How to Cut a Cigar

Before cutting, closely examine the head of the cigar. Look for the cap—the round piece of tobacco used to seal the head. On a parejo (parallel-sided cigar), the cap typically extends 1/4" to 3/8" down the barrel. Wherever the cap stops is your limit for how far down you should cut.

The best cut is one above the cap line, which will open up 75%-85% of the cigar's surface. You want as large an opening as possible for an easy draw, but cutting beneath the cap line may cause the cigar to unravel.

Key Principle: Sometimes a thin cut of 1/32" is perfect, while other times you may need to cut 3/8"—it depends entirely on each cigar's construction.

Parejo (Parallel-sided cigars):

• Locate the cap line (typically 1/4"-3/8" from the head)
• Cut just above this line
• Opens 75%-85% of the cigar's surface
• Prevents unraveling by preserving the cap

Figurados (Torpedos, Perfectos, Pyramids):

• May require cutting significantly more to open the head enough for sufficient draw
• Most figurado smokers prefer less surface opened (narrower opening concentrates smoke on the palate)
• Figurados rarely unravel even when cut beneath the cap line due to their construction
• Recommendation: Cut less at first, smoke for a while, then recut if you want a more open draw

The key to a good cut is to be quick and decisive. Once you find your spot, don't hesitate—just clip it. Quicker cuts tend to be cleaner cuts.

Critical requirement: You must have a sharp cutter. The prime criterion of any cutter is sharpness—the sharper the better. Dull cutters will crush the head of your cigar instead of cutting cleanly.

Best option for most smokers

• Two opposing blades work together for clean cuts
• Most reliable cutting method
• Available in budget ($5-15), mid-range ($15-40), and premium ($40+) options

Pro tip for consistent cuts: Lay the cutter flat on a table, insert the cigar head so it rests against the table surface, then clip. This almost always removes the right amount on most cigars.

• Can work well if very sharp
• Generally less reliable than double-bladed cutters
• Most single-bladed guillotine cutters are inadequate
• Quality matters more than blade count—some single-bladed cutters are excellent, some double-bladed ones are poor

Easy to use, clean results

• Simply punch a hole of fixed diameter into the head
• Line up dead center and twist
• Provides very clean cuts

Limitation: Most punch cutters don't cut a large enough hole for 50+ ring gauge cigars. May not be suitable for larger cigars.

Specialized cutting methods

• V-cut: Cuts a wedge-shaped notch (straight edge)
• Cat's eye: Cuts a curved, pointed ellipse shape
• Both concentrate smoke on the center of the palate
• Personal preference varies widely—some smokers swear by these, others dislike them
• Critical requirement: Must be extra-sharp to work well

For experienced smokers

• Require significant practice and steady hand
• Must be surgical-quality, high-precision stainless steel
• More challenging to master than other cutting methods
• Easy to accidentally torque the blades during cutting, ruining the cigar
• Small, pocket-sized versions are commonly available

If purchasing: Buy the best quality you can afford and practice on inexpensive cigars first before using on premium cigars.

Sharp Penknife:

• Can do an excellent job
• Requires slow, meticulous 360-degree circle cut along the head
• Remove the cap like lifting a toupee off someone's head
• Requires practice and precision

Thumbnail or Teeth:

• Gently pierce through wrapper in a circle to separate cap
• Most common method used by tobacco farmers and cigar makers
• With practice, can be done quickly and cleanly
• Not recommended for retail customer guidance

1. Cutting too much off - Removing the entire cap below the cap line causes wrapper unraveling
2. Cutting at an angle - Results in uneven burn and difficult draw
3. Using dull cutters - Causes crushing and tearing rather than clean cuts
4. Cutting without support - Always hold cigar firmly but gently
5. Using household scissors - Not designed for cigars, will crush the tobacco
6. Hesitating during the cut - Quick, decisive cuts produce cleaner results

• Crushing or tearing tobacco instead of clean cuts
• Requires excessive pressure to cut through
• Leaves ragged edges on the cigar cap
• Blade feels loose or wobbly

Important: Cheap cutters become dull easily and quickly. Rather than trying workarounds, you need a new cutter. Consider investing in better quality for longevity.

Budget-Conscious Approach:

• Mid-range cutters ($15-40) offer significantly better durability than budget options
• A quality double-blade guillotine lasts much longer than repeatedly replacing cheap cutters
• Premium cutters ($40+) made from surgical steel provide the best longevity
• Reality check: A dull cutter damages cigars. A quality cutter is an investment that protects your premium cigars.

• Keep blades clean and dry
• Wipe away tobacco residue after each use
• Store in protective case when possible
• Replace when cutting becomes difficult or uneven
• Don't try to make a dull cutter work—it will damage your cigars

How you cut your cigar is a matter of personal choice. Whatever method produces a good draw and prevents unraveling works best for you. The most important factors are:

1. Sharp cutter - Essential for clean cuts
2. Cut above cap line - Prevents unraveling
3. Quick, decisive motion - Produces cleanest results
4. Quality tools - Investment in longevity and cigar protection