UK Cigar Scene Magazine January Issue 13 | Page 20

Cutting your Cigars
In this our first technical ‘thread’ and video Different Cutter Types
and we have decided to start with a tutorial
on cutting cigars.
The first point to make is that different
types of cigars need to be cut in different
ways and also may require different types
of cutters. Try different types of cutters
in your cigar store or lounge and discover
which cut best suits you.
It is important to master a few simple but
invaluable techniques for cutting cigars
· Take your time, be patient
· Your cigar is a quality product, treat it
carefully
· Your aim is to open up the closed end of
the cigar without damaging the structure
· Ensure your cutter is sharp, if the blade
dulls get rid of it, it could damage your
cigar

· Ideal for all sizes and shapes of cigar
· This is the most preferred way to cut a
cigar, as it is usually the cleanest cut and
provides the most surface area to draw
through.
· Double-bladed guillotines tend to work
best, as they generally do not fray one
side or the other as some standard singleblade guillotines tend to do.

· Make sure your cigar is properly
humidified, it will make it easier to cut

· Carefully identify the cap of the cigar and
don’t cut below the cap which holds the
wrapper together.

· Make sure your cutter is clean

To Use:

· Be quick and decisive in your cut

· Hold the cigar firmly in one hand

ANATOMY OF A CIGAR

· Identify the point at which you wish to
cut the cigar looking carefully for the line
of the cap of the cigar

Structure – A cigar has three parts

· Position the blades carefully

· Foot – the open end which you light

· Cut positively and quickly

· Body – Bulk of the cigar
· Head – The end which you smoke and
which needs opening

19

The Guillotine Cigar Cutter

Top Tip
• If you lay a guillotine cutter down flat on
a table, then insert the head of your cigar
so that it rests against the table’s surface,
then clip, you will almost always take off
the right amount on almost all cigars.