Best Cigar Cutters: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

This buying guide introduces some of the best cigar cutters money can buy and highlights their key features and characteristics. This will make it easier for you to find the perfect cigar cutter for you. Cigar lovers know very well how important it is to use quality instruments to preserve, care for and prepare their collection. Undoubtedly, a good cigar cutter is one of the most important parts of any cigar equipment.

Cigar Cutters – Buyers Guide

Frequently asked questions about cigar cutters

What is a cigar cutter?

To properly smoke a cigar, one must first cut off its sealed end. A cigar cutter is a mechanical device that allows the user to make this cut effortlessly, but also smoothly and precisely. Consistency and precision are important as any damage to the cigar end can cause problems when smoking the cigar, detracting from the overall experience.

Read more: The Definitive Guide To Cutting Your Cigar: 11 Methods And Tips For A Great Smoke

What parts does a cigar have?

• Cap: Put simply, the cap is the end of the cigar that is not open. Before smoking a cigar, one must remove the cap. After the cap is cut off, the freshly opened end goes into the mouth.
• Foot: The foot of a cigar refers to the end opposite the cap. The base of the cigar is the part that you light to smoke the cigar. Unlike the cap, it does not have to be cut off before the cigar can be smoked.
• Straps: Most cigars have straps wrapped around them. Normally the banderole of a cigar is closest to the cap. The banderole shows the cigar brand and contains important information about the cigar, such as its type and place of origin.
• Wrapper: As the name suggests, the wrapper is the leaf that wraps the contents of a cigar. Unlike a cigarette, no paper is used for a cigar wrapper. Instead, a large, high-quality, unshredded tobacco leaf is used. Therefore, everything that makes up the body of a cigar, except the banderole, is made of tobacco.

What does ring gauge mean?

Very simple: the ring gauge is a term that describes the thickness of a cigar. However, if you take a closer look, you can tell a lot about the importance of this measure. What is certain is that thicker cigars tend to have a fuller flavor. Of course, a larger thickness also means that the cigar will burn longer. And the thicker the cigar, the cooler its smoke.

What types of cigar cuts are there?

1. Straight Cut: Undoubtedly, the straight cut is the most common. Many cigar lovers prefer it because it offers the most surface volume at the end of the cigar that goes into the mouth. As a result, the cigar gives off more smoke with each puff. The straight cut is edgy, straight, and clean-cut. Ironically, however, it can be difficult to execute. Often people ruin their cigars when they use a knife or scissors to make a straight cut. In most cases, it can only be done with a good quality cigar cutter (e.g. a guillotine cutter or a double blade cutter) with sharpened blades.
2. Die Cut: Die cut is a small and delicate type of cutting compared to all others. As the name suggests, the punch cut creates a small hole in one end of the cigar. Be warned though, as this cut has both pros and cons. The biggest advantage is that the risk of getting small bits of tobacco in your mouth is greatly reduced by the die-cut. On the other hand, the main disadvantage is that with this type of cut, the cigar can more easily clog with a combination of tobacco and saliva.
3. V-Cut: This is a more sophisticated type of cut. It is typically used for cigars with a larger ring gauge. It is also commonly used to cut torpedo cigars. There are two main reasons for this: Firstly, the surface area is reduced, which reduces the risk of accidentally getting small bits of tobacco in your mouth. Secondly, it makes it easier to prepare a thick cigar, as most straight cutters are not suitable for the thickest cigars on the market. It is also worth mentioning that the V-cut is one of the most difficult cuts. Therefore, they are not recommended for cigar beginners.

The best type of cigar cutter

V-cut, round (straight), punch cut… Each cigar aficionado chooses for his style and needs. There is no consensus on which type of cigar guillotine is best, so our recommendation is simple: start with the simplest tool and up the ante. Settle on the one that suits you – that will be the best cigar cutter for you.

Are cigar cutters allowed on airplanes?

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding cigar cutters is whether or not they are allowed on airplanes. Unfortunately, the answer is that the TSA doesn’t allow cigar cutters to be taken on planes.

However, the smallest and most harmless cigar cutters are allowed to be brought on board because they resemble scissors for personal use. However, it’s advisable not to take expensive cigar cutters on a plane, as you never know when you might run into a particularly strict TSA agent.

How to properly cut a cigar

• Step One: Before you do anything, remember that the most important virtues in cutting a cigar are patience and calm. Measure the cut at least a few times before making it.
• Step Two: Once you’ve measured the cigar and decided where exactly you want to cut, try to see (and feel) how much tobacco is lost. But it’s not just about the loss of tobacco. If the cigar is too far from the ideal spot, the cut can cause problems with the burn and flavor. At the same time, try to align the cigar perfectly to cut as evenly and balanced as possible.
• Step three: It’s finally time to start cutting. When cutting, try to apply enough pressure to completely cut the cigar in one movement. Multiple cuts can cause bumps. Worse, they can cause the wrapper to disintegrate when smoked, affecting the quality of the smoking experience.

