Cigar Cutters
A cigar cutter, at its most basic, is a device used to nip the cap end off of a cigar in order to properly smoke it. Is it possible to properly smoke a cigar without using a bona fide cigar cutter? Sure. But if you want a clean draw and smooth smoking experience a cigar cutter is a must-have.
The evolution of the cigar cutter is an interesting one. Born out of refined civility (Who wants to chomp off the end, really?) and improved upon as technology dictated, the humble cigar cutter has moved from status symbol to necessary tool of the cigar smoking ritual. Today’s cutters are high precision, excellent quality and designed for the specific task.
Cutters come in three key types: Guillotine, Punch and V-Cut. We will delve deeper into the types of cutters and their specific use in a bit. But first let’s learn the history of this marvelous invention.
Before the invention of the cigar cutter those who wanted a good smoke often used whatever they had on hand. Some gentlemen implemented the use of knives while other more roguish fellows bit off the cap end of their cigar. These cuts and tears left a jagged, uneven end from which to draw. The haphazard operation resulted in uneven burn and, often, a mouth full of tobacco. There had to be a better way to enjoy a good cigar.
Enter the first cigar cutters. Dating back to the mid-1800s, the first cigar cutters were much more like today’s punches in that they simply perforated the end of the cigar. This allowed the smoke to flow through more evenly and provide fuller flavor. But this rudimentary cigar cutter certainly offered room for improvement.
As cigar smoking became more fashionable the need for a more refined cutter was apparent. Most aficionados ditched the perforator for the more thorough cut of a knife. A sharp pocket knife was just the tool to open the head of the cigar.
While it remains unclear who the inventor of the first real cigar cutter is there is reference to the tool dating back to 1859. A book published that year called Tobacco: Its History and Associations by Frederick William Fairholt a German tobacco manufacturer, references the first cigar knife, or early cutter:
“In Berlin, a few years ago, an ingenious pocket- knife, entirely of steel, was fabricated for the use of cigar-smokers. It had all the strength of the usual knife, but the spring was so constructed that it did not shut down to the edge of the blade; the cigar-end being placed through the aperture at the end, the point of the knife, on being pressed down by the finger, cut off the end of the cigar.”
Fairholt then goes on to describe a second type of cutter:
“Another simple little implement, to act as cigar-cutter and holder.... The double cutter at one side takes off the end of the cigar, and, when closed, acts as a hold for the finger and thumb, the opposite arms closing round the cigar and securing it very firmly. A small loop on one of the cutters allows it to be attached to the watch-chain if desired.”
As the popularity of cigars continued to grow, cigar cutters became somewhat of a status symbol. They indeed dangled from many a watch chain and the more ornate the better. These early items of distinction were crafted from precious metals with inlaid jewels. Captains of industry and other prosperous men of means jockeyed for the most ornate as a sign of wealth.
These early cutters were more decorative than utilitarian and came in all shapes and sizes. They depicted Art Nouveau images of women, a ship's wheel, champagne bottles, shoes and pistols to name a few. Elegant and collectible, these ornate cutters were often sold along with the finest stages in local cigar shops.
Soon the cigar cutter caught on with the work-a-day population and ingenious companies started to advertise their tobacco products, among other items, and tourists could purchase them as souvenirs from such popular American destinations as Washington, D.C.
Now the only thing left to do was perfect the cigar cutter so it could perform to the utmost. For that there needed to be some attention paid to the precision of the instrument. Enter the three types of cutters.
The most common cigar cutter is the straight cut. This cutter is best suited to cigars of a smaller ring gauge. The cut is quick and straight (thus the name) and allows both ends of your favorite stogie to be exposed. The straight-cut cigar cutter uses guillotine action and comes in single or double blade. Many experienced cigar fans prefer the double blade as they say it provides a cleaner and more precise cut.
Straight-cut cutters also include cigar scissors which some prefer for the more exacting cut it provides. But when it comes to practicality the guillotine straight cutter is best. The guillotine is smaller and more compact. It fits nicely in a shirt pocket or tucked into a travel case. And it gets the job done. A lot of fans prefer this cutter for its ability to provide a complete precision cut that takes off the entire cap allowing maximum smoke to be drawn without buildup around the edge.
Punch cut cigar cutters come in three subcategories, the bullet punch, the Havana punch and the multi-punch. The bullet punch is shaped like a bullet and attaches to a keychain for easy use. The bullet is twisted to expose a circular blade that’s used to cut a hole into the cap of the cigar. This manner of cigar cutting exposes less of the filler and binder tobacco, reducing the risk of getting tobacco in your mouth. Although some critics of the bullet cigar punch point out the smaller hole inhibits a full draw and is easily clogged by saliva and a buildup of tobacco. Also the cap of the bullet punch is small and can easily be lost or misplaced, exposing the blade. This, in turn, can dull the blade and increase the risk of cutting one’s self.
