From Cap to Cloud: Cutting Tips That Matter

Why the cut matters
A clean, precise cut is the first physical contact with your cigar’s flavour. Cut too little and the draw is restricted; cut too much and the wrapper can unravel.
A proper cut preserves construction, improves draw and reveals balanced flavour.

Does cigar shape determine the cut?
Yes. Some shapes demand specific cutters:

• Flat-cap (e.g., RoMa Craft Neanderthal, CAO Flathead): Best with a sharp double-blade guillotine or scissors; slice the thin sliver of cap off
• Torpedo / Belicoso: V-cutters work remarkably well; you can then straight-cut them with you double-blade guillotine during your smoking experience to open the cigar up furtter
• Standard Corona / Robusto / Toro: Double-blade guillotine, scissors or punch all work - pick a method and be consistent; practice makes perfect.

Cutter types (quick guide)

• Double-blade guillotine: Best for consistent, even, precise cuts (the most common cut)
• V-cutter: Precise “cats-eye” cut, good for concentrated draw; also works well on box-pressed cigars
• Scissors: clean, controlled - excellent for many shapes
• Punch (7mm–11mm): Clean central hole; avoid when blades dull; can have a tendency to produce 'tar' in cigars
• Single-blade/basic cutters, novelty tools (Select Draw, Shuriken): generally avoid—poor or inconsistent cuts
• Do not use teeth; specialty tricks (sharpened fingernail) are niche and risky.

The perfect cut - step-by-step

1. Inspect the cap: locate the seam and measure mentally - cap depth ≈ 3–4mm
2. Choose cutter for the cigar shape
3. Make a shallow, decisive slice - for your first cut aim on ~1mm off the end of the cigar for a regular cigar; for a Torpedo/Belicoso you can cut deeper, ~3-4mm; remember you can always remove more, you can’t replace lost wrapper
4. For punches: center the punch, twist cleanly, withdraw without tearing
5. For scissors or guillotines: hold steady, cut in one smooth motion
6. Check draw; if restricted, remove another 1–2mm max
7. If the draw tightens up during your cigar smoking enjoyment; you can re-cut again; 1-2mm max and this will often open the cigar up and refresh the draw

Common problems and fixes

• A heavy cut / unravelling: Work slowly, trim ragged edges with scissors, and smoke patiently—most cigars remain enjoyable; but ultimately it will often become a loosing battle; but only towards the very end of the cigar smoking enjoyement
• Split or cracked cap: If small, cover with lip moisture and continue; major splits may end the smoke early; you can also use the Ciglue Cigar Repair Pen to fix splits and cracks of course
• Angled cut affecting burn: Trim straight with scissors if possible
• Dull cutters crushing the cigar: Replace with a quality stainless-steel cutter—Xikar-style cutters hold an edge and cut cleanly

Tar taste / “horrible” flavour: Occasionally your tongue touches concentrated resin/tar from at cut-cap. Solution: re-cut cleanly a bit deeper to remove the residue. If persistent, re-trim and test again.
This is a fairly uncommon thing with new-world / premium cigars; over the course of 12 months, smoking on average one cigar per day; I may experience this 1/2 a dozen times.

Moistening the cap: This is a personal preference; in lounges it’s frowned upon, but a light roll between the lips can help prevent cap splits at home; do it sparingly and hygienically (it is 100% fine if using your own personal cutter).

Poor draw troubleshooting: Usually the cap wasn’t cut enough or the cigar is over-packed. Try removing 1-2mm more off the cap. If resistance persists, it may be construction-related.
Again, this is a fairly uncommon thing with new-world / premium cigars; as most modern factories use draw test machines to ensure this is not an issue.

Maintenance and investment: Avoid cheap single-blade cutters beyond a few uses. Invest in surgical-grade stainless blades (guillotine, scissors, punch) and replace them when they loose their sharp edge; a sharp cutter will preserve both cigar and experience.

Further learning: Watch Cigar Aficionado’s video on cutting technique for visual reference.

Thanks for reading - take your time with the cut, invest in a quality cutter, and don’t be afraid to re-cut if the draw or taste isn’t right; little adjustments at the cap make big differences.
If you’d like to request more topics we should cover or recommendations, email concierge@canteros.nz.

Enjoy the smoke.
CANTEROS - Purveyors of Luxury since 1995