Beginner Questions (Ask Them Here!)

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by sacsmitty

Long time lurker, first time post.

I recently met a guy that had a Xikar VX V Cutter. I cut my cigar with it and instantly fell in love. I'm not having a lot of luck finding places to buy one online.

Any recommendations?

http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-VX-V-Cut.../dp/B004G6XJYS

http://neptune-cigars-inc.amazonwebs...source=froogle

http://www.cigarking.com/xikar-vx-gun-metal-v-cutter/

http://www.atlanticcigar.com/Cigar-C...pping&aff=5112

http://www.elighters.com/xi155gm.html

[irratebass]

That's an expensive cutter imo.

[irratebass]

Originally Posted by icehog3

http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-VX-V-Cut.../dp/B004G6XJYS

http://neptune-cigars-inc.amazonwebs...source=froogle

http://www.cigarking.com/xikar-vx-gun-metal-v-cutter/

http://www.atlanticcigar.com/Cigar-C...pping&aff=5112

http://www.elighters.com/xi155gm.html

Only 1 penny!! Not a Xikar though
http://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/view-u...JMM52SN0E1%2C1

Originally Posted by irratebass

That's an expensive cutter imo.

Yeah, it is and I tend to be a cheap bas***d but wow does it do a nice job cutting a cigar.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by sacsmitty

Yeah, it is and I tend to be a cheap bas***d but wow does it do a nice job cutting a cigar.

Then get a Wolf V-Cutter. It has the same blade, as in exactly the same from the same knifemaker, Wolfertz, as the Xikar XV, just comes in a plastic body. Costs about $15 to $20.

Originally Posted by T.G

Then get a Wolf V-Cutter. It has the same blade, as in exactly the same from the same knifemaker, Wolfertz, as the Xikar XV, just comes in a plastic body. Costs about $15 to $20.

Thanks for the tip, I have never seen or used a V cutter up until a few nights ago so I had no idea different versions exist.

[T.G]

BTW, I'm not aware of any other modern, pocketable V-cutters that use the backwards raked blade design like the Wolf & XV where the blade starts at the tip of the head and works inward. Every other one I've seen relies on the traditional "shove a point (usually dull) into the side of the cigar and rip at it in an outward direction".

So, if you want that razor cut, the XV and Wolf are, to the best of my knowledge, the only options.

I have a number of V-cutters; Donatus, Dunhill, some no-name $2 from CI plastic bodied ones, and a Wolf. The Wolf is the only one that makes a clean cut and doesn't crack or tear up the wrapper on the cigar. I don't use V-cutters often, but after just one use of the Wolf, I've never touched any of the others since. It was that good - the others don't even compare.

[irratebass]

Wolf V Cutters
http://www.seriouscigars.com/Xikar_C...s_4478_details

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25130

http://www.thompsoncigar.com/product...Nextag-_-23654

[icehog3]

Little sumpthin for the effort?

[T.G]

BTW, Smitty, when you get a chance, please drop in over in the New Inmates forum and introduce yourself.

If "sac" = Sacramento, I think Mark @ Tower Pipe & Cigar might carry the Wolf cutters, I know he has the XV's and Xikar distributes the Wolf.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by irratebass

Wolf V Cutters

Sorry, but I cannot resist this: This link should help (Click this link -- it's pretty cool).

Thanks ToE!

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Sorry, but I cannot resist this: This link should help (Click this link -- it's pretty cool).

Thanks ToE!

'zactly.

[ApexAZ]

I bought some Gurkha Regent Toro cigars and have had some issues with the wrapper cracking. I had one last night and the wrapper cracked about 1.5 inches up the length of the cigar when I punched it. I assume this means they might be a little dehydrated. My humidor seems to be holding around 68% RH and I'm wondering how long I should let these sit before they are properly rehydrated?

[T.G]

Certain Gurkha cigars are infamous for fragile, splitting and exploding wrappers.

Can't really say how long they will need to sit to stabilize without knowing how far off they are, or if this will even help those particular cigars.

[SteelCityBoy]

Originally Posted by ApexAZ

I bought some Gurkha Regent Toro cigars and have had some issues with the wrapper cracking. I had one last night and the wrapper cracked about 1.5 inches up the length of the cigar when I punched it. I assume this means they might be a little dehydrated. My humidor seems to be holding around 68% RH and I'm wondering how long I should let these sit before they are properly rehydrated?

I try my best to let my smokes rest for about a month before smoking them. Sometimes however I just can't resist! It really depends I guess on where the sticks are coming from. If you just pick them up from a local B&M they should be good to go. When they come from long airborn trips it is best to let them bask in some good relative humidity for a bit. Also could be that someone just handed you a dried out stick which in that case could take a bit longer to bring back to good life.

[ApexAZ]

Originally Posted by SteelCityBoy

I try my best to let my smokes rest for about a month before smoking them. Sometimes however I just can't resist! It really depends I guess on where the sticks are coming from. If you just pick them up from a local B&M they should be good to go. When they come from long airborn trips it is best to let them bask in some good relative humidity for a bit. Also could be that someone just handed you a dried out stick which in that case could take a bit longer to bring back to good life.

I purchased from CI, which were shipped ground from PA to AZ. They took about 7 days. My guess is that they got a little dry.

I do really enjoy the flavor, but the wrapper and draw have been a little challenging on a couple. Also, I just realized this thread is stickied in the accessory forum. My apologies if I posted in the wrong thread. I'm still getting used to the layout here

[md4958]

Originally Posted by ApexAZ

I purchased from CI, which were shipped ground from PA to AZ. They took about 7 days. My guess is that they got a little dry.

I do really enjoy the flavor, but the wrapper and draw have been a little challenging on a couple.

Given the arid climate you live in, I would probably give most cigar 3-4 weeks to acclimate.

You mentioned draw issues, were they tight, like they were plugged? Could you feel a hard spot under or around the band area?

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by T.G

Certain Gurkha cigars are infamous for fragile, splitting and exploding wrappers.

Adam's a smart feller. The Regents have Cameroon wrappers and they are very, very thin and fragile. If they get the slightest bit dry, they will fall apart. I would suggest keeping Cameroon wrapped cigars at 70%.

[ApexAZ]

Originally Posted by md4958

Given the arid climate you live in, I would probably give most cigar 3-4 weeks to acclimate.

You mentioned draw issues, were they tight, like they were plugged? Could you feel a hard spot under or around the band area?

I am not sure. I considered that but truthfully I was a little afraid to squeeze it for fear of cracking it.

2 out of 4 have had some draw and cracking issues. I really enjoyed the ones that smoked well. Are many of the Gurkhas like this?

[irratebass]

Which is better for humidification, the gel or the boveda packs? I heard the gel you can use for years, just refill with dstilled water, and the packs are only good for a fw months, but I want your opinions.