Cigar Cutter

A cigar cutter does one job: it removes the closed cap at the head of a cigar so smoke can draw through. This one comes from Esplanda. The listing doesn't specify the blade style, blade material or body finish, so check the product photos for those before you buy. Cutters in this category are usually either guillotine (straight-blade) or punch and V-cut designs. A guillotine cutter makes a clean, flat cut across the cap. That suits most parallel-sided cigars and gives a wide, open draw. For best results, cut only the cap, which is the rounded end that holds the wrapper in place. Cut just above the shoulder, where the cap curves down into the body, and take off about 1 to 2 millimeters. A cut that goes too deep can leave the wrapper loose or unraveling. A sharp blade and a single decisive motion cut cleanly. A dull blade or a slow, hesitant squeeze tends to crush the head and tear the wrapper. Hold the cigar steady and level so the cut is straight. Cutters like this usually fit common ring gauges, but check the opening size against the cigars you smoke. Very thick cigars, such as 60 ring gauge and up, may need a wider-aperture cutter. A cutter also doesn't suit torpedo or pointed heads as well as it suits flat-capped ones. Store it in a pocket, humidor tray or travel case. Wipe the blade now and then to clear tobacco residue, and keep it dry to protect the edge.