Pre-cutting Cigar Question

01-24-2010, 02:25 PM

Hey fellas I have a quick question. First, the situation:
I am making a 4 day travel to London via flight(Ryanair to be exact). I plan on bringing a few cigars because I can't quite afford some of the ridiculously over-priced cigars in London. I can not bring my cutter due to only being able to bring a carry-on bag. I will be storing the cigars in a small 5-cigar travel humidor.
Here are the questions:
Should I cut the cigars the day of my trip then stick them back in the humi until smoke time, or should I buy a cheapo cutter there and cut when the time comes? Does cutting a cigar several days in advance of smoking drastically effect the draw, burn, or humidity level?

Thanks!

md4958 · 01-24-2010, 02:27 PM

cigar cutters are permitted under TSA regulations. If you wanna be safe, purchase a cheapo cutter here and bring it with you. Ive never had an issue bringing a cutter.

WyGuy · 01-24-2010, 02:28 PM

You should be fine with a cutter in a carry-on-bag. I've never had any problems at least in a domestic flight, not sure why an international would change anything.

chippewastud79 · 01-24-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by md4958

cigar cutters are permitted under TSA regulations. If you wanna be safe, purchase a cheapo cutter here and bring it with you. Ive never had an issue bringing a cutter.

But if you are really that worried about it, cut them before you leave.

Emjaysmash · 01-24-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippewastud79

But if you are really that worried about it, cut them before you leave.

rhmalone · 01-24-2010, 02:33 PM

I was gifted a few cigars that had been pre-cut and they rested for many months by the time I got through them, and everyone smoked/tasted great. I think if you plan to smoke them all over there, you shouldn't have a problem.

Safe travels.

NCRadioMan · 01-24-2010, 02:38 PM

Nothing wrong with pre-cutting. It will not affect the cigar in any way.

01-24-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyGuy

You should be fine with a cutter in a carry-on-bag. I've never had any problems at least in a domestic flight, not sure why an international would change anything.

And I considered that, but flying with Ryanair makes me nervous about carrying on a cutter. If it was a company like Lufthansa or AA I would, but because of the well known inadequacies of Ryanair when it comes to customer service, I would rather not risk having to be without my Xikar cutter for a few weeks while I have to pay to ship it back to me from the airport.

And thanks for all the feedback so far guys!

markem · 01-24-2010, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by druturn

And I considered that, but flying with Ryanair makes me nervous about carrying on a cutter. If it was a company like Lufthansa or AA I would, but because of the well known inadequacies of Ryanair when it comes to customer service, I would rather not risk having to be without my Xikar cutter for a few weeks while I have to pay to ship it back to me from the airport.

And thanks for all the feedback so far guys!

This confuses me a bit. Are you saying that Ryanair staffs the security checkpoint where your carryon will be screened? I've never heard of airline personnel doing that.

Or are you saying that if bounced from the security line you believe that you can hand your cutter to the people at the checkin counter (for Lufthansa or AA) and they would package and ship your package for you? Never heard of that either.

Me, I'd buy a cheap cutter at that end. When I fly international, I leave my cutter and lighter home. Never had any issues and if I'm not meeting a cigar smoker on the other end, I make sure to cut my sticks before. I should note that I always put my sticks in 5-finger bags, even for a trip to the local cigar bar.

01-24-2010, 03:33 PM

Completely disregard what I said about mailing it home, my mind isn't with me today. By that I meant that if they discovered it and wouldn't allow it, I would have to hop out of the security line, find the local post office and mail it back to my address because the airport is located about an hour from my apt. The main thing I am worried about is it being taken by security. I have no checked bag to store it in if it were to be removed and not allowed onto the flight. I just wanted to see if pre-cutting would cause damage, which apparently it does not. I will just cut them in advance, thanks guys! Mods you are free to close this one down!

icehog3 · 01-24-2010, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Nothing wrong with pre-cutting. It will not affect the cigar in any way.

'zactly.

bi11fish · 01-24-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyGuy

You should be fine with a cutter in a carry-on-bag. I've never had any problems at least in a domestic flight, not sure why an international would change anything.

I would cut before leaving, I had a cutter in my carryon-- no problem leaving the USA. The security checkpoints in another country do not follow TSA rules. The bottom line is they took my cutter.

wayner123 · 01-24-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCRadioMan

Nothing wrong with pre-cutting. It will not affect the cigar in any way.

I have to disagree with this. To some it makes a good deal of difference: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...acques+Puisais

I would say get a cheap cutter when you arrive, or go old school and bite the cap off.

WyGuy · 01-24-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bi11fish

I would cut before leaving, I had a cutter in my carryon-- no problem leaving the USA. The security checkpoints in another country do not follow TSA rules. The bottom line is they took my cutter.

