For cigar smokers, selecting the right cut is an essential part of the entire stogie smoking experience. A cut not only determines the kind of draw you will be rewarded with going forth, but it can also influence how a cigar tastes, as well as how both the smoke and the severed cap feel in your mou
Traditionally speaking, there are three common ways of cutting a cigar: The Straight Cut, the V-Cut, or the Punch Cut. While there are certain forms of cigar paraphernalia that will cut a cigar in a different fashion, i.e. cigar scissors and cigar knives, they all are intended to achieve the same goal.
That being said, we will be focusing on the three most common methods of slicing into a cigar cap in our discussion today, all of which have their own pros, cons, and cutting considerations.
Coupe droite
The straight cut is easily the most common and traditional way of cutting a cigar. It involves cutting the cap straight across with a sharp blade or a guillotine-style cutter. This is most commonly achieved via the use of a double-sided guillotine with two sliding grips applying pressure on both sides of the cigar simultaneously, or a single straight cut, which relies upon a sharp sliding cutter plate to push and then pierce the cap by pressing it against a rounded wall.
One of the advantages of a straight cut is that it provides a generous draw, which means you get more smoke with each puff. It also allows you to taste the full range of flavors in the cigar because the smoke is not restricted by the cut.
The downside of the straight cut is that if you cut too much off the cap, the wrapper may start to unravel, ruining the cigar. For beginners, a straight cut with a backplate will help prevent too much of the cap from being cut off. Just note that a poorly executed straight cut can lead to a loose draw, which can make the cigar burn too quickly and become harsh.
Coupe en V
A V-cut, also known as a "wedge" or a "cat’s eye cut," is a more modern way of cutting a cigar. This method involves cutting a small V-shaped notch into the cap of the cigar, rather than cutting straight across, which lops off the entire circumference of the cap. To make this sort of incision, the cutter utilizes a specially designed v-shaped blade that slices across the cap, thus removing a wedged "notch" of tobacco from the cap.
One of the primary advantages of the V-cut, besides eliminating the risk of cutting off too much of the cap, is that it provides a concentrated draw, which can enhance the flavor and aroma of the cigar. It also prevents small bits of tobacco from entering your mouth while smoking, making it ideal for those who want a more concentrated smoking experience without too open of a draw.
The biggest drawback to the V-cut is that it can sometimes be tough to execute on certain caps, with pigtailed, and flag caps being particularly tricky. Depending upon the width of the "bowl" that the cigar cap sits inside prior to a cut, larger ring-gauge cigars may not be able to be snipped deep enough with a V-cut, or get cut at all for that matter.
Coupe au poinçon
The punch cut is the third most common cap cutting option, and it involves using a special tool to create a small, circular hole in the cap of the cigar. This cut is typically made with what is called a "cigar punch," which is a small, cylindrical tool with a sharp, circular blade at the end. Certain high-end cigar torch lighters will contain an integrated punch in their base, which either swings out on hinges, or pops out with the push of a spring-loaded button.
When it comes to the whole cigar punch vs cutter debate, two of the main arguments for the punch cut is that it greatly reduces the risk of damaging the wrapper, and that it prevents a cigar's draw from becoming too fluid, or open. This concentrated draw is similar to the V-Cut, and when done right can prevent tobacco from getting in your mouth.
However, the punch cut can sometimeforms of figurado cigars out there is not advisable, for it is neither easy nor devoid of risk when pressure is applied on that thinner, tapered cap. Additionally, the punch cut tends to be a bit of a gamble with large ring-gauge cigars. On a cigar with a loose bunch or an open draw, it can keep that smoke from getting too hot by restricting flow. But get a tight bunch and roll on a fatty 60+ ring-gauge cigar, and that tiny hole you just punched in the cap isn't going to do diddly-squat.
Bouffées d'adieu
Ultimately, the choice of cigar cut comes down to personal preference and cigar style, or "vitola." The traditional straight cut is a tried-and-true method that provides a generous draw, while the V-cut and punch cut offer a more concentrated draw that can enhance the smoking experience.
That said, it's crucial to choose the right cut for the particular type of cigar you plan on smoking to get the most out of its flavors and aromas. It's also important to use a high-quality cutter or punch to ensure a clean cut and avoid damaging the cigar.
