Don Conti Hand Made Cigars

Without a cigar cutter:
Since cutting a cigar requires utmost precision, doing it without a cigar cutter can be little tricky. A pen or pencil can be used to punch a hole at the tip of the conical part of the cigar. Scissor or a sharp knife can also be used to cut a cigar. These however require skilful operation, else the wrapper might unravel, binder and filler tobacco inside might get damaged. Cigar punches can also be used for cutting a cigar. The cigar punch is a circular blade that’s usually stored in what looks like a bullet shell and is, therefore, often called a bullet punch. If cigar is a costly one, do not cut it until you have a proper cigar cutter. It will be worth a wait. In case of utter desperation, you might use your teeth as well, but caution, nothing tastes as good as a properly cut cigar.
A cigar is a sheer waste if cut improperly. How to cut a cigar properly is the thing one needs to learn till perfection, before enjoying the real taste. Cigar, no doubt, is the most regal form of smoking and learning how to cut a cigar, therefore is a prerequisite.

Dictionary defines cigar as, ‘roll of tobacco used for smoking’. While many would be contented with this dictionary definition, but ask if we ask the likes of biggies like Jack Nicholson we might get completely different answer. Cigar is not limited to a mere roll of tobacco that one takes to satisfy his regular needs; it is more of regal refreshment that takes you the Shangri-La of salvation.

Before answering how to cut a cigar, it is essential to know why to cut a cigar. The logic behind cutting a cigar is simple. A cut should create an opening in the cigar’s head without damaging the cigar. Cutting a cigar is a delicate task. An improper cut leads to a diminished flavour in terms of enjoyment, and hence defeats the purpose of a cigar.

Steps to cut a cigar:

There are two ways to cut a cigar.

1. With the help of a cigar cutter:

a. Choose a proper cigar cutter. There are several varieties available, Guillotine (Traditional), Punch (Bullet) and the V cutter. Straight cut made with a Guillotine cutter is the most common.

b. Observe the tip of the cigar. The capped end is the head of the cigar. This is the place where we will begin cutting. Find the line where cap ends and rest of the cigar begins.

c. Make a swift cut between 1/8 inch and 1/16 inch using the cigar cutter. The head of the cigar is shaped like a cone, cut in there, but make sure it is not the widest part.

d. Do not cut into the body of the cigar for it might tear the wrapper. That will ruin the smoking experience.