Oct 25, 2024
Last Modified: Jul 30, 2025
Table of Contents
The cigar cutter is an essential aspect of any cigar setup. Not only will it help you prepare your cigar for smoking, it will also have an effect on the experience. There are many types of cigar cutters, making it difficult to choose the right one.
From simple guillotine cutters to punch cutters, we’ll run you through your options. You’ll also have the different cigar cuts explained below, including the effect that different types of cigar cuts can have on your cigar.Z
What is a Cigar Cutter?
A cigar cutter is an important tool that removes the closed end of a cigar. This is known as the cigar cap, which needs to be removed to allow for airflow and a proper draw. If the cigar cap isn’t removed, smokers won’t be able to experience the true flavor of the cigar.
There are multiple cigar cutter types, with each creating a different smoking experience. For example, you’ve got the punch cutter, creating a highly concentrated draw. Then you’ve got its opposite – the guillotine cutter. This creates a wide, open draw, favored by beginners. In short, a cigar cutter is an essential part of every smoker’s setup. Cutting off the cap is the first thing a cigar smoker will do when they’re preparing a stick for smoking.
Cigar Cutter Types
Cigar cutters come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. The multiple variants create different types of cigar cuts. These have a significant effect on the draw and intensity of the cigar.
Guillotine (Straight) Cutters
Guillotine cutters, also known as straight cutters, are the most common variation. This is mainly because of their simplicity and ease of use. They’re named guillotine cutters for a reason, operating like the execution device.
The mechanism is simple, with a single blade removing the cap of the cigar in one motion. This creates an open draw, provided the cigar was inserted into the device correctly. Due to size restraints, guillotine cutters work best on small/medium ring gauges.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | Dull blades may ruin a cigar |
| Create a nice open draw | Not the best option for large ring gauges |
| Cheap to buy | Cut can be uneven if not used properly |
Double Blade Guillotine Cutters
Double blade guillotine cutters work almost identically to their single-bladed counterparts. However, as the name suggests, they use two blades instead of one. This tends to create a cleaner cut, minimizing the risk of unraveling the cigar.
| Pros | Cons |
| Usually offer a more precise cut than single-bladed guillotines | Can unravel a cigar wrapper if you cut the wrong area |
| Produce a wide draw | May be too large for smaller cigars |
| Inexpensive | Requires a level of technique to use |
V-Cutters (Wedge) Cutters
V-cutters create a V-shaped wedge in the cap of the cigar. The opening created is smaller than a straight cut, which concentrates the cigar’s draw. This enhances the cigar’s perceived flavor, making it a popular cut for aficionados.
V-cutters suit a range of cigar types, although primarily designed for pyramid cigars. The cutters will typically work on cigars with ring gauges of up to 60.
| Pros | Cons |
| Create a concentrated draw and good flavor | Doesn’t work with all types of cigars |
| Retains the shape of the cigar | Not easy for inexperienced smokers to use |
| Provides a clean look to the cigar |
Punch Cutters
Instead of creating a major incision in the cigar, punch cutters create a small hole. This creates a concentrated draw, much tighter than a straight cut.
Punch cutters reduce the amount of loose tobacco that will enter your mouth. This makes for a comfortable smoke. Punch cutters also come in portable form, with an attached keychain.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly portable and can often be attached to a keychain | Restricts airflow in the cigar, sometimes leading to overly hot smoke |
| Creates a concentrated flavor | Some smokers may find the flavor too intense |
| Prevents loose tobacco from entering the mouth |
Cigar Scissors
Cigar scissors are not too different from traditional scissors. They are handheld, with two blades that provide your cigar with a straight cut. However, the blades are designed specifically to wrap around cigars.
They are rounded at the end, rather than straight, allowing for a clean cut. Because of their design, cigar scissors can accommodate a wide range of ring gauges. You can also use cigar scissors to perform slight adjustments to a cut. For example, you could trim the end to allow for a more open draw.
| Pros | Cons |
| Creates a precise cut | Requires more technique than a guillotine cutter |
| Suit a wide range of cigar sizes | Not as portable as other cutters |
| Look great in a cigar setup |
How to Use a Cigar Cutter
Once you get the hang of using your cigar cutter, it will become a simple task. Until then, here are step-by-step guides to help you master different types of cigar cuts.
