Cutting your cigar with Xikar

What would be your ideal cigar cut?

A question anyone might ask themselves when visiting their local tobacconist or a specialized cigar shop like Smoking.fr. Most of us might have this instinctive answer of a "straight cut" or maybe even a punch, but the possibilities are actually very varied.

While countless designs exist, there are four basic cuts to choose from, and each has its own advantages and origin.

The different types of cuts

On the cigar cutter market, there is a very wide range of models. Indeed, many different types of cigar cutters are available for purchase. In addition, each model and type of cigar cutter has a different cut. Discover now all the types of cuts offered for your cigar!

The straight cut

The most popular cut is the straight cut, or double guillotine, due to its simple design, ease of use, and the ability to cut almost any cigar you decide to enjoy.

This cut provides a larger draw and maximum flavors, allowing you to get all the smoke a cigar can produce. Although its simple design may seem easy to use, there are a few pitfalls when using this cigar cutter.

First, you need to be sure not to cut too much of the wrapper.A method for a perfect cut is to lay the cigar cutter flat on a flat surface, such as a table.

Then, place the end of the cigar butt inside the cutting area and close the scissors. This will help ensure an ideal cut. Additionally, with a sharp and fast blade like that of the Xikar Xi cigar cutter, the cut will prevent cracks in the wrapper.

The V-cut

One of the oldest cuts in history is the V-cut, producing a small diamond-shaped slit through the end of the cigar.

Also called the "cat's eye" cut or wedge cut, it gained popularity in the 1920s, ideally suited for small cigar enthusiasts.

It allows you to really focus on the smoke and prevents small bits of tobacco from escaping. A sharp blade is essential for the effectiveness of a V-cut to avoid damaging the cigar wrapper.The brand Xikar offers and designs the VX cigar cutter, with its unique inverted blade, for a perfect V-cut of your cigar.

Cigar scissors

With a similar function, cigar scissors offer a wide range of features. Although the size of the cigar that can be cut is limited by the structure of your guillotine, cigar scissors have no limits.

Moreover, they are more easily able to be sharpened to allow them to extend their usable lifespan. By using a cigar cutter, you reduce the amount of energy required to achieve a clean cut, but they require a slightly more costly initial investment.

Cigar punch

Finally, one of the most recent and fashionable cuts is the cigar punch, a cut made notably with a punch tool.

Available in different sizes, the cigar punch has a circular blade that allows you to pierce the end of the cigar for a small, clean opening that concentrates the flavors of the cigar. The great advantage of the puncture cut is that it is almost impossible to damage the end of the cigar.

Also, if you decide that the punch cut does not provide enough draw, you can always proceed with a straight cut to create a larger opening.