The Havana punch is just as convenient as the bullet punch but is a safer option. The blade of the Havana punch is recessed and the user pushes a button to engage spring-action exposure of the blade.
While technically not considered a cigar cutter, the multi-punch tool offers different size punches to core the cap on different sized ring gauges of cigars.
The V-Cut is a common cigar cutter originally designed to cut the pyramid-shaped vitolas. While the v-cut is similar in appearance to the guillotine straight cutters it doesn’t completely remove the cap. Instead the v-cutter creates a deep incision in the cap that penetrates into the filler. But in order to achieve the precision cut you need to get the best draw and most even burn; it’s necessary to select a very good v-cut cigar cutter. Maintaining the sharpness of your cutter is essential as it's easy to get a sloppy cut with dull blades.
Because the task of the cigar cutter is a clean and precise cut it’s imperative to exercise caution when using this surgically sharp device, no matter the type. And a serious injury can even impact the legends in their field. In 1999 basketball legend Michael Jordan suffered a career-interrupting injury from a cigar cutter.
In a NY Daily News article dated January 14 1999, Sports Journalist Frank Isola wrote:
“Even if Michael Jordan hadn't retired yesterday, there was a good chance he would have been unable to help the Bulls much this year. After announcing his retirement, Jordan revealed that he severed a tendon in his right index finger last week while cutting a cigar. According to Jordan, the injury will require surgery….”
Cigar smoking is now a booming industry as well as a lifestyle for many enthusiasts. Cigar lovers have so many choices these days. From high quality, affordably priced cigars to excellent humidors and other trappings of the hobby, devotees will find the cigars and accouterments that best suit their needs.
State of the art technology has made its way to the industry in the form of humidification systems, lighters and cigar cutters. With premium cigar cutters, in particular, the need for an ergonomic and dependable cutter became apparent as the boom exploded in the early 1990s. While the ornate and personalized cutters of their great grandfathers’ day were adequate, the modern cigar aficionado proved to be more focused on excellence in function as well as style.
Given the need for improvement on the product it’s impossible to extoll the virtues of cigar cutters without including the story of the Xikar brand. A midwestern gentleman, Kurt Van Keppel, found the cigar cutters available in 1994 fell short of his expectations in terms of functionality. And to Mr. Van Keppel’s dismay it didn’t matter the price point. In his opinion the cutters were subpar at all price points. So he did what any ingenious person would do and decided to design his own.
Van Keppel reached out to his friend Scott Almsberger, an expert in product design, and together they came up with the Xikar high end cigar cutter. The double bladed cutter was humbly first assembled in a garage and has grown to consistently rank among the top 10 cigar cutters on industry lists year after year. The Xikar brand expanded and now includes a full selection of cigar cutters, lighters and travel humidors.
Of course once Xikar cigar cutters raised the bar for many competitors. The luxury cigar cutters available today are highly regarded by cigar lovers and the selection is vast. If you’re planning to purchase a new cigar cutter for yourself or as a gift for someone else, Northwoods Humidors is here to help. Here we offer our top cigar cutters along with some customer reviews.
If you’re looking for a high quality cigar cutter that cuts both straight and v-cut look no further than this über efficient Colibri. Both Colibri’s v-cut and straight cutters are highly popular and this cutter gives you both without interrupting the function of either. The v-cut is clean and the depth is controlled by the position of the cigar head. Need a smaller v-cut for your figurados or lancers? No problem for this cutter. The Colibri’s straight cut S side has a slightly larger aperture so it can easily accommodate up to a 70 ring gauge cigar. This cutter has an ergonomic shape, textured finish for easy grip and spring-loaded blades that make your cutting experience a pleasurable beginning to your cigar ritual. The Colibri SV-Cut comes in 5 different colors to reflect your style.
Customer Daniel Mynas is a five star fan!
“The perfect cutter
I have owned and used one of these for about 7 years. It has operated perfectly since day 1. I like having the option of straight or V cut and also that the cutter will hold the clippings until I reopen it. Comes in handy more often than you might think. I keep buying these as gifts for people that use mine and remark how much they like it.”
