Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review

09-30-2011, 02:55 PM

Just a quick report on my experience with the Shuriken to date. I decided to try this on three cigars so far.

The first one was a 2000'ish CC and the cap cracked. This doesn't surprise me because most of the CC's I have from around that time either are plugged, get cracked caps/heads, or both.

The second was a 2011 AF 858 SG. It cut just fine. There was quite a bit of tar buildup, but this is not unusual for Fuente's Opus, Anejo, SG's, etc. I get a lot of tar with many Fuente products I smoke regardless of the cut. None of the tar actually got in my mouth, unlike other cuts I've used in the past. The draw was great, but I had to insert the cigar into my mouth further than usual. It was awkward at first, but the awkwardness quickly faded. More on the draw at the end of this post.

The third attempt was on a Padron 1000 series, box pressed, smaller RG (longsdal'ish). Because of the box press I had to insert it into the cutter twice, since only three of the blades cut the first time. This time there a little tar one time. The draw was phenomenal when I puffed on the cigar "sideways." I thought the smaller RG would be less preferable with this cut, but it actually served to be much better.

People were really wondering about the draw, possible damage, and the tar with this cutter. As far as damage goes, I think that if a cigar is going to crack with this cutter that it is highly probable that it would have anyway. The tar on the Padron was minimal, and it was very fresh. The tar was heavy on the 858, but as I mentioned, I usually get tar with those anyway, and they are VERY wet right now.

As for the draw issue... After trying the Shuriken out I don;t think the draw control advertisement is a gimmick at all. If I bit down I got little smoke. If I bit down a lot I got copious amounts of smoke. If I bit down somewhere in between I would get volumes of smoke accordingly. By biting down I actually mean applying pressure. I never bit into my cigar. All in all, the draw is controllable using this cutter IMO, and depending on the cigar, could be loosened up when needed.

I only smoked two cigars with this, so my results are inconclusive. However, what I've seen so far I do like. I suggest that if anyone is curious about the Shuriken that they should snatch on up when they see one on sale. I like mine so far. It may not replace my Xikar or Palio, but it is a welcomed distraction, works as it is intended to, and is kind of fun as a functional novelty if nothing else.

Some final thoughts are these.

I wouldn't use this on a $100 cigar, or anything I know I will be nubbing, because the cuts go up about an inch. This is fine for most cigars that get a little meh at that point anyway, but I would not want to waste an inch of a cigar I normally would smoke down to and past the nub.

IDK how a draw tool would work in conjunction with this cut, but I think it might work okay. I'm sure if a DT can push through a plug then it should make it through the cap just fine.

I don't think this will be the next revolutionary cigar accessory, but if you can find one at a decent price, then why not grab one to pass around your herf crew? I got mine for less than I pay for many singles. Why not have a little bit of fun with the Shuriken? I know the BABOTL will likely get a kick out of this thing when we herf tomorrow. Hell, I may even start a box pass at some point soon and throw it in for the ride.

I started this post as a response to a question in another thread and it started to turn into a review, so I am making it just that. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I will try my best to answer them.

Mattso3000 · 09-30-2011, 02:59 PM

Sounds good. Thanks for the review Mario.

shilala · 09-30-2011, 03:27 PM

Nice review, Mario.
I'd like to see it in person, but I'm not sure I'd ever bother with one. Thanks for taking one for the team.

688sonarmen · 09-30-2011, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the review, they mystery is revealed

icehog3 · 09-30-2011, 04:11 PM

Thanks for the review, Mario. I did not use the one you gifted me yet as I did not have a hankering for any NCs last weekend. I will try to give it a go or two this weekend, and will also bring it to the MoB Herf on the 8th for everyone to see and try. Thank you again for the opportunity.

Mario, since you said that you had to put the cigar significantly further in your mouth than you normally do, I take it this would NOT be the cutter to use for P-P-P cigars?

emopunker2004 · 09-30-2011, 04:24 PM

thanks Mario! I'll be trying the one out i have tonight!

10-01-2011, 03:22 AM

Tom, I don't usually wet my cigars. The 858 SG got pretty wet while I smoked it, but the Padron stayed dry the whole time. That being said, I don't think I'd use this cut for a PPP. Then again, usually during a PPP the cigar is wet when I get it. I hope you guys enjoy!

emopunker2004 · 10-01-2011, 08:48 AM

I used mine last night on an AB Tempus. I did like the cut. It did seem to make it smoke cooler to an extent. I found that after I used the cutter that lightly pinching the head of the cigar helped to open up the slits.

