How practical is a cigar knife?

[El Presidente]

How practical is a cigar knife? 

I love the look of them but am not sure under what circumstances I could see myself using one. 

 

https://halfwheel.com/scrim-by-hutch-adds-cigar-knife-with-ma-mmoth-ivory-handle/433101/

 

 

 

[Nevrknow]

As someone really into steels, I'm waiting on more details. The blade steel makes all the difference. Is it 420 stainless? A great Japanese white? Blue? A CPM ( which has its issues ). A small blade like that for that price? No. I don't care who's name is on it.

From my perspective, using it for what it's designed for, no way it should be sharpened more than 3 times a year. If that.

Would really break my heart to spend that kind of dough to see it dull after 25 cigars. 

I say all of this because I have incredible Japanese steel at 180 mm - 300mm that stays incredibly sharp after lots of kitchen use. 

None of which cost $450. I have some that do but damn. They are bigger blades.

More info needed.

 

[MrBirdman]

18 hours ago, Nevrknow said:

As someone really into steels, I'm waiting on more details. The blade steel makes all the difference. Is it 420 stainless? A great Japanese white? Blue? A CPM ( which has its issues ). A small blade like that for that price? No. I don't care who's name is on it.

From my perspective, using it for what it's designed for, no way it should be sharpened more than 3 times a year. If that.

Would really break my heart to spend that kind of dough to see it dull after 25 cigars. 

I say all of this because I have incredible Japanese steel at 180 mm - 300mm that stays incredibly sharp after lots of kitchen use. 

None of which cost $450. I have some that do but damn. They are bigger blades.

More info needed.

It could be made from Hattori Hanzo’s steel - I really don’t ever see myself using it over a regular guiottine or scissor, or even understand the point of cigar knives these days. Neat accessory, sure, but if you’re into knives just buy a real one!

[Dr vonPuffenberg]

Not quite sure how the cutter works, but mammoth ivory is pretty cool 😎 

[Biggerfaster40]

It’s cute but ultimately it’s just a single blade guillotine and we have much cheaper high quality versions of those already. Double guillotine or V-Cut over this all day

[LLC]

Different yes, interesting maybe, practical no. 

[jazzboypro]

I like knives but i don't see myself using one for cigars. With so little details available i would not spend that much money on it.

[Havanaaddict]

This is the best one I have found https://www.lesfineslames.com/en-usd/collections/le-petit

The Havana Street series is pretty cool

The Le Petit is a piedmont-style folding knife made in Thiers, France. The blades are made with 14C28N stainless steel that come enclosed in exterior handles made with a variety of different materials, from micarta—which is the version I am reviewing in blue—to brass, carbon fiber and ziricote wood. According to Les Fines Lames, the 60HRC tempered hardness of the steel means the blade is “virtually impossible” to dull.

https://halfwheel.com/le-petit-by-les-fines-lames/379469/

 

[eltoroosborne]

2 hours ago, Havanaaddict said:

This is the best one I have found https://www.lesfineslames.com/en-usd/collections/le-petit
 
The Havana Street series is pretty cool

The Le Petit is a piedmont-style folding knife made in Thiers, France. The blades are made with 14C28N stainless steel that come enclosed in exterior handles made with a variety of different materials, from micarta—which is the version I am reviewing in blue—to brass, carbon fiber and ziricote wood. According to Les Fines Lames, the 60HRC tempered hardness of the steel means the blade is “virtually impossible” to dull.
https://halfwheel.com/le-petit-by-les-fines-lames/379469/

I have two of these cutters and love them. It’s a single blade, so some may not like it as much as a double blade. However, if you like to only cut the cap off (give the cigar a haircut) then this is for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JohnS]

I guess when one has to ask, or question, the practicality of a tool like this, then therein lies the answer. I suppose if it works for you, then it works for you. 

By comparison, what about the direct opposite action...the Cuban Cut? You know, the habit of lifting the cap simply with your thumbnail? Again, if it works for you, it works for you.

That all been said, I met a wonderful chap in the cigar lounge, 'Tobaccos of Hawaii' in Honolulu ten years ago and he couldn't recommend his cigar scissors highly enough. I've never used this tool myself, but I'm happy to have heard how effective this tool was for this gentleman. If it works for you, it works for you.

[RDB]

I wrote a comment, then deleted it as this whole thing is too daft. What John said.

[Kaips1]

I'm more intrigued with the antique tusk cats eye cutters from like the 1900s I just don't wanna spend 1.5k on one.