How to Use a Guillotine Cutter
- Find the cigar cap: Inspect the closed, rounded end of your cigar. Look for a seam where the cap is attached to the rest of the cigar.
- Open the blades of the cutter: Open the guillotine’s blades to prepare for cutting.
- Place the cap inside the cutter: Place your cigar inside the cutter, ensuring only the cap is placed under the blades. Be careful not to place too much of your cigar under the blades, as this may cause the wrapper to unravel.
- Cut the cap: In a single swift motion, close the blades of the cutter. This movement has to be quick and decisive for a clean cut.
- Inspect your cut: Take a look at the cut. If it is slightly uneven, trim it accordingly.
How to Use a V-cutter
- Slide up the blade of the cutter: To prepare your V-cutter, slide the blades up before inserting your cigar.
- Place the cigar cap in the cutter: Place your cigar cap in the cutting area. Once again, ensure you don’t place too much of the cigar into the cutting area.
- Close the blade: In a quick movement, drop the blades of the cigar. Make sure you’re decisive here, to ensure a smooth cut.
How to Use a Punch Cutter
- Open the punch cutter to reveal the blade: Different punch cutters have different methods of revealing the blade. This may be a button or a twist cap.
- Position the blade: Place the blade to the cap of the cigar. Make sure that it is in a central position.
- Twist the blade: Hold the cigar firmly and gently press the cutter into the cap. When you have pierced the cap, insert the blade further. Twist the cutter slightly.
- Pull out the blade: Slowly pull out the blade to reveal a small hole in the cap.
How to Use Cigar Scissors
- Find the cap of your cigar: Look for the cap of your cigar to find the area you need to cut off.
- Place it into the rounded blade area: Holding the cigar in one hand and the scissors in the other, place the cap in between the blades.
- Cut the cap: Cut the cap off swiftly to ensure the cut is clean and even.
Cutting your cigar is easier when it has been kept in good condition. Check out our guide to storing cigars in a humidor.
How to Choose the Right Cutter
Choosing the right cigar cutter for you ultimately comes down to personal preference. Of course, there’s the question of the flavor nuance you’d like, as well as the type of draw you’d prefer.
However, there are other factors you may not have considered.
Shape and Size of Your Cigar
Cigar cutters aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. If you’re into Gordo or Gigante cigars with 60+ ring gauges, they may not fit into every cutter. Many guillotine cutters will have a maximum ring gauge capacity of 55. Using a cutter that’s too small for your cigar may lead to crushing or the unraveling of the wrapper.
Different cutters are more suited to a certain size of cigar. V-cutters, for example, work best with larger ring gauges. Punch cutters generally work best on cigars above 40 ring gauge with rounded caps. If you want a more general cutter, guillotines are the way to go.
Location
There’s no specific place to enjoy a cigar. If you prefer to smoke within the comfort of your home, you might want to invest in a desktop cutter. These are often versatile, and may include multiple cigar cutter types in the same device.
If you’re a traveler, a smaller cutter is a must. Punch cutters are perhaps the most portable, as they can often be attached to a keyring. Guillotine cutters can also be slid into a pocket. Scissors aren’t as portable, and may be inconvenient to carry around.
Experience Level
Some cutters require a bit more technique to use. Guillotine cutters are ideal for beginners with their easy-to-understand mechanism. Cigar scissors require more technique and are therefore suited to experienced smokers.
The Best Cigars for the Top Cutters
Knowing which cigar cutter suits you can have a huge effect on your smoking experience. It can simplify the cutting process and improve your draw. It may even prevent your cigars from falling apart.
Of course, owning a great cigar cutter means nothing if you don’t have anything to use it on. At Swiss Cuban Cigars, we stock the finest Cuban and international cigars on the market. Our selection ranges from mild to bold, with an extensive range of different ring gauges.
Browse our selection today to find your new favorite smoke.
