Nov 18
Cutter Comparison: Spike vs. Punch vs. Straight vs. Angle
Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in Accessory Reviews, Polls
This is a comparison of the major types of different ways to cut a cigar. Shown are the characteristics and differences between the new Cigar Spike, a punch cutter built in to one of my lighters I got from Buylighters.com, a traditional straight cut by a Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter, and on a torpedo a straight vs. angled cut by a Xikar. The video is in two parts (part two will play automatically after one). Photography by BG Pictures.
Along with the videos we have a poll – tell us what your favorite cut is and comment on why!
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I can only compare what I have used. I started with the straight cut and that is the one I use most often. I read about the angle cut most commonly used with the torpedo and I like it! I noticed the draw would allow the smoke to come in a more direct contact with my tongue and I found that a more flavorful experience. In fact whenever I smoke a torpedo that is how I cut it. I never used the spike. I tried the punch not long ago while at a cigar lounge and in my experience I had a tighter draw, but I do believe it was the cigar itself! I am willing to give the punch cutter another chance.
Great Video, I would be interested in a cigar spike.
Would you be interested in doing a comparison video on straight cutters? Like palio, Xikar, Scissor type cutter, cheap cutter ect?
None the less, great site and keep it up.
Thanks! If I ever happen to have the multitude of straight cutters hand I’ll make one, but in short – cheap cutters can ruin cigars by pinching. The Xikar is ok, but was only really sharp for 30 or so cuts. The Cuban Crafters has done 100+ so far and is still perfect. Scissors are generally excellent but 100% depend on you for accuracy. I have not used a Palio but hear it’s on par with a Xikar.
Great idea for a comparison video. Really interesting. I can’t believe you just let those two RP’s take one for the team!!! Never tried a spike, but they don’t sell them at my B&M. I’d like to be considered to try one though. Good smokin!
Most of the time, I may start off with a “V” cut, but will usually finish it off with a straight cut. I prefer a “Bullet Punch” on large ring gages above a “54″ so it’s not like drawing my smoke through an exhaust pipe. Overall I would have to say my preferred cut is a shallow straight cut. I believe the Spike would be a convenient piece to carry around,(i.e. on a key chain) when either of the other cuts aren’t handy.
I usually use the Cuban Crafter cutter or my Xikar punch. I like ‘em both equally. Never tried a spike before but would like to try it. Thanks for the video Bryan.
Khyber
One last thought. A straight cut also helps me to “not” smoke my cigar too hot, allowing for a more even burn!
Nice video, but I really wish you would have smoked each cigar!! I have tried all of the mentioned cuts along with the v-cut (which is my preferred right now) and it seems with the cigar spike the cigar tends to get harsher towards the end than with the other cuts. Maybe it was just me?
I have also had more tar issues with the spike and punches than any other cut – here again, it could just be me.
Mike
When I have tried v-cuts and punch cuts, yes some cigars give me more buildup – that’s going to happen no matter what though even on some straights. The smaller openings just exacerbate that problem, I don’t think it’s actually due to the cuts though. Can’t say I could see any correlation to harshness to the cut choice – just lack of age on the stick.
I prefer the straight cut…I have a punch but had a couple problems when a cigar is a touch too dry and it ruins the cap. I would like to try a spike though…maybe the airport won’t confiscate it like they did my cigar.com cutter! Remember to pack them when flying!
Thanks for the video — very interesting and I learned something (always a good thing)!
I would be interested in a Cigar Spike. Even though the draw may not be quite as good, it seems like it would be good for travelling where you cannot always take a cutter.
Thanks for your efforts!
Good video, I actually learned a few things. Thanks.
Hey Bryan. How are you? Rockin the 313. Man, i cant sleep without watching your videos. Im addicted to cigars as well as this website. As a matter of fact, your website has me smoking a bunch of new cigars. As far as cuts, straight gives the best draw but i’d love to get those cutters if possible. Keep up the great job on your website.
I have been experimenting for the last few months with different types of cuts. I like v-cuts because they are easy and I’ve never had a wrapper unravel with that cut. I still usually use a straight cut though. I’ve never heard of a cigar spike but after watching your videos, I would love to try one. Thanks for what you do Bryan.
Great Video as always , very informative. As a newbie I didn’t know there were so many ways to cut a cigar . Enjoy all your Cigar reviews,
keep up the excellent work.
Ah, truly coincidence. I was just checking out the local cigar shop today for cutters and different ways of cutting.
My newest addition to the family has been a cigar punch. I love it. It really makes sense when I’m smoking a shorter cigar. I hate losing all that length before it gets too hot. But now I can smoke to a more reasonable point.
So I guess I’d have to say punch. It’s small, fits on my key chain, doesn’t destroy the cap… I sometimes get over anxious and take a bit too much of the cap off. Also, I’m not really a wet smoker so the smaller hole doesn’t bother me.
Hey Bryan,
Thanks for the nice cut review. I personally prefer my CC Perfect Cutter as well. My Xikar cuts just fine, but I don’t know if it’s the design or if I got a ‘lemon’ cutter, but it loves to get stuck right after a cut which is annoying.
I’m curious about the spike though. Can you say, ‘spike’ maybe a bit off to the side of the cap instead of right down the middle so you can maybe spike another once or twice? Would that help the draw from being so restricted?
Thanks!
Sure – but that’s not the point of it.
I like a streight cut, im open to try any and all techniques, however i find that with a streight cut on most makes of smokes; it allows a smoothe even draw,i guess you could say im kinda lazy. I like to let the smoke do most of the work. Im glad i saw the video, it put into words some techniques i really have not compared.
The Spikes are on their way!
I use a V cutter on most Toro, or med. ring gauge rounded cap sticks. I have two size Punches, and will use them on robusto’s, or 56/64 rings or larger. If you look at the surface area on a good V-cut, I actually get less tar, due to it residing on this type of cut in the deeper crevasse. I use double bladed when I smoke torpedo, belicoso, or Salomon vitola’s. Never tried the spike.
Hi, i generally use normal cutter for cuban, domenican and nicaragua cigar, also for italian cigar i use normal cutter, i think is more versatile; when i want a longer smoke i use punch that make the smoke slower; i use angle cut only with Perfecto shape like Cicero Perfecto N°1. I’m very curious about V Cut…
Great review.
S.