Three types of cigar cutter exist. Each one changes the draw differently. Pick the wrong one and you will either fight a tight smoke or watch the wrapper unravel after the first inch.
The Three Main Types
| Cutter type | Cut style | Draw character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight guillotine (single blade) | Clean horizontal cut across the cap | Open, full draw | Most cigars; standard choice |
| Double-blade guillotine | Same as above, less compression on the cut | Cleaner cut, slightly more even draw | Premium wrappers, daily use |
| Punch cutter | Small circular hole in the cap | Concentrated, slightly restricted | Parejo shapes; does not work on figurados |
| V-cut (cat’s eye) | Wedge groove into the cap | Focused draw with more surface area than punch | Thick ring gauges, belicosos |
| Cigar scissors | Straight cut, more control | Same as guillotine | At-home use, hobbyists |
Where to Cut
The cap is the small piece of wrapper leaf glued over the closed end of the cigar. Your cut goes just above the shoulder — the point where the cap curves down to meet the body. Cut too shallow and the draw is too tight. Cut too deep and the cap unravels mid-smoke.
As a rule of thumb: remove 2–3mm of the cap. On a torpedo or pyramid, cut across the taper until the opening is roughly the diameter of the ring gauge you want — usually 40–46 ring gauge equivalent.
Blade Quality Matters More Than Type
A dull guillotine will crush the tobacco at the cut point before it slices through, which compresses the filler and ruins the draw. A cheap cutter that ships sharp will dull quickly. Look for stainless steel blades that can be resharpened, or replace inexpensive cutters annually if you smoke regularly.
Punches and Figurados
A punch cutter creates a circular hole in the cap. It works well on straight-sided cigars (parejos) but cannot be used on tapered heads like torpedoes, belicosos, or perfectos — there is nothing flat to punch into. If you mostly smoke shaped cigars, a punch is not the right primary cutter.
How to Make a Clean Cut
- Find the shoulder of the cap. This is easier to see on lighter-coloured wrappers.
- Position the blade so you are cutting 2mm above the shoulder.
- Cut in a single, confident motion. Do not saw or hesitate.
- Blow gently through the foot to clear any loose tobacco before lighting.
If you are unsure what cutter to use on a specific cigar, ask us when you come in. We will show you the right technique for the shape you have got.
Cutter or Teeth?
You will occasionally see experienced smokers bite the cap off. This works if you know what you are doing and have a feel for the cap structure. It almost always results in a torn wrapper for anyone without a lot of practice. Use a cutter.
Related reading
If you are building a cleaner setup, these guides cover the rest of the basics in practical terms:
