Proper Cigar cut

[gormag38]

As many others have stated on here; for belis and torpedos I like a deep V cut; I've been extremely happy with my Colibri. Typically for most others I'll use a straight cut guillotine cutter. Again I think I have a Colibri that I've used for the last 5 years or so (although the past year I've certainly noticed that the blades have been getting more dull...it may be time for an upgrade.  

[Chibearsv]

1 hour ago, gormag38 said:

 the past year I've certainly noticed that the blades have been getting more dull...it may be time for an upgrade.  

FWIW: A diamond sharpening pen has worked really well for me. I've revived lots of cutters and punches with it. I think they're around $5 online.

[Malt]

Based on what everybody does it certainly seems preference but the V is the favourite. Really didn’t expect that but now I’ll use it more to see how draws are. Great answers!  

Tim 

[REesq]

I’m with @Malt as I am really surprised by the large preference for V cuts, at least on this thread. I think this would be a good poll question. As for myself, I have a whole collection of double guillotine cutters that I alternate through. That said, I can’t really recall ever trying a V cut. I guess I should.

[zacca]

For me it’s pretty simple - it’s usually ring gauge dependent.

- Panetelas and other small ones get a punch

- Normal sizes get a straight cut 

- Fat boys get a V…or crown cut depending on my mood 

I don’t always abide by this as they can all be intermixed with one exception - I don’t do V cuts on small ring gauges, but I would think that goes without saying. 

[rcarlson]

Straight cut every time for me. Never been a fan of the V or punch.  

[Montezüma]

On 3/3/2026 at 9:47 AM, Chibearsv said:

I V-cut all my torpedos and punch cut the rest. I go to the guillotine cutter if the widest punch isn't drawing well enough (or if the smallest punch isn't small enough). If the cigar is still tight after a guillotine, I drybox it for a couple more days before trying again.

I've also bitten, razorbladed, pinched, scissored, rose clippered, poked with a pencil, etc. Please don't assume that we are all pristine users of pristine tools and accessories. Sometimes you do what you do when you need a smoke. Cheers!

I am also an avid punch cutter, have been for many years. Interestingly, you can feel the level of moisture during a punch cut, so it helps to anticipate the readiness of that cigar and if its a bit moist then can drybox a bit more. I think punch cutters dull a bit quicker than straight cutters though and it's quite dangerous to punch with a dull puncher, impatience can ruin the head for sure. I like how neat punchers are but it does have its drawbacks. Punchers are also nice as key rings, so I have it with my car keys and they don't get lost. I am assuming that we are talking about what they call bullet punchers here right?

As for doing what we must when under-equipped, I always use toothpicks and yes they don't work at all on torpedoes!

[Chibearsv]

5 hours ago, Montezüma said:

I am assuming that we are talking about what they call bullet punchers here right?

The PerfecPunch is the way. Thinner steel makes mishaps less likely. 

[gormag38]

18 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

FWIW: A diamond sharpening pen has worked really well for me. I've revived lots of cutters and punches with it. I think they're around $5 online.

Appreciate the tip! At that price I'll certainly give it a try 

[Capn_Jackson]

Lately I’ve been doing the V on almost everything. Piramides, Belicoso, and anything else tapered, though, I do a Dickman cut with the guillotine. 45-degree angle across the cap. If it’s one I know is wide open, like a Padrón or some others, I’ll do a punch.

Oh, and I have bitten, poked, pinched, et al. I’ve even used a fish filleting knife on a boat several times. Gotta do what you gotta do.