How to Cut a Cigar Properly: A Beginner-to-Aficionado Guide

Cutting a cigar properly is a skill every enthusiast should master, especially if you want to avoid ruining an expensive stick. A bad cut can lead to a tight draw, unraveling wrapper, or even a completely wasted cigar. But don’t worry, cutting a cigar the right way is simple once you know the steps.

Why the Way You Cut a Cigar Matters

At a glance, you might think cutting a cigar is as simple as snipping the top and lighting up. But the cut directly affects how well your cigar draws and whether the wrapper stays intact throughout the smoke.

A clean, precise cut ensures:

• Proper airflow

• Maximum flavor delivery

• A cigar that holds its shape and doesn’t unravel

The 3 Main Types of Cigar Cutters

Depending on your cigar shape and personal preference, you have a few different cutting options:

1. Straight Cut (Guillotine Cutter)

This is the most common and beginner-friendly cut. Using a guillotine cutter (preferably double-bladed), you slice the cap off cleanly in one swift motion.

Ideal for: Most cigars, especially parejos (straight-sided cigars)

Pros:

• Easy and versatile

• Delivers a wide, open draw

Cons:

• Cutting too much can unravel the cigar

• Requires a sharp blade for best results

Pro Tip: For large ring gauge cigars, choose a guillotine cutter that can accommodate the size.

2. V-Cut (Wedge or Cat’s Eye)

This method cuts a V-shaped groove into the cap. It concentrates the draw, bringing more flavor to the palate and often providing a smoother, cooler smoke.

Ideal for: Round-headed cigars, medium-to-large ring gauges

Pros:

• Creates a focused draw

• Less chance of loose tobacco in your mouth

Cons:

• Not great for torpedoes

• Some cutters struggle with thick cigars

3. Punch Cut

The punch makes a small hole in the center of the cap, leaving the rest of the cigar intact. It’s quick and easy, though it can restrict airflow if the hole is too small or the cigar is over-humidified.

Ideal for: Cigars with round caps and at least a 40+ ring gauge

Pros:

• Keeps the cigar structure intact

• Minimal tobacco bits in your mouth

Cons:

• Tighter draw may build up moisture or oils

• Not suitable for tapered cigars like torpedoes or figurados

How to Cut a Cigar: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you do it right every time, no matter the shape or size of your cigar.

Step 1: Inspect the Cigar

Before making any cuts, take a moment to examine your cigar. Identify the following:

• Cap: This is the rounded, closed end of the cigar you will cut. It’s made from a small piece of tobacco leaf glued onto the head to keep the wrapper from unraveling.

• Shoulder: The curved area where the cap meets the straight side of the cigar.

• Foot: The open end of the cigar - the part you toast and light.

Pro Tip: Always cut the cap, never the foot.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cutter

Using the right tool makes all the difference. Your cutter should be sharp, clean, and suited to your cigar’s shape and ring gauge. Choose from:

• Double-blade guillotine – Best for straight cuts; works on most cigars.

• V-cutter – Best for flavor concentration; ideal for round caps.

• Punch cutter – Great for a tight draw; not ideal for torpedoes or figurados.

Need a new cutter? Check out our top-rated cigar cutters designed for precision and performance.

Step 3: Determine Where to Cut

This is where many beginners make a mistake.

Your goal is to remove just the cap, without cutting into the shoulder. This is typically about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch, just enough to expose the filler tobacco and allow airflow.

Look for the “cap line”- a faint seam that separates the cap from the body. Cut just above this line (toward the tip).

• Cut too low, and the cigar may unravel.
• Cut too high, and the draw might be too tight.

Step 4: Make a Confident Cut

Hold the cigar firmly but gently between your fingers. Position the cutter around the cap, making sure it’s straight and aligned.

Now, in one quick motion, close the cutter completely.

• Do: Cut fast and clean.
• Don’t: Saw, hesitate, or slowly press - this can tear the wrapper.

With a sharp cutter, you should hear a satisfying snip and see a clean, even cut.

Step 5: Test the Draw

Before lighting up, take a dry draw (i.e., pull air through the cigar unlit).

• If the draw feels open and natural – You’ve nailed it.

• If it’s too tight – Consider trimming a tiny bit more off the cap.

• If the wrapper starts unraveling – You’ve cut too far, and unfortunately, there’s no fixing that cigar.

Pro Tip: For torpedoes and figurados, it’s smart to cut incrementally and test the draw after each small trim.

Step 6: Recut if Necessary

Sometimes, especially with uneven burns or bitter flavors mid-smoke, you may need to recut the cigar to freshen the draw or remove buildup.

Here’s how:

• Wait for the cigar to cool slightly.

• Use a sharp cutter to remove just a sliver of the head.

• Relight slowly and evenly.

This can often solve draw issues or get rid of any bitter aftertaste caused by built-up oils and tar at the cap.

How to Cut a Torpedo or Figurado Cigar

Torpedoes and figurados require a slightly different approach due to their tapered heads. These cigars don't have a rounded cap but a pointed one, so precision is key.

Option 1: Straight Cut

1. Start small – Cut about ⅛ inch from the tip.

2. Test the draw – If airflow is tight, trim a little more.

3. Avoid cutting into the shoulder – This risks unraveling.

Option 2: Angled Cut (for better draw)

Some aficionados prefer cutting torpedoes at a 45-degree angle, which increases the surface area and improves airflow without sacrificing shape.

Option 3: Deep V-Cut

If your V-cutter is deep enough, you can use it on torpedoes. It keeps the shape intact and delivers a concentrated, flavorful draw.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cutting a Cigar

🚫 Cutting below the shoulder
🚫 Using a dull blade
🚫 Pausing mid-cut (jagged edge)
🚫 Licking the cigar before using a shared cutter
🚫 Trying to cut a torpedo like a regular parejo

Choosing the Right Cigar Cutter (And Where to Get One)

Not all cutters are created equal. A cheap one may get the job done once or twice, but over time, dull blades and weak construction can ruin good cigars.

What to Look For in a Quality Cutter:

• Stainless steel blades

• Smooth cutting action

• Ability to fit large ring gauges

• Solid build and spring-loaded design

Want a cutter that does it all and looks good? Browse our collection of premium Cigar Cutters – from double guillotines to precision V-cutters. Whether you're a beginner or building your collection, we've got one for every budget.

Bonus: How to Cut a Cigar Without a Cutter

Caught without your gear? Here are a few (desperate but effective) alternatives:

• Use a sharp pocket knife

• Bite gently around the cap and rotate (classic but risky)

• Pierce the cap with a matchstick or toothpick

• Use your thumbnail to pick the cap away

For step-by-step instructions, check out our full guide: How to Cut a Cigar Without a Cutter

Final Thoughts: Start with a Clean Cut, End with a Great Smoke

Cutting your cigar properly isn’t just prep, it’s the start of your whole smoking ritual. A clean, precise cut makes sure the draw is just right and the flavor shines through.

And if you’re looking to take your cigar game to the next level, explore our wide range of accessories: Cigar Lighters, Cigar Ashtrays, Humidor Cabinets, and Smoke Eaters.

Because it’s not just about smoking a cigar - it’s about enjoying the full experience from cut to ash.