Best cigar cutters: Comparison Table

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1. Colibri V-Cut – Best V Cut Cigar Cutter

Equipped with a V-shaped blade that cuts from wide to narrow. This is remarkable because the blades of most cutters widen when cutting. This classic way of cutting cigars allows aficionados to enjoy their favorite brands in new and interesting ways.

The V-shaped blade also prevents the cigar from being damaged because it has no tip that often crushes the cap. Additionally, the blade itself is exceptionally sharp and efficient, resulting in a precise cut every time you use this product. In addition to these great features, the Colibri V-Cut is ergonomic and comfortable to use.

The quality cigar cutter you’ll appreciate

This beneficial property is further enhanced by the sharpness of the cutter’s blades. The combination of these properties allows the Colibri V-Cut to pull through hundreds of cigars without sacrificing performance. With a ring gauge of 60 and a cutting depth of up to 7 millimeters, it can handle practically any cigar on the market.

In addition to its design advantages, the Colibri V-Cut offers several extras that make it even more valuable. To the delight of many, the device comes with an exclusive Colibri box. This makes the device ideal as a gift, especially on public holidays and special occasions such as Father’s Day or Christmas.

Closing words

As if that weren’t good enough, the product also comes with an incredibly valuable two-year warranty. With all of these important features in mind, it’s safe to say that the Colibri V-Cut is a cigar cutter worth checking out.

2. Xikar Xi2 – Best lightweight cigar cutter

The best cigar cutters on the market are undoubtedly the ones that boast an efficient design. As a bonus, these devices tend to be the best looking too. This sleek cigar cutter comes in a range of metal colors and even has a mesh pattern on the back.

Butterfly in your hands

The cigar cutter is made of nylon fiberglass and is surprisingly light thanks to its compact size. Still, it’s powerful enough to handle cigars of all sizes, delivering a clean and precise cut without damaging them. The result is a device that is as effective as it is elegant.

This rating means the blades are as sharp and hard as they can get, resulting in incredible efficiency and precision when it comes to cutting a brand new cigar. As for the cutting abilities, like all Xikar models, the Xi2 can cut a 54 cigar in half. In addition, he can cut off the cap of a 58 cigar without difficulty.

With the classic Xikar signature shape, the Xi2 is undoubtedly an impressive piece of design. Although it’s only three inches by three inches, it can generate enough force to cut a large cigar in half as if it were made of butter.

This is mainly due to the spring-loaded double guillotine, which, in combination with the ergonomic shape of the device, allows high pressure without effort. In addition to cutting performance, the Xi2’s design ensures a clean, even cut that won’t damage the cigars in the slightest. Taking all of the above together, you get one of the best cigar cutters on the market.

3. Xikar XO Cigar Cutter – Best professional cigar cutter

The Xikar XO Cigar Cutter is a strong, durable, and durable device made from a combination of aluminum and 4034 stainless steel. Its bold design is ergonomic and efficient enough to produce great cutting power.

Round n cut!

Its unique design effortlessly cuts through the thicket of cigars available on the market. The 64-ring gauge (one-inch) opening is large enough to easily cap off 70-ring gauge cigars. Despite this ability, the device is very compact and easy to handle.

This mechanism not only generates great force but also activates both blades at the same time, so the cut is even and clean every time. The blades are released from the device’s round body by a spring-loaded release button, making cigar cutting incredibly satisfying and effortless.

Closing words

Granted, the Xikar XO isn’t the cheapest cigar cutter out there. But the high quality of the materials and the efficiency of the design make the Xikar XO one of the most reliable products of its kind.

4. The Big Easy Tobacco Co. – Best cigar cutter for stationary use

This The Big Easy Tobacco Co. product is a strong, robust, and efficient guillotine-style cigar cutter that would look fantastic in an office or cigar room. Before we go any further, it is worth mentioning that this cigar cutter is intended for stationary use and is best displayed on the desk of an office or cigar room.

Metal box cutter

It is made of pure metal and has a healthy weight that gives it great stability. So much so that it can easily be used as an elegant and decorative desk paperweight. But there’s a lot more to this cigar cutter than its weight.

This makes The Big Easy Tobacco Co. cigar guillotine elegant, powerful, and practical at the same time, as long as it is used indoors. On the downside, however, the Big Easy Tobacco Co. Cigar Guillotine isn’t as portable and versatile enough to be reliably used by outdoor and socially active cigar lovers.

