What cutter and/or method?

[RevSmoke]

OK, I have been reading about Palio & Xikar cutters, and to me they haven't been around long enough to have the reputation they have (too bad we don't have a smilely face of an old hag stirring a brewing cauldron) - now my age shows. (I have had a Zino cutter since 1992. I see they are still around, and that they still offer a lifetime warranty. )

As I read the wars about which of the two mentioned above is better, it brought on an interesting question. How do you open the cap of your cigars for smoking? It seems that predominantly, we hear the two cutters above mentioned. But, I also hear a few people talking V-cut, a couple do a punch, some use a gullotine, other use a poker (several smaller holes punched into the cap), I even watched a guy use his pocket knife to make a V-cut (done that myself a few times)...

I am more curious about which style people are using and maybe a little bit about why they prefer that method to prepare their cigar. Yeah, we could talk about the inherent strengthes of our prefer trademarked cutter (Palio -vs- Xikar wars), but really, those are all about what you bought and why you like it. That isn't the question I am posing.

What I want to know is, how do you prepare your cigar for smoking? Are there inherent benefits to certain ways to open the cap? Do you use that method every time or only sometimes? Do you use different methods on different cigars? If so, why? What moved you to use the particular method that you use the most often?

Guillotine?
V-cut?
Bullet punch?
Bite off end?
Pierce the end? (watched a guy take a drill bit from his pocket and pierce three holes in the cap and smoke it that way)

I have a $4 V-cutter, but it cuts like it cost - cheaply. I occasionally do a v-cut with my pocket knife, if I have forgotten a cutter, for my pocket knife is always with me. I know there are V-cutters out there, but the only decent ones I have ever seen - which do not tear the snot out of the cap - are tabletop models. Is there a decent one out there for a reasonable price?

I have a cheapie bullet cutter too. That does a decent job, I like it for corona sized cigars. I am thinking of using it more, as it allows more of the cap to stay intact.

I have upon occasion, bitten off the end of a cigar - just to be "macho cool." I know of a woman though, who allows the cigar to rest in her mouth for a bit (she isn't chewing on it), and she can tell when the cap is ready, and she pulls off the first layer with her teeth and cuts it off. Interesting method.

Then there is the 3 hole (or however many you do) piercing. The guy I know who does this, claims the tars and stuff stay in the cigar, not in his mouth. Seems to me the holes would plu up with stuff.

Anyway, what methods do you use.

Oh yeah, so, anybody else out there own a Zino?

[Footbag]

I've got a Zino cutter, of course it is temporarily misplaced. I'm pretty sure it's in my camper-van, because it tends to turn up on camping trips. I've used it since 1997. I still consider it one of the best cutters, but I use a Palio now.

Palio and other double guillotine cutters all the way.

[Lucky_Hippo]

I marked both guillotine and punch. 95% of the time I use my Cuban Crafter perfect cut or one of my Xikars, but every once in a while I just want something different so I reach for a punch. I also keep a punch on my key ring for emergency situations.

I think I prefer a guillotine cut because I'm looking for the most smoke with the least effort to keep my cigar cool. Sometimes with a punch I just feel restricted.

[Siebec]

Palio, I like the guillotine action the best. I was never a fan of the v cut or punch for some reason.

Originally Posted by Lucky_Hippo

I think I prefer a guillotine cut because I'm looking for the most smoke with the least effort to keep my cigar cool. Sometimes with a punch I just feel restricted.

Although I've never used a punch. I started with a guillotine so I've stuck with it and like the nice, clean cut it gives. For some reason, it just seems like the best way to open the cigar up.

[longknocker]

Originally Posted by Lucky_Hippo

I marked both guillotine and punch. 95% of the time I use my Cuban Crafter perfect cut or one of my Xikars, but every once in a while I just want something different so I reach for a punch. I also keep a punch on my key ring for emergency situations.

I think I prefer a guillotine cut because I'm looking for the most smoke with the least effort to keep my cigar cool. Sometimes with a punch I just feel restricted.

My Sentiments, Exactly!

On many cigars I can pick the cap off with my fingernail. It's a little like biting so I clicked that.

[WyGuy]

I'm glad I made the switch to the Palio, it's honestly the best cutter I've used. Before that I used those cheap $2 cutters, they were okay but didn't last long. I even used to use a knife and just cut the cap off, actually I still do that occasionally.

[Yazzie]

Palio all the way. Used to use a Xikar but I feel the Palio is much better hands down

[Kreth]

I'm using the cheap ass guillotine cutter I got from my local B&M. At some point, I'll probably pick up a Palio.

[Fumador]

I use my Palio most but on larger rg's and nc's I use a punch to restrict the draw somewhat.

[ucla695]

I prefer to use a guillotine….either my Palio or Zino. I go for a straight cut for figurados. For parejos, I score the wrappers and flip the cap off with my thumb/finger. I’ve tried scissors before and it was a mess.

Right now I use a cheap $2 guillotine cutter. Once I get the funds I'll purchase either a Palio or an Xikar.
I'll probly also purchase a punch keyring, for those emergency situations.

Xikar, I really am happy with it.

[TXRebel]

Primarily a Palio , and on occasion a v-cut or punch.

[Ashcan Bill]

Normally I use a Xikar punch. I keep it sharp and it cuts through caps quite well.

For torpedos or smaller demi tasse sized cigars, I generally use a Palio.

[Pat1075]

Typically I go with the xikar guillotine but sometimes there is nothing like a v-cut.

[karmaz00]

i use the xikar x1 or x2 cant remember...no problems yet.

[SmokeyJoe]

I'm a guillotine and punch kind of guy.

Makes me sound violent...