Years later , I change my cutter technique

[ServiceRifle]

When I first started smoking cigars, back in 2002 or 2003, I read somewhere that the cut (if using a guillotine style cutter) should be done quickly. I took this advice at face value and never tried going slower. Over the years I'd ruined enough caps to completely stop using a guillotine, in the process declaring my old Xicar a POS and wondering why people like them. I resorted to a plug cut (which is still excellent) and stuck with that from then on...

Until last week.

I'd received a new Xicar in a JR offer and had tried it again, ruining yet another cap. Then, I tried it one more time, but something made me slow down, maybe I was distracted or something...and the cut was perfect. In fact, I could distinctly feel and hear the blades cutting through the tobacco.

Since then, I've had a perfectly cut cigar every time.

So, why did someone tell me (on a website) that the cut had to be done quickly?

[AnejoMofo]

Originally Posted by ServiceRifle

So, why did someone tell me (on a website) that the cut had to be done quickly?

I always thought a quick cut was recommended to avoid pinching and crushing the cigar between the blades of a guillotine. If you think about it, though, as long as the blades are sharp, the speed of the cut should be irrelevant. It's either gonna cut slow or fast, or crush slow or fast.

I'm gonna clip my next one slow-style and see what it feels like.

[SmoKerch]

It's a brain thing.

Most descriptions I have seen say to cut 'firmly'.

I think the word 'firmly" become 'fast' or 'quickly' somewhere in our thought processes.

You know, a brain fart.

[Briandg]

I have heard decisively, firmly, and others, but I off hand can't remember hearing quickly. You may be right.

OTOH, I have no idea how I can quickly, firmly, crisply, whatever, cut a stick without applying force, and that will make it fast.

There is one thing that you might try. When you are cutting a flat head cigar, I suggest that you lay your cutter on a flat surface, place the head of the cigar through it, and cut it with thumb and forefinger. You are going to shear off about 1/16 of an inch. that is how I do it.

Of course, a torp or a round head will defeat that purpose, but the head will likely be stronger on those, anyway, and the cut will be less demanding.

[AnejoMofo]

Well, the results are in from the New Hampshire Primary (...cutter test...);

My Xi cuts just as well slowly as it does quickly. In fact, giving attention to cutting slowly seems to reduce collateral wrapper crackage and other such undesirable effects.

I'ma cut these jawns slow from now on, son.

[Kilobyte]

Technique is key. While a firm, quick cut is needed to successfully shear through a thick cigar, one must first bring the blades slowly together until the blades are resting firmly on the wrapper. Then with a firm, quick squeeze will you shear a clean cut. It is the failing to apply this first action that folks often warp the wrapper and binder.

[SporkD]

smoked an Illusione 888 last night and did this exact thing, I am sold! Perfect cut at the end

[Smoker06]

My thoughts.... with both the Xikar and SAK, I get better cuts by cutting slowly. I think this is because you can control the side-to-side movement (wobble) of the cutter when you use the slow method. If the cutter twists at all between your fingers as you cut, you get a poor cut.

With a Zino or Palio, they don't seem too twist regardless how fast you cut.

[mdman]

for cigars other than a torpedo, I simply put my Xikar on the table, stick the cigar in it and squeeze.. on the table the cutter only just cuts the head off. perfect cut every time. I instruct my girls at the shop to do the same.

[The JD]

Originally Posted by AnejoMofo

If you think about it, though, as long as the blades are sharp, the speed of the cut should be irrelevant. It's either gonna cut slow or fast, or crush slow or fast.

Correct, IMHO. If the blade is sharp, it'll cut either way.