The Big Easy Tobacco Co. Cigar Guillotine has an almost geometric shape and is more angular than most products of its kind. It could easily be mistaken for an elegant perfume bottle. However, the hole in their center betrays their true purpose. Unfortunately, the diameter of this hole is not as large as lovers of high-quality cigars would certainly like.

On the contrary, it can cause problems if you want to split a cigar with a larger ring gauge. In this case, the need to depress the button harder often creates stability issues, which manifest themselves as a slightly uneven cut. While it may seem unimportant to inexperienced cigar smokers, this issue can cause difficulties in lighting the cigar. All in all, it is a good product, especially when used as a stationary centerpiece.

5. ALASKA BEAR Cigar Cutter – Best Guillotine Cigar Cutter

The Alaska Bear cigar cutter has a unique look and may not be immediately recognizable as a cigar cutter. Instead, he looks like a ninja weapon or a secret spy device. It is a very efficient tool for cutting and splitting cigars.

A simple and cheap solution

Made from 100% 420J2 stainless steel, this cigar cutter is a solid and compact construction, a sturdy and powerful little gadget. Its unusual design features a classic pair of blades that guillotine together to produce clean, smooth, and precise cuts. With a hole diameter of 22.66 mm (0.892 inches), cigars with up to 60 ring gauges can be cut.

What sets the Alaska Bear cigar cutter apart the most is undoubtedly its construction. Thanks to its bespoke steel nail handle, it can apply high pressure evenly on each side of the cigar. On the other hand, its finely ground workmanship ensures the highest level of precision and cleanliness when it comes to cutting even the thickest cigars.

What do you get for this price?

Despite its tremendous cutting power, the Alaska Bear Cigar Cutter is as compact and portable as can be, making it a good choice for open-minded, friendly, socially active, and outgoing users. At the same time, these qualities make it a good choice for travel. Also, this cigar cutter comes with a stylish and elegant velvet case that protects it when not in use.

Similarly, the overall construction of the cigar cutter will become looser after a period of use, causing the cutting to become less precise, resulting in uneven cuts and perhaps even a slight tear.

Verdict

With all that in mind, it’s fair to say that this Alaska Bear product is worth a look, especially if you only need a cigar cutter for special occasions or when traveling. However, for those who intend to use their cigar cutter for a long period, it is not necessarily the best choice.

6. TISFA Cutter – Best cigar punch cutter

When it comes to a simple portable cigar trimming tool, you can hardly find a better one than the TISFA Cutter. The cigar punch cutter is a simple accessory that easily makes a neat hole inside the cigar, keeping the cap intact. Great for those who appreciate the aesthetics of appearance during the smoking process.

The Cigar Punch Cutter is made of stainless steel in a classic style. The opening is only 8mm (0.3″) in diameter, so you can use it on any type of cigar, including Cuban cigars.

Final Words

The TISFA Cutter is probably the top cigar punch cutter on the market because of 3 reasons: price, quality, and portability. The small size is only a small disadvantage, and even then, many people simply do not notice it.

7. XIFEI – Best Cigar Scissors Cutter

When you look at these scissors, you want to plunge into the world of the Wild West and enjoy a simple cigar in the company of friends. The classic design is a real eye-catcher, and you want to touch it in your hands and use it in the company of your friends.

The scissors fit well in the hand, have a comfortable grip, and are not short like many models. Allows you to cut cigars up to size 64 easily and easily.

Verdict

The combination of traditional design with a great case makes these scissors a chic gift for anyone. I wish this company would make the product perfect and check the sharpening of the blades – we came for a quality product, didn’t we?

F.A.Q.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What is the best cigar cut?” answer-0=”It depends. Usually, many people choose a simple round cigar cutter so they don’t have to bother. Connoisseurs consider V-cut and punch cutters as the most advanced options. We recommend that you try all the options and choose the one you are comfortable with.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”Is it better to cut or punch a cigar?” answer-1=”In principle, there is not much difference, but professionals say that for multi-ingredient cigars it is better to use a punch cutter or V cutter.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”Can you cut a cigar and smoke it later?” answer-2=”Yes, it is possible, but remember that this cigar should be stored separately from the rest of the collection, so as not to spoil the others.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”Can you cut off a finger with a cigar cutter?” answer-3=”Not unless you deliberately stick your fingers in the cutter.” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true” css_class=””]

Final Words about the best cigar cutters

When you look at the benefits of these products, it’s easy to see why the five products featured in this buyer’s guide are highly rated by cigar enthusiasts and critics alike. Each product has unique properties and features that set it apart from the vast majority of similar devices on the market. By educating yourself about these traits, you will be better prepared to choose the perfect cigar cutter. After all, only you can decide which device best suits your lifestyle and individual taste.