Long recognized as a luxury brand, this Davidoff cutter echoes the company’s single-minded pursuit to create only the very best products. Davidoff’s double-blade guillotine is crafted entirely of stainless steel ensuring the owner the highest quality of material. That combined with unsurpassed German precision means your fancy cigar cutter provides a clean and precision cut for cigars up to 56 ring gauge. Laser technology enables stability and an integrated spring system ensures smooth and efficient operation. Slim, lightweight and available in a variety of colors, this Davidoff cigar cutter is a joy to own.
Boutique manufacturer Rocky Patel has, surprisingly, quite a reputation and brand recognition. To those in the industry Rocky is recognized as the “hardest working man in the business” and it shows. His products are coveted for their high quality and performance and this cigar cutter is no exception. Twin Damascus steel blades, high density piano finish and the self-sharpening feature are just a few of the attributes of the Rocky Patel Diamond Series Guillotine Double-Blade cutter that made five star reviewer Joseph Wilson a fan for life!
“Love these Guillotines
Great quality, and good looking!”
Consistently among the top choice for cigar lovers the Xikar XO is a powerful device. Inspired by the design principles of the original inventors, the Xikar XO relies on dual stainless steel blades that operate on a unique planetary gear system (patent pending). That means your blades open and close in reliable and perfect harmony. You get a clean cut every time. The round body is ergonomic and easy to carry or tuck into your travel case. Exceptional performance, extreme durability and engineered to simplify the standard guillotine style cut and a lifetime warranty, the Xikar XO proves why this brand is so popular. We think you’ll agree with our five star reviewers.
Ernie Jacobson says
“Why I purchased this Product
I have heard great reviews about this cutter.”
And, according to Dinesh Dart,
“Best on the market
After trying one in a lounge in London I have been after one of these for a while. A perfect cutter for the house and will literally last a lifetime with Xikar warranty.”
This Xikar V-cutter is as precision made and executed as any of our Xikar products. Executed to create the optimal v-cut depth the Xikar never damages your cigar cap. That’s because the inverted stainless steel blade provides pressure inward, preventing your cigar cap from splitting or expanding. This v-cut cigar cutter provides a clean cut and preserves the integrity of the cigar which means you’ll enjoy the smoking experience of a fine stogie as it was intended.
Our customers love the Xikar VX2. Read for yourself!
Michael Jensen says:
“V-Cut
Love this cigar cutter by Xikar. Great cut always.”
And from John Quattrocchi comes this review:
“Great product
Two comments here - first, ordering, shipping, and delivery were all top-notch, thanks to our friends at North Woods. Second, the cutter is top-quality. The slider is smooth, the overall case is well-built and very durable. Will last for a lifetime!”
Thanks to the state-of-the-art improvements in quality and function cigar scissors are fast gaining in popularity. The Elie Bleu EBC-3 Cigar Scissors are as stunningly beautiful as they are precision functioning. And what else would you expect from this luxury brand? This aesthetically pleasing tool comes in three style variations and is truly a wonderful gift for the cigar smoker who is true to their lifestyle.
According to customer, gift-giver and five star reviewer Brandi McMaster,
“Excellent
I bought these cigar scissors as a gift for my brother and he loves them! They look classy and have a smooth cut. He is extremely happy with them.”
And Dylan De Mott says,
“More accurate cuts
After years of getting inaccurate cuts, deciding to change to a scissor style cigar cutter has improved my smoking experience.”
Looking for a pinch that offers unique style and multiple punch sizes? The Colibri Quasar is what you need. The unique and iconic Quasar three dimensional pyramid design houses three specific punch sizes for your intended smoke. 7mm, 9mm and 10mm stainless steel blades are secured within the Quasar’s all metal construction. Sleek, stylish and able to accommodate up to a 60 ring gauge stogie Colibri’s Quasar has it all.
Sometimes you just want to make a statement along with your cigar ritual. This Visol Table Top cutter makes a powerful one. Strength in function and presence the single blade guillotine action lets you clip cigar caps efficiently and cleanly. Available in a black finish with a removable receptacle drawer to catch any fallen bits. Unique and a true conversation piece, this table top cutter is a great gift for that “cigar smoker who has everything”.
The evolution of the cigar cutter and the leap from acceptable to outstanding is an interesting story, don’t you think? With all of the amazing cutters to choose from you need to speak with an expert before making the leap. That’s why Northwoods Humidors is your ultimate source for cigar cutters and all cigar accessories, including humidors.
Our staff takes pride in our knowledge of all things cigar for the discerning customer. We offer unmatched customer service and we stand behind all of our products. Let us help you find the perfect cigar cutter, lighter humidor or any of our other accouterments of the craft. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a lucky someone else contact us at Northwoods Humidors for the ideal product.