How to cut a cigar like a pro

Know the parts of a cigar

A good cut starts with knowing what you are cutting. The rounded end you put in your mouth is the cap. It is a small piece of wrapper leaf glued over the head. You will notice one or two faint rings on the cap. Do not cut below the last ring. The shoulder is the curve where the round head meets the straight body. If you cut past the shoulder, the wrapper can unravel.

Pick your cutter

• Double-guillotine: the classic tool that makes a straight cut across the cap. It is fast, clean, and fits most shapes.
• V-cut: a wedge-shaped notch that boosts draw while keeping the cap edge intact. Nice for thicker cigars.
• Punch: a small circular blade that removes a tidy plug. Great for firm boxes or when you want a tight draw.

All three work when used well. Choose based on the shape, the ring gauge, and how open you want the draw to be.

Straight cut step by step (double-guillotine)

1. 1
   Open the cutter fully and check the blades are sharp and clean.
2. 2
   Place the cigar in the opening and align the blades just above the cap line. You want to take off only the tip.
3. 3
   Close the blades lightly to hold the cigar in place.
4. 4
   In one quick motion, cut through with a firm squeeze. Do not saw. A clean slice protects the wrapper.

Tip: if you are unsure, “measure twice, cut once.” Take less off; you can always trim a hair more to open the draw.

V-cut step by step

1. 1
   Set the V-cutter flat on a table for stability.
2. 2
   Center the head of the cigar in the cradle so the notch will land in the middle.
3. 3
   Press down in one firm motion to create a deep wedge without breaking the cap.

A V-cut is handy for thick ring gauges and for toros or gordos that feel too tight with a small straight cut. It keeps the rim strong, so the wrapper resists fraying during a long session.

Punch cut step by step

1. 1
   Twist the punch blade out of its handle.
2. 2
   Place it at the center of the cap. Apply gentle pressure and twist clockwise to cut a circle.
3. 3
   Pull the punch straight out; the plug should come with it.

Punch cuts work best on straight cigars with firm caps. On very small ring gauges, the hole can be too narrow. On very soft caps, the punch may crack the leaf. In those cases, use a straight cut instead.

Special shapes and when to be careful

• Torpedo and belicoso: trim tiny slices from the tip with a guillotine until the draw opens up. A V-cut across the point can also work if you are careful.
• Figurado: aim for the widest stable part of the head. Start small. The goal is to open the center without cutting into the shoulder.
• Box-pressed: a V-cut or punch often keeps the cap tidy. If you straight-cut, use a sharp guillotine and don’t crush the sides.

Common mistakes and easy fixes

• Cut too much: the wrapper starts to lift. Lightly moisten the cap with your lips, then even the edge with a tiny second snip. Smoke gently so the cap stays intact.
• Cracked cap: switch to a V-cut or straight cut above the crack if there is room. If the crack is large, try a different cigar.
• Draw too tight: take a hair more off with the guillotine or add a gentle second punch beside the first hole to widen the airway.
• Draw too loose: you likely cut past the shoulder. Next time, take off less. For this cigar, slow your draw to keep the ember cool.

Keep the cutter sharp and clean

Wipe blades after each use and avoid resin build-up. Dull cutters crush instead of cutting, which is the main cause of ragged caps. If your cutter has replaceable blades, swap them when you see tears even with careful technique.

Prep before lighting

After the cut, test the cold draw. Air should move freely with a little resistance. If it feels tight, trim a tiny bit more. If it feels like a wind tunnel, slow your puffing pace to keep flavor balanced once you light.

Lighting basics to match a clean cut

1. 1
   Toast the foot (the open end) a few millimeters from the flame until the edge darkens evenly.
2. 2
   Bring the cigar to your lips and take slow puffs while rolling the tip above the flame.
3. 3
   Check the cherry. If one side trails, touch it up for an even burn.

Patience in the first minute sets the tone for the whole session. A good cut plus a careful light keeps the wrapper happy and the draw smooth.

Storage pointers for Calgary’s dry air

Dry climates pull moisture from cigars. Keep a small humidor or a travel case with humidity packs. Aim for a stable range around 65–69. If a cigar feels crunchy, give it time to rest before cutting and lighting. Rushing a dry cigar is the fastest way to crack the cap.

Quick checklist

• Find the cap ring. Stay above it.
• Match the tool to the shape.
• Cut in one clean motion.
• Test the cold draw and adjust.
• Light with care and enjoy.

Cigar products are for adults of legal age only. Follow local rules for where smoking is allowed.