Cuba & Cigars

The cutting to smoke the cigar

One of the fundamental rituals of the experience of smoking a pure cigar is the cutting, and it should be according to the quality of the cigar because if it is not carried out in the correct way the smoker can ruin the cigar

Although smoking is a professional act and each fan has his own theory and likes on any aspect of the pure cigar, it can be said that the gold rules of a good cutting are the following:

a) It must be clean, without abruptness, and sufficiently wide so that the smoke can be inhaled easily

b) It should not damage the structure of the cigar. It should be plane and careful with the goatee (leaf that wraps the head); if it surpasses the line that connects the goatee with the wrapper, the end of the cigar will be uncoiled and it will be unsmokable. Always cut between this line and the end of the cigar.
c) The size of the cutting is as important as the dimensions of the chosen cigar, because it affects flavor and combustion of the cigar; with a too big opening the inhaled smoke is very hot, it leaves a bitter flavor in the mouth and it is smoked quickly. On the other hand, with a too small opening, the real quantity of smoke is few and the flavor is ruined because of the concentration of tar and nicotine. Therefore, the ideal cutting must be a little smaller than the diameter of the pure cigar.

d) A parejo or recto cigar is not cut in the same way than a figurado

e) Each type of cutting has its peculiarities and its utensils:

Guillotines: Circular and very precise cutting around the head; the pocket cigar scissors, of one or two blades, pliers, those of after-dinner and the scissors make a clean cutting in the mouth of the cigar, for what they are the most advisable. (We prefer those of two blades, because they make the cutting easier).

The V cutting: this cutting should facilitate to inhale the smoke, because the opening is an angle in two sides and, therefore, bigger surface; however, the cutting carried out is sometimes excessive for what the smoke warms. On the other hand, it is the less appropriate one for the smokers that accustom to bite the cigar, because the horizontal opening of the cutting can be obstructed.

Perforation: It is carried out practicing a hole with a punch; it is not advisable and it presents several inconveniences: - if it is too deep, a tunnel can be formed that makes that the soul of the cigar warm in excess;

f) The utensils:

A wide range of utensils exists that will allow to cut the cigars with a quick and dry movement, reducing the risk of cutting the wrapper. It is worthwhile to invest in a good cigar scissor. We will analyze them:

If you use the guillotine of one blade: - you will take the cigar with a hand, to place the cigar scissors on the head of it and to present it until it touches the point for where you must practice the cutting before doing it; - already prepared, carry out the cutting with force and precision, quickly and with security (as a surgeon).

The advantage of the cigar scissor with two blades is that the cutting is made at the same time by the two sides; the cutting should be carried out like it is described up.

The after-dinner cigar scissors is more reliable than the pocket cigar scissors and than the scissors, because when having a stable base we don't depend on the aim or the experience. The best cigar scissors have diverse diameters for different ring gauges and a stainless steel end to avoid carrying out deep guillotine cuttings.

The cigar scissors (pliers) is not a pocket utensil and it is very effective; it carries out a cutting like guillotine and it has an end that impedes an excessive cutting. Its construction and operation is like that of a stapler; the end is inclined, in angle form, for what you should also introduce the cigar in a traverse way to carry out a parallel cut; it also has a groove in the middle for non plane vitolas (figuradas).

The wedge cigar scissors is one of the accessories that the fans use the most; they are not appropriate for cigars with narrow or pointed heads, or for those of great caliber. The problem is to sharpen them.

The special scissors achieve cuttings like the guillotine extremely clean, but they require certain experience in their use; in the market there are three models: similar to those of classic sewing, folding and lengthened. In their election keep in mind that you should feel comfortable with them, they should slip in a soft way.

The circular cigar scissors was introduced in the market by the mark Davidoff. It has the shape of an old whistle with a ring to hang on a key ring. It carries out a circular cutting and it is used sustaining the cigar with the thumb and heart fingers, while the forefinger presses the cutter. The movement is similar to that of a drill. The circular

cigar scissors is not very extended and it should only be used with cigars of perfect flavor and construction, if not it won't allow this way to appreciate the whole range of flavors of the leaves.

The punch doesn't cut but it practices a hole; for this reason and for the inherent ones to the perforation cutting, its use is not in fashion among the fans.

For the elaboration of this web site have been fundamental the advice expressed in the books "Puros" by Marvin R. Shanken, "Guías de Puros Internacional" by Jane Resnick and in the magnificent web site elbuenhabano.com.

Links & Sources:

• www.guerrillero.co.cu