Good point, never thought about returning to the US.

kelmac07 · 01-24-2010, 06:35 PM

Snag a cheap cutter...that way it TSA grabs it..you aren't out much.

paris1129 · 01-24-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayner123

I have to disagree with this. To some it makes a good deal of difference: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...acques+Puisais

I would say get a cheap cutter when you arrive, or go old school and bite the cap off.

That was a very interesting thread. I am going to have to try that method.

Mark · 01-24-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markem

This confuses me a bit. Are you saying that Ryanair staffs the security checkpoint where your carryon will be screened? I've never heard of airline personnel doing that.

RyanAir sometimes (my experience with them has always been out of Stockholm/Skavsta, where this is the situation) has their own airport where only their planes are allowed to fly, and security there is always a nightmare and always only RyanAir employees.

01-25-2010, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark

RyanAir sometimes (my experience with them has always been out of Stockholm/Skavsta, where this is the situation) has their own airport where only their planes are allowed to fly, and security there is always a nightmare and always only RyanAir employees.

And THAT is what scares the mess out of me.

BlackIrish · 01-25-2010, 07:20 AM

I haven't had any trouble getting through security with a cutter, but I do usually bring a cheap one just in case. Another thing I bring: a cheap punch.

jkim05 · 01-25-2010, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayner123

I have to disagree with this. To some it makes a good deal of difference: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...acques+Puisais

I would say get a cheap cutter when you arrive, or go old school and bite the cap off.

Actually, unless he plans to light the cigar prior to cutting, it doesn't make a difference how far in advance you cut the cigar.

01-24-2010, 02:25 PM	#1
druturn Guest Posts: n/a	Pre-cutting Cigar Question Hey fellas I have a quick question. First, the situation: I am making a 4 day travel to London via flight(Ryanair to be exact). I plan on bringing a few cigars because I can't quite afford some of the ridiculously over-priced cigars in London. I can not bring my cutter due to only being able to bring a carry-on bag. I will be storing the cigars in a small 5-cigar travel humidor. Here are the questions: Should I cut the cigars the day of my trip then stick them back in the humi until smoke time, or should I buy a cheapo cutter there and cut when the time comes? Does cutting a cigar several days in advance of smoking drastically effect the draw, burn, or humidity level? Thanks!

01-24-2010, 02:27 PM	#2
md4958 Captain Cannoli Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moe Location: Suffield, CT Posts: 5,712 Trading: (62)	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question cigar cutters are permitted under TSA regulations. If you wanna be safe, purchase a cheapo cutter here and bring it with you. Ive never had an issue bringing a cutter. __________________ "One fart can foul the air for everyone" - Esteemed philosopher "If avoiding the nasty $hit is being a snob, them I am guilty as charged."- Same esteemed philosopher.

01-24-2010, 02:28 PM	#3
WyGuy Boiler Up! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: MN Posts: 1,359 Trading: (16)	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question You should be fine with a cutter in a carry-on-bag. I've never had any problems at least in a domestic flight, not sure why an international would change anything.

01-24-2010, 02:33 PM	#6
rhmalone Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: R. Harrison Location: Indiana Posts: 208 Trading: (5)	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question I was gifted a few cigars that had been pre-cut and they rested for many months by the time I got through them, and everyone smoked/tasted great. I think if you plan to smoke them all over there, you shouldn't have a problem. Safe travels. __________________ R. Harrison Malone The Ring Gauge Review

01-24-2010, 02:38 PM	#7
NCRadioMan Chutney Lovebusciut Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Chutney Location: On the shores of Loch Shiel Posts: 4,277 Trading: (66)	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question Nothing wrong with pre-cutting. It will not affect the cigar in any way. __________________ The path to loyalty is trust.

01-24-2010, 03:33 PM	#10
druturn Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question Completely disregard what I said about mailing it home, my mind isn't with me today. By that I meant that if they discovered it and wouldn't allow it, I would have to hop out of the security line, find the local post office and mail it back to my address because the airport is located about an hour from my apt. The main thing I am worried about is it being taken by security. I have no checked bag to store it in if it were to be removed and not allowed onto the flight. I just wanted to see if pre-cutting would cause damage, which apparently it does not. I will just cut them in advance, thanks guys! Mods you are free to close this one down! Last edited by druturn; 01-24-2010 at 03:45 PM.

01-24-2010, 06:35 PM	#15
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question Snag a cheap cutter...that way it TSA grabs it..you aren't out much. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

01-25-2010, 07:20 AM	#19
BlackIrish MassHole Militia Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Eddie Location: Bunker Hill Posts: 1,395 Trading: (55)	Re: Pre-cutting Cigar Question I haven't had any trouble getting through security with a cutter, but I do usually bring a cheap one just in case. Another thing I bring: a cheap punch. __________________