Are you unsure about how to cut your cigar? Do you want to know how to cut it accurately? Or are you wondering if it is possible to pierce your cigar instead of cutting it?
At Gentleman Lounge we have the answers to your questions.
The cap is the rounded part of the end of the cigar, it allows to maintain the filler of the cigar in place. To cut it, use a quality cigar cutter and place it 3 millimetres from the base of the head. You will obtain a clean cut, perfect for smoking your cigar.
In this article you will discover :
- Why you should cut your cigar
- Where to cut your cigar
- How to cut it efficiently
The way to cut a cigar will no longer hold any secrets for you. You will know why and how to cut your cigar without damaging it.
Let's find out now.
Why should you cut your cigar?
Everyone knows that before smoking a cigar it is essential to cut off the end. But do you really know why? Most people don't know it, but there is a reason why cigars are not pre-cut.
Let's find out together.
Why cut a cigar?
When you buy a cigar in a shop or on the internet, the part of the cigar that you put in your mouth is not cut. This rounded part of the cigar is called the cap and it has a very specific purpose. To better understand its role it is important to have in mind the technique of cigar making.
As you probably know, a cigar is made exclusively of tobacco leaves. These tobacco leaves are rolled together and then held together by other tobacco leaves that surround them. The outer tobacco leaf that holds the contents of the cigar together is called the wrapper leaf.
Without this wrapper, the cigar would not hold together. But for the wrapper to hold the cigar in place, something has to hold them together. And that's what the cigar cap is for.
The cigar cap keeps the wrapper in place. Without this cap the cigar will fall apart and cannot be smoked. It is essential to hold the cigar in place, but you will not be able to smoke it if this part is not removed. This is why it is important to know how to cut your cigar.
Depending on the type of cigar, the cap may be different from another. For example, Pyramid cigars have a longer cap than the classic Corona cigar. It all depends on how the cigar was made. Note that some cigars can be sold without a cap, but this is very rare.
Can cigars be pierced?
As you can see, the cap is necessary to ensure that your cigar does not move between the time it is made and the time it is smoked. But is it possible to remove it other than by cutting it off?
You have probably already heard of the method that consists of piercing the end of your cigar rather than cutting it off. This method has its advantages, but also its disadvantages.
The cigar drill is a tool used to cleanly drill a circular hole in the head of the cigar. Instead of cutting the cap, you draw the smoke from your cigar through this circular hole.
This method has certain advantages, for example, using a cigar drill means less damage to the head of the cigar. This means that you have much less chance of getting tobacco in your mouth while smoking.
In addition, the small size of the cigar drill makes it easy to carry, unlike the cigar cutter which can sometimes be cumbersome. There are even many models of cigar drill with a key ring attachment.
But there are also some disadvantages to piercing a cigar. The main difference lies in the draw. Punching your cigar will let less smoke through than cutting it. The draw of the cigar will be softer, which will cause your cigar to go out more often than if you cut it.
In addition to this, the cigar borer cannot be used for certain types of cigars. For example, Torpedo or Figurado cigars cannot be punched with your cigar drill.
In conclusion, the cigar borer is an alternative to the cigar cutter which has its advantages but also some disadvantages. It's up to you to try and see which method suits you best!
How to cut your cigar efficiently?
Now that you know why you should cut your cigar before enjoying it, let's look at how to do it. Cutting your cigar properly is an art that must be learned. If it is not cut properly, you will not really enjoy your cigar.
Let's discover this technique without further ado.
Where to cut the cigar?
Although cutting a cigar at the head seems obvious to many, many people cut their cigars in the wrong place. That's why it's important to be well informed before cutting your cigar. Fortunately, at Cigare Gentleman we know how to advise you on how to make your cigar tasting experience even better.
The most common mistake is to cut the cap of the cigar too low. There is no point in trying to cut off too much of the cigar, it is better to cut off less. People often think that the line between the head and the rest of the cigar is an indicator for cutting the cigar, but this is not the case.
The correct method is to cut a very small part of the head of the cigar. Ideally, you should cut it off 3 millimetres from the base of the head. With this cutting distance you are sure to be able to enjoy your cigar to the full.
How to cut your cigar?
Now that you know exactly where to cut your cigar, what tools can you use? The tool you need depends on how you intend to use it.
If you need a cigar cutter that will stay in your home, we advise you to get a Cigar Guillotine. As well as giving you a clean, perfect cut, guillotines can be real decorative accessories. Here is the ideal model to decorate your desk and take care of your cigar :
If you prefer a cigar cutter that you can take everywhere with you when you travel, opt for a Portable Cigar Cutter. Double-bladed cigar cutters are perfect for this kind of use. In addition to taking up very little space, the two blades allow a clean and precise cut. Here is one of our best double blade cigar cutters :
And if you are used to punching your cigars, get a Cigar Piercer. In addition to being able to pierce your cigars with precision, the discretion of this tool will allow you to have it with you at all times. In a pocket you won't even notice it yourself. If you're interested, take a look at one of our best selling cigar piercers :
How to cut a cigar without a cigar cutter?
Unfortunately, it may happen that you do not have a cigar cutter at hand. If your desire to enjoy a cigar cannot wait, you will have to find a way to cut the cap without a cigar cutter.
If this is the case, don't panic! We have solutions that will allow you to cut the head of your cigar. These techniques are not to be used constantly, but they can help you out if necessary.
Certainly the best solution in case of need: the knife. A sharp knife can cut your cigar as you wish. Obviously this method may damage your cigar, but if you don't have a cigar cutter the knife will be your best friend. But this technique is not as simple as it sounds, so try it carefully.
The second method is to pierce your cigar with an everyday object. For example, you can use a pen to gently pierce the cap of your cigar. But be careful not to push your pen in too deep, as this could damage the filler of your cigar.
The last trick is certainly the one to avoid the most: cutting your cigar with your teeth. The advantage of this method is that no matter where you are, you can use it. But you also run the risk of damaging your cigar badly and ending up with a mouthful of tobacco. If you really have no other choice, this technique can help you out.
Cut your cigar like a professional
You now know everything there is to know about cutting a cigar. You are now able to cut your cigar perfectly with the tools provided. Cutting your cigar will be a piece of cake!
Now that you know how to cut your cigar, all you have to do is enjoy it. If you need advice on how to smoke a cigar, read our article on the subject : Why does a cigar sputter?
And if you still don't have anything to cut your cigars with, take a look at our large collection of cigar cutters. With these models, your cigar cuts will be comparable to those of a professional.
To see the collection click on the image below.
