Cut 'em or punch 'em?

[Delta Romeo]

I've done some digging in the forums and looked on the newbie guides but not found anything directly related, so feel free to link what I can't find on my own, if its out there.

So the obvious part is that certain cigar shapes and ring gauges cannot be punched and need to be cut, but what of everything else? I seem to have a more enjoyable smoke, better draw and fewer re-lights when I punch a cigar versus cutting it. I also know that more air causes the cigar to burn hotter which, I'm assuming, will alter the flavor profile. I also know that the cap holds different amounts of flavors and nicotine which can also alter the experience if you cut off too much.

So where is the happy medium?
Is there something that passes as a standard rule of when to do one or the other given the option?
Am I missing out on something, consistency maybe, by preferring one to the other?
Is one amateur to the other being pro?

Thanks,

DR

 

[RamzaFreak20]

To be honest, there is no RIGHT way to smoke a cigar, other than enjoy it. I personally don't like a punch, as more often then not tar balls form around the edge. It also depends on how you like your draw. If you like a more restricted, go for a smaller punch. Personally, I like a very open, yet controllable draw so I use a cutter. Plus, I do have quite a few small RG and pointed tips, and they are just easier to cut. I like only carrying one cutter around

Also, never let anyone tell you you're smoking incorrectly, as long as YOU like it. IDGAF if you cut then light the cap, as long as YOU like it, then it's right.

Hopes this helps

 

[3/5King]

To be honest, there is no RIGHT way to smoke a cigar, other than enjoy it. I personally don't like a punch, as more often then not tar balls form around the edge. It also depends on how you like your draw. If you like a more restricted, go for a smaller punch. Personally, I like a very open, yet controllable draw so I use a cutter. Plus, I do have quite a few small RG and pointed tips, and they are just easier to cut. I like only carrying one cutter around

Also, never let anyone tell you you're smoking incorrectly, as long as YOU like it. IDGAF if you cut then light the cap, as long as YOU like it, then it's right.

Hopes this helps

This runs with what I wrote (but then accidentally hit "undo typing" I mean what the F is there an "undo typing" button for anyway!")

The only rule that I've read is to cut the cigar before the cap ends as this is what holds the end together....but I've cut much more off to get rid of a clog and had no problems..

You should break all the rules, punch it in the middle and light both ends!

 

[Monsterdg]

Personally, I prefer a punch. I've had some botched straight cuts & it just seems simpler to me. I like the largest punch for the RG of the stick; I have a NUB punch that is huge and use it on everything that it fits.

I do however like the punch in the middle/light both ends like 3/5King suggested!

 

[fourkicksfan]

I've had too many issues with tar building because of a punch. I no longer use it because of said issues.

But there's no hard and fast rule. Use what you are comfortable with and what works til it don't work no mo!

Fun experiment would be to use both methods on a cigar you are familiar with and see the differences.

 

[problemsolverjc]

I am usually a punch guy, but lately I've noticed what Fourkicksfan mentioned concerning the build of up tar on some stronger sticks. At this point, it goes by my mood and whatever I grab first!

 

[mwlabel]

Fun experiment would be to use both methods on a cigar you are familiar with and see the differences.

Yep! I've had many cigars where it really didn't make any difference, and others where it was close to night and day.

I tend to go more with a straight cut, since I don't like tar build up, and the punch often leaves the draw too tight.
BUT, I also HATE when the guillotine slices more than the cap and I'm picking bits of baccy out of my teeth for the next 90 minutes.

These days, I frequently start with a punch... evaluate... and then leave it, or open it up with my Palio.

 

[ENV]

V cut for my lanceros, torpedos, and culebras: this is the BEST cut for those vitolas IMO. Amazing how well a torpedo behaves with a v-cut. And you are still smoking it the way the roller wanted. I have seen so many people cut the entire torpedo heads off of cigars.

Straight cut for all other vitolas.

 

[rdomfoto]

I like the straight cut myself but, that being said, I was at a B&M recently and bought a chisel-shaped cigar. The owner asked me if I knew how to cut it. (I told him I was still new to this, so it was a welcomed question, not offensive). I told him I had assumed a straight cut but he told me to punch it not on the tip but on the side of the chisel and then point the hole downward.

Haven't tried it yet, but I will.

 

[Craig Mac]

I like the straight cut myself but, that being said, I was at a B&M recently and bought a chisel-shaped cigar. The owner asked me if I knew how to cut it. (I told him I was still new to this, so it was a welcomed question, not offensive). I told him I had assumed a straight cut but he told me to punch it not on the tip but on the side of the chisel and then point the hole downward.

Haven't tried it yet, but I will.

Here is a video I did of the man himself covering the proper way to cut a chisel
[video=youtube_share;XJ8eEGoGTB8]http://youtu.be/XJ8eEGoGTB8[/video]

 

[Nas]

awesome video thanks craig, this guy is a pimp armani shirt and all

 

[StogieNinja]

I go straight because I don't like the way the draw is reduced when using a punch, and I've also had experience with tar buildup. However, a punch is a lot easier to carry, and I've used one many a time because it was what was available. Some guys really like the way it funnels the smoke.

I prefer a straight draw from a smaller ring gauge, or else a torpedo that has a more gradual funnel effect.

But, there's no wrong way to do it. I know guys who use knives, peel the cap, and even a couple old-timers who just bite. Whatever works for you!

 

[Senor Perfecto]

Bite it & light it, brah!

 

[SurpriseMVP]

I punch 99% of the time. Rarely have tar issues. i use different sizes for different vitolas. When i do cut i skim the cap off and never touch any of the filler tobacco. Better to use a small punch imo, then check draw. Nothing worse than drawing too easy


Mike

 

[iergeni]

I like to cut them because of the tar buildup. Moreover, sometimes I'll cut them again in the course of smoking - gets rid of the tar that's built up.

 

[Heath]

I do however like the punch in the middle/light both ends like 3/5King suggested!

Hahaha i love this. Wanna try it now.

 

[Cigary43]

Be it a straight/punch/V Cut...we like what we like. I've found that with a V Cut it keeps a cigar from 'leeching' tar and plus with a V cut you usually don't put your tongue all the way into the groove..esp. a Cats Eye V Cut.

 

[skullnbones]

I usually use a straight cut. I've cracked one too many caps with a punch (most likely user error) To me it's just easier. I always have my punch as on my herfador but rarely ever use it. In the end it's all personal preference.

 

[thedismaltrade]

Fun experiment would be to use both methods on a cigar you are familiar with and see the differences.

Yep! I've had many cigars where it really didn't make any difference, and others where it was close to night and day.

I tend to go more with a straight cut, since I don't like tar build up, and the punch often leaves the draw too tight.
BUT, I also HATE when the guillotine slices more than the cap and I'm picking bits of baccy out of my teeth for the next 90 minutes.

These days, I frequently start with a punch... evaluate... and then leave it, or open it up with my Palio.

+1- punch smaller RG but if ANY issue cut and move on

 

[Bruce T.]

The video on the previous page was very cool. Take a look.