[Ginseng]

For years, I've been almost exclusively using my original Doug Ritter Mini-RSK folder. Great all-around utility knife and, when sharpened to 15-degrees, always cuts the cap cleanly.

The only time I'll use a double-blade cutter (like a Palio) is for pointy-headed cigars that look like they have a delicate wrapper. Otherwise, it'll still be the Mini-RSK.

[Biggerfaster40]

I should probably write something with actual substance since I felt the need to respond here earlier

$450 for a single blade guillotine just seems like we are in the realm of “art” here, not functionality. And since the original question posed was “how practical is it”, I think it’s just not practical.

But hey, there’s plenty of guys smoking $500 sticks, using $1000 lighters, drinking $2000 whiskey that would beg to differ so I reckon your personal situation and definition of practicality may vary.

[targa88]

Practical? don't know since I wouldn't use a knife to cut a cigar...

That being said - I suspect there are two components involved:

1. Design - whether it be the Scrim or les Fines lames - I suspect you would have to "learn" how to use it properly
2. Quality of the steel makes a huge difference in terms of its ability to hold and edge

Conclusion: I would not spend the coin on the experiment...

PS

To @JohnS point whatever works for you.

If someone I know uses whatever the tool is and recommends it - that might way in the factoring.

[PigFish]

Very practical, depending on the knife.

I figure most of you are thinking of some elaborate, sharks tooth, Damascus blade thing but that is not what I am taking about.

Above is a collection of some of my cutting/cigar paraphernalia. The one that I want to call your attention to is the one on the left.

That is (IMHO) a cigar knife.

First it is not expensive. It is light (titanium) and super sharp. And since it uses stainless steel replaceable scalpel blades, you never have to worry about having to cut a box with it, dropping and breaking it or lending it to a friend that has to pick a splinter out of his/her foot. So if you are tired of picking, chopping and punching cigars with blunt tools, this one is for you. And if you have to do an emergency appendectomy, you are covered! Knife itself with 10 ss blades, about $16 USD. 100 blades, about $10 USD.

I use it just like a paring knife.

I is so sharp that you can cut out a stem and even shave the bunch straight.

[Fugu]

22 minutes ago, PigFish said:

I use it just like a paring knife.

Neat stuff, Ray! Here, using those system-blades with a normal (straight) scalpel handle (though not for cigars). Never seen such a folding system. Could you direct me to where to find that or give a producer’s info?

[PigFish]

4 hours ago, Fugu said:

Neat stuff, Ray! Here, using those system-blades with a normal (straight) scalpel handle (though not for cigars). Never seen such a folding system. Could you direct me to where to find that or give a producer’s info?

https://www.amazon.com/OLITANS-Folding-Titanium-Unpacking-Replaceable/dp/B09DQ6C3GG/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?crid=3SQBFFV2ANCML&keywords=folding+scalpel+knife&qid=1704261706&sprefix=folding+scal%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-14
 

I assume you can get the same Amazon stuff we can. If not I can get you one. Looks like they have more choices now, and this one has gone up a bit. The price does move around some.

You will like it though. It is really light and well made. The blade runs on a small bearing pack and snaps open with gusto.

[Duxnutz]

On 1/1/2024 at 11:42 AM, JohnS said:

I guess when one has to ask, or question, the practicality of a tool like this, then therein lies the answer. I suppose if it works for you, then it works for you. 

By comparison, what about the direct opposite action...the Cuban Cut? You know, the habit of lifting the cap simply with your thumbnail? Again, if it works for you, it works for you.

That all been said, I met a wonderful chap in the cigar lounge, 'Tobaccos of Hawaii' in Honolulu ten years ago and he couldn't recommend his cigar scissors highly enough. I've never used this tool myself, but I'm happy to have heard how effective this tool was for this gentleman. If it works for you, it works for you.

Probably time for you to come back. 

[CigarmanTim]

I have two of the Les Fines Lames and they just don't cut clean. Always leave the cap rough with loose tobacco. Nice to look at but not functional.

[Mr. Japan]

I use often lesfineslames , I have to say that at beginning I was not happy as I was not cutting properly.

These knives are really sharp and one you get the hand to use them they are good.

Just a different tool...that can be used not only for cigars:-)

 

[Fugu]

Many thanks Ray @PigFish! Will check it out. 👍

[Chitmo]

To each their own I suppose, the only cutters I own were given to me. I was born with a set in my mouth so never seen the need to spend my money on something else to carry around.