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Cigar smokers will tell you that there is nothing more relaxing than savoring the rich aromas and smooth taste of a cigar at the end of a long day or with friends on special occasions. Cutting the cap and lighting a good quality cigar is all part of the ritual, and achieving the perfect draw can all depend on the type of cigar cutter you use. But which one should you pick? We have tried and tested various types of cutters, so you don’t have to.
Cigars come in all shapes and sizes, but most come open at one end and capped at the other. The reason for this is to prevent the cigar from unraveling, especially premium cigars that have been carefully hand-wrapped in tobacco leaves. Cutting the cap off the end of a cigar can be tricky for novices, and if not properly cut, the cigar will not smoke evenly, and some of the tobacco can be lost. The more old-fashioned cigar smokers prefer biting off the cap with their teeth, but others believe this doesn’t provide a clean cut.
American smokers in general use a cutter, others, who are not the most sophisticated, chew off the end. This method does not permit much precision.
Zino Davidoff, author of The Connoisseur’s Book of the Cigar
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, cigar cutters adorned the chests of prosperous men and hung elegantly from watch chains, but in more modern times, cigar cutters have become simple, functional tools for cigar connoisseurs and novices alike. Before we reveal our favorites, let’s first take a look at the different types of cigar cutters.
3 Ways To Cut A Cigar
- Straight cut (guillotine) – this is the most common type of cutter. using a double blade, the guillotine makes a quick clean cut exposing the end of the cigar. This method allows for the maximum amount of smoke to exit the cigar without leaving a build-up of residue around the edge.
- Punch cut – the punch cutter punches or ‘cores’ the end of the cigar using a circular blade, as opposed to cutting the cap clean off. Users of the punch cutter say it reduces the amount of loose tobacco in the mouth. However, it doesn’t let out as much smoke as the straight-cut method.
- V-Cut – the v-cutter was originally made for pyramid-shaped vitolas. They look like guillotine cutters, but rather than removing the cap entirely, they cut a wedge into it, creating a clean and deeper incision.
Which Ones Made The Cut
When researching cigar cutters, we wanted to provide a variety of options to include the different types (as above), various styles (hand-held or tabletop), and a variety of prices. Quality was our first priority, as poor-quality cutters could crush a cigar rather than cut it if the blades are not aligned or not sharp enough. Not all cigar cutters are made equal, but there should be something to suit your needs in our ‘Top 5 Picks’ below. Where relevant, we have added our own personal experience.
Top 5 Picks
Here’s our top 5 picks for cigar cutters in the categories of guillotine, v-cutter, punch cutter, tabletop cutter, and steel cutter.
1. Xikar XO Double Guillotine Cutter
| Product type: | Guillotine/Straight cut |
| Ring gauge: | 64 |
| Lifetime guarantee: | Yes |
| Price: | From $80 |
Xicar has some great offerings when it comes to cigar cutters, but this one pips the others to the post, in our opinion. It might be a little on the pricey side (around the $80 mark), but this cutter offers a sturdy and solid design that’s easy to hold and operates smoothly. The blades are sharp enough for a quick cut, but they lock in place when not in use, avoiding any accidents when it’s in your pocket.
This cigar cutter has good overall reviews. Xicar offers a lifetime guarantee making the price a little more bearable, we think.
2. Xikar VX2 V-Cutter
| Product type: | V-Cut |
| Ring gauge: | 64 |
| Lifetime guarantee: | No |
| Price: | From $46 |
Another cigar cutter from Xicar, but this time it’s a V-Cut. The inverted stainless steel, extra-sharp blade in the VX2 cuts inwards from the top of a cigar, reducing the chances of cracking. We found it simple to use and liked that it comes in various colors too.
At a more affordable price, starting from around $46, you can’t go wrong with this new addition to the Xikar range.
3. Lotus Cyclops 11mm Cigar Punch
| Product type: | Punch Cut |
| Punch size: | 11mm |
| Lifetime guarantee: | Yes |
| Price: | From $25 |
The sleek Lotus punch cutter has a sharp blade for efficient incisions in your cigar. It’s a great accessory (comes on a keyring) for travel and cigar smokers on the go and has a self-cleaning mechanism. Made entirely from metal, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you need not worry about getting it replaced should it break.
It’s an affordable option and currently has a 13% discount on Amazon.
4. Colibri Quasar Table-Top Cutter
| Product type: | V cut and guillotine/straight cut (Table-top) |
| Ring gauge: | 60 |
| Lifetime guarantee: | 2 years |
| Price: | $150 |
If you’re looking for a stylish, more permanent fixture in your home or office, then the Colibri Quasar table-top cutter is for you. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it’s perfectly functional when it comes to cutting cigars. You have the option of a V-cut (up to 7mm) or a guillotine cut (60 ring gauge). Simply press down on the top, exposing both blades, and choose your cutting option.
It’s our most expensive pick at $150, but we think the modern design and functionality is worth the investment.
5. Alaska Bear Steel Cutter
| Product type: | Guillotine/Straight cut |
| Ring gauge: | 60 |
| Lifetime guarantee: | No |
| Price: | $9.95 |
This double-bladed guillotine cigar cutter is a great budget option that cuts well, even on stubborn cigars. It’s usually wise to invest a little more on cutters if you enjoy premium cigars but out of the lower-cost options, we found this one to be the best.
You can pick one of these up on Amazon for as little as $9.95.
Cigar Club Subscriptions
If you enjoy a good cigar but don’t know where to begin, then why not try a monthly subscription to a cigar club? Read our reviews on the best cigar subscriptions and enjoy a variety of cigars delivered to your door.
Which cigar cutter are you leaning towards? Let us know in the comments!