N2 GOLD · 10-01-2011, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the review, sound like a must try product...

11-02-2011, 11:01 PM

I have since tried three more cigars with the Shuriken cutter. So far I noticed that this citter works extremely well with smaller RG and when not using sticks that are already known to tar up. I have also noticed that I don't have to place the smaller RG sticks as far into my mouth to open the draw up.

I'll be sure to report back more at a later time.

a) Cain Daytona corona. This one smoked VERY well with zero tar buildup and copious amounts of smoke. It worked like a charm.

b) Gran Habano Reserva (double corona?). This one smoked, but was mostly a fail. It took too much work to continuously clean the tar buildup. Other than that it smoked very well. That didn't matter when I had to wipe it every third draw. However, as long as I wiped it I got no tar in my mouth.

c) OR Viaje Exclusivo robusto. This one smoked like a charm the whole way down. I decided to try the cutter here because I thought it would be nice to smoke a cigar without lopping off the purdy pigtail for once. The experiment was a success and my precious little Excl. robo smoked down to a nub, pigtail in tact.

I also smoked a Berger and Argenti torpedo at one point to see how a torp would fare. I don't recall where in the time span it fell. After the first cut I didn't like the draw, so I rotated the head 180 degrees and cut it again. It worked out fine, but was just an unremarkable cigar.

09-30-2011, 02:55 PM	#1
mariogolbee Guest Posts: n/a	Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Just a quick report on my experience with the Shuriken to date. I decided to try this on three cigars so far. The first one was a 2000'ish CC and the cap cracked. This doesn't surprise me because most of the CC's I have from around that time either are plugged, get cracked caps/heads, or both. The second was a 2011 AF 858 SG. It cut just fine. There was quite a bit of tar buildup, but this is not unusual for Fuente's Opus, Anejo, SG's, etc. I get a lot of tar with many Fuente products I smoke regardless of the cut. None of the tar actually got in my mouth, unlike other cuts I've used in the past. The draw was great, but I had to insert the cigar into my mouth further than usual. It was awkward at first, but the awkwardness quickly faded. More on the draw at the end of this post. The third attempt was on a Padron 1000 series, box pressed, smaller RG (longsdal'ish). Because of the box press I had to insert it into the cutter twice, since only three of the blades cut the first time. This time there a little tar one time. The draw was phenomenal when I puffed on the cigar "sideways." I thought the smaller RG would be less preferable with this cut, but it actually served to be much better. People were really wondering about the draw, possible damage, and the tar with this cutter. As far as damage goes, I think that if a cigar is going to crack with this cutter that it is highly probable that it would have anyway. The tar on the Padron was minimal, and it was very fresh. The tar was heavy on the 858, but as I mentioned, I usually get tar with those anyway, and they are VERY wet right now. As for the draw issue... After trying the Shuriken out I don;t think the draw control advertisement is a gimmick at all. If I bit down I got little smoke. If I bit down a lot I got copious amounts of smoke. If I bit down somewhere in between I would get volumes of smoke accordingly. By biting down I actually mean applying pressure. I never bit into my cigar. All in all, the draw is controllable using this cutter IMO, and depending on the cigar, could be loosened up when needed. I only smoked two cigars with this, so my results are inconclusive. However, what I've seen so far I do like. I suggest that if anyone is curious about the Shuriken that they should snatch on up when they see one on sale. I like mine so far. It may not replace my Xikar or Palio, but it is a welcomed distraction, works as it is intended to, and is kind of fun as a functional novelty if nothing else. Some final thoughts are these. I wouldn't use this on a $100 cigar, or anything I know I will be nubbing, because the cuts go up about an inch. This is fine for most cigars that get a little meh at that point anyway, but I would not want to waste an inch of a cigar I normally would smoke down to and past the nub. IDK how a draw tool would work in conjunction with this cut, but I think it might work okay. I'm sure if a DT can push through a plug then it should make it through the cap just fine. I don't think this will be the next revolutionary cigar accessory, but if you can find one at a decent price, then why not grab one to pass around your herf crew? I got mine for less than I pay for many singles. Why not have a little bit of fun with the Shuriken? I know the BABOTL will likely get a kick out of this thing when we herf tomorrow. Hell, I may even start a box pass at some point soon and throw it in for the ride. I started this post as a response to a question in another thread and it started to turn into a review, so I am making it just that. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and I will try my best to answer them.

