Is your cigar cutter feeling sticky or sluggish?
A quick, simple boil-and-rinse routine removes built-up gunk and gets the blades opening and closing like new - no special tools required.
What you’ll need
- Heatproof pot/jug and boiling water (from a kettle)
- Tongs or heatproof spoon
- Timer or watch
- Clean towel or cloth for drying
Step-by-step
- Fill the pot with enough boiling water to fully submerge the cutter(s)
- Leave for approximately 3 minutes
- Gently jiggle the cutter(s) with the tongs to help loosen trapped debris
- Remove the cutter(s) with tongs and set it aside to cool so you can handle safely
- Once cool, open and close the cutter(s) several times to dislodge the loosened gunk
- Repeat steps 2–5 a couple more times
- After the final cycle, dry the cutter(s) extremely well with a clean towel, paying attention to hinge areas and inside the blades / make sure the cutter(s) are completely dry
- Test the action - it should open and close much smoother and ultimately cut nicer
Safety tips
- Use tongs and avoid splashing the boiling water
- Don’t touch metal parts immediately after removal - they will be very hot
- If your cutter has wooden or plastic components, check that boiling won’t damage them; consider using hot (near-boiling) water instead
- If you notice rust or loosened screws, pause and assess before continuing
Why it works
Boiling loosens oils, tobacco residue, glue used on the cigar cap and other grime so the mechanical action can push it free, restoring smooth movement.
Is Your Cigar Cutter Blunt?
Don’t let a dull cigar cutter ruin your cigar enjoyment - give yours a quick tune-up with our simple boil-and-rinse method or upgrade to a precision cutter for consistent, clean cuts.
We carry an affordable selection of Xikar cutters to suit every style and budget; stop by our shop or visit our website to find the perfect cutter and enjoy every cigar the way it was meant to be.
