How to cut a cigar properly in 3 steps?

The enjoyment of a cigar is a ritual that begins with cutting your chosen vitola. It is a fundamental step that should not be overlooked. A clean, well-executed cut will allow you to fully enjoy your smoke by giving you an optimal draw and limiting the risk of the wrapper coming apart. Before discovering the 3 steps required to cut your cigar, let’s take a quick look at the different cutting methods available.

The different ways to cut a cigar

There are many ways to cut a cigar. None of these methods is more recommended than another. Each one has its own advantages and drawbacks, and it’s up to you to find the method that suits you best.  The cigar cutter is the most common accessory used to cut a cigar. There are different kinds that let you cut your cigar in different ways. The double guillotine remains the most widely used cigar cutter among aficionados today. It allows you to make a clean cut easily thanks to its two interlocking blades. Some cigar lovers, on the other hand, prefer V-cut cigar cutters, also called V-Cut or cat’s eye. This type of accessory makes a V-shaped notch rather than a straight cut and has the advantage of delivering the same cut every time. They are, however, less practical when it comes to cutting a Figurado. You can also find cigar cutters shaped like scissors, knives, punches, and even multi-cut desktop cigar cutters.  The important thing when choosing your cigar cutter is not to overlook its quality. Your cigar cutter should have a sturdy, sharp blade to ensure a clean cut. Some brands such as Xikar, Colibri, Davidoff or S. T. Dupont offer very high-quality cigar cutters that will serve you well for years. The French brand Les Fines Lames also offers a range of cigar knife cutters guaranteed for life.

The different steps to cutting a cigar

To prevent air from circulating inside your cigar and drying it out, torcedors place a cap on your cigar, also called a “cap.” This cap also helps hold the wrapper leaf that encases your cigar. It can be single, double, triple, or spiral-cut. It is therefore necessary to cut this cap before starting to enjoy your cigar. A proper cut should ensure a good draw while also preserving the integrity of your cigar. If the cut is too large, your cigar will heat up too quickly and therefore burn faster. The smoke will also be more intense, which will detract from the proper enjoyment of your cigar. Conversely, a cut that is too light will result in a draw that is too tight. There will be almost no smoke and the flavors of your cigar will be diminished at the expense of the nicotine. It is therefore crucial to carefully follow the steps below in order to fully enjoy your cigar. 

Step 1: Mark the cut line

The first thing to do before cutting your cigar is to find the spot where the cut will be made. It is generally recommended to remove 1 to 2 millimeters below the tip of the head, or just before the final line of the cap. A good rule of thumb is that once cut, the rounded head should still remain slightly visible.  If you are cutting a cigar for the first time, it is likely that you will need to make several attempts. So prefer a cut that is too short rather than too long so that you can adjust it if needed. And above all, do not get discouraged! No cigar lover has ever made a perfect cut on the first try. The art of cutting a cigar is learned over time.

Step 2: Align your cigar with your cigar cutter

The second thing to do to get your cut right is to position your cigar correctly so you can make a clean cut. Hold your cigar in one hand and your cigar cutter in the other. Using a guillotine-style cutter has the advantage of keeping your cigar perfectly straight while cutting. If you are using scissors or a knife, however, you will need to steady your cigar with your hand during the cut to avoid an angled cut.

Step 3: make a clean cut

Once these two steps are done, you can cut your cigar without risk. Depending on how well packed your cigar is, you will need more or less force to guillotine it. The key is to make a quick, decisive motion to achieve a clean, crisp cut. A hesitant movement can damage the structure of your cigar and crush its filler, which will make your cigar unsmokable.

How do you cut a Figurado?

Unlike a Parejo, which has a rounded head, the Figurado features a pyramidal cap. This type of cigar should not be cut the same way as a Parejo. The tapered shape of a Figurado calls for a lighter cut to ensure a good draw. It is therefore best to make a small cut and then check the draw cold. In this way, you can adjust the cut until you find the ideal cutting point.  With this type of cigar, it is possible to make a side cut in order to widen the opening of your cigar while preserving its integrity. This technique is essentially a matter of taste, and you can absolutely make a straight cut. On the other hand, biting it with your teeth, as some enthusiasts do, is not recommended, as it could damage the structure of your cigar.