09-30-2011, 02:59 PM	#2
Mattso3000 Will ninja for beer Join Date: Aug 2010 First Name: Matt Location: Burnsville, MN Posts: 2,842 Trading: (20)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Sounds good. Thanks for the review Mario. __________________ Please Support the Troop Support Contest!

09-30-2011, 03:27 PM	#3
shilala Dear Lord, Thank You. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Posts: 13,721 Trading: (252)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Nice review, Mario. I'd like to see it in person, but I'm not sure I'd ever bother with one. Thanks for taking one for the team. __________________

09-30-2011, 03:43 PM	#4
688sonarmen Shipmate! Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: Jake Location: Norwich, Ct Posts: 2,698 Trading: (17)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Thanks for the review, they mystery is revealed

09-30-2011, 04:11 PM	#5
icehog3 Admiral Douchebag Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: Clermont, Kentucky Posts: 70,584 Trading: (60)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Thanks for the review, Mario. I did not use the one you gifted me yet as I did not have a hankering for any NCs last weekend. I will try to give it a go or two this weekend, and will also bring it to the MoB Herf on the 8th for everyone to see and try. Thank you again for the opportunity. Mario, since you said that you had to put the cigar significantly further in your mouth than you normally do, I take it this would NOT be the cutter to use for P-P-P cigars? __________________ Thanks Dave, Julian, James, Kelly, Peter, Gerry, Dave, Mo, Frank, Týr and Mr. Mark!

09-30-2011, 04:24 PM	#6
emopunker2004 Central Fla rollin Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Justin Location: Winter Springs, FL Posts: 6,171 Trading: (46)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review thanks Mario! I'll be trying the one out i have tonight! __________________ Cigar Asylum: Where all are equal, unless you are from CA, then you are more equal.

10-01-2011, 03:22 AM	#7
mariogolbee Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Tom, I don't usually wet my cigars. The 858 SG got pretty wet while I smoked it, but the Padron stayed dry the whole time. That being said, I don't think I'd use this cut for a PPP. Then again, usually during a PPP the cigar is wet when I get it. I hope you guys enjoy!

10-01-2011, 08:48 AM	#8
emopunker2004 Central Fla rollin Join Date: Jan 2011 First Name: Justin Location: Winter Springs, FL Posts: 6,171 Trading: (46)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review I used mine last night on an AB Tempus. I did like the cut. It did seem to make it smoke cooler to an extent. I found that after I used the cutter that lightly pinching the head of the cigar helped to open up the slits. __________________ Cigar Asylum: Where all are equal, unless you are from CA, then you are more equal.

10-01-2011, 11:10 AM	#9
N2 GOLD MIND OVER MATTER... Join Date: Feb 2011 First Name: RICO Location: So. CAL 33° 44' 44" N / 117° 52' 0" W Posts: 2,330 Trading: (1)	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review Thanks for the review, sound like a must try product... __________________ When I want your opinion, I'll give it to ya.

11-02-2011, 11:01 PM	#10
mariogolbee Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Shuriken Cutter Makeshift Review I have since tried three more cigars with the Shuriken cutter. So far I noticed that this citter works extremely well with smaller RG and when not using sticks that are already known to tar up. I have also noticed that I don't have to place the smaller RG sticks as far into my mouth to open the draw up. I'll be sure to report back more at a later time. a) Cain Daytona corona. This one smoked VERY well with zero tar buildup and copious amounts of smoke. It worked like a charm. b) Gran Habano Reserva (double corona?). This one smoked, but was mostly a fail. It took too much work to continuously clean the tar buildup. Other than that it smoked very well. That didn't matter when I had to wipe it every third draw. However, as long as I wiped it I got no tar in my mouth. c) OR Viaje Exclusivo robusto. This one smoked like a charm the whole way down. I decided to try the cutter here because I thought it would be nice to smoke a cigar without lopping off the purdy pigtail for once. The experiment was a success and my precious little Excl. robo smoked down to a nub, pigtail in tact. I also smoked a Berger and Argenti torpedo at one point to see how a torp would fare. I don't recall where in the time span it fell. After the first cut I didn't like the draw, so I rotated the head 180 degrees and cut it again. It worked out fine, but was just an unremarkable cigar.