it's convenient when I need to snip the cap off.

Palio burl cutter was my latest aquisition, but that only comes out at herfs and other times the chance of losing it are low. :)

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Not sure what you are talking about. Got a pic or link?

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

In the past I used a punch.

Then I bought a Palio, Fantastic! It doesn't ruin the head of even the most delicate cigars (like the punch has a tendency to do)

Never even SEEN a V cut.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

With a smaller rg cigar 44-46 I'll use a cheap punch. Otherwise I use a palio, gifted from Dragonman. The palio is a must for torpedoes. In a pinch I'll use my pocket knife to cut the cap, it takes a sharp knife.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Palio for me. If for some reason mine isnt around v cut with my knife.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I've used just about everything that can be used to cut a cigar, but I now use the Xikar multi-tool and never looked back. It's a fine tool.

Larry

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Palio, probably will never buy a different cutter

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Well I used to use a Palio. But I can't find it now. :( Now I'm back to the quality cheap ones I've come across that have served me well.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use a Xikar Xi2.

I'm going to get myself a Palio someday soon

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use the Cuban Crafter cutter & the Xikar 008 Punch. I've been wanting to try the Wolf V-cutter.


http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar.../toy073107.gif
http://www.xikar.com/images/product/008k.jpg
http://www.xikar.com/images/product/008.jpg

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I have been a V Cut ( cats eye ) person for over 10 years and have tried every cut out there. I use the Boston V Cutter and for my preference there is none better on the market or a better cut. Yes, you can use a V Cut on a torpedo and any shape foot as long as the cutter isn't up against a 60 RG cigar. It's all about preference and if you are going to use a V Cut I strongly suggest a cats eye cut instead of the regular V Cut,,,again there is a difference here.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

My trusty Xikar or the more recent Palio (from SmokeyJoe)... both work awesome!

Never liked the V cut and not a fan of the punch either. I like classic stuff

aj

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use my Davidoff Zino double blade guillotine cutter that my wife bought for me 15 years ago , roughly . Still works like a champ . And just the other night I thought I would look for one on Ebay , found one that the seller misspelled cigar as "sigar" , got it for $17.50 shipped . Saved about $20 over retail . Now I have one that can travel in my cigar caddy . Wouldn't want to lose the one my wife gave me , sentimental reasons . :ss

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I use a Gransfors Bruks hatchet.

Takes some practice and getting used to, but the looks are priceless.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I'd like to see a picture of that. :D

I have a brand new Gransfors Bruks small forest axe.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I buddy of mine gave me this cutter today. I've never seen one like it. 2 sized holes with 2 cutting blades that are connected on one side that acts as a V cutter.

HippoTec is the brand.

Tried his out today on a torp and it cut pretty cleanly. Haven't tried the V cutter yet though.

The blades on mine look a little dull so I figured out how to take it apart so I can try to sharpen it.

Has anyone seen anything like this before?

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I have seen those before, but for the life of me, I can't remember where.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

which one did you go with? Also, have you tried their punch cutter? I too were looking at these before and was interested in buying them but I didn't. I currently have a few cheapies that I got when I bought cigars through a local shop.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Hey Jon,
I use what Cuba Crafters calls their "Perfect" cutter....and so far it has been pretty close to perfect.

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

I have 3 that I use with regularity. #1 choice is my Palio. #2 is my Xikar scissors (because of the sheath I have for it, and the handiness for nubbing a stick). #3 is my SAK; cuts great, but I just don't use it as much as I used to (before the Palio).

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Xikar Punch for every thing that it fits.

Palio for when a cut is needed.


SOG Twitch when none available

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

SOG Twitch?

Shaking Old Guy Twitch? :r:r:r

OK, just funnin' ya.

What is SOG Twitch?

Re: What kind of cutter/punch do you use?
 

Zino Davidoff is what I use. Has been sharp for close to 15 years.

Anyone have a recommendation on something of good quality for larger gauges??? How thick can the Palios cut??