Punch or cut?

[Daimonrunge]

Another newbie question for the geeks. I have a nice cutter that my wife bought me for my birthday (along with my humidor... Pics soon) and I have a Colibri lighter coming with a punch built in. When is it best to cut or punch. Are there certain cigars or cigar types that go better one way or the other or is it simply a matter of personal preference?  Thanks in advance for your answers.

[Zilla]

I find it is just a matter of preference.  I enjoy my cigars better when I cut them.

[Shukpaw]

V cut.

[Daimonrunge]

I'd heard v cut was the way to go. Is it really that much better than a double guillotine?

[lubrix]

I am a cutter.The type of cut for me sometimes depends on the vitola of the stick.

[DonM]

I have been using the V cut alot, it works great on coronas

[billy82]

Its really up to you. I very rarely use a punch.   I have a  guillotine  cutter  for now. I been using a v-cutter at my local B&M and been liking it a lot more

[szyzk]

I prefer a punch... I even use it on Torpedos/Belicosos, and revert to a straight cut if the draw seems too tight.

[BXgreenhorn]

I cut

[toby2]

i punch or v cut smaller rings.

[BigTA]

V-cut most of the time, Will punch if I dont have a a v-cutter ..

[Cigary]

I have used a V Cut since 1999 and find it works on just about every type of vitola...I'll also use a straight cut too but my favorite is a V.

[kylepwhalen]

I think it's just personal preference

[Daimonrunge]

Going to have to wait until next month to be able to get one, but is there a v-cutter that anyone would recommend over others?

[PKAmmoTroop]

I cut, never did enjoy the punch. I haven't had the chance to use a V cutter yet but I hear it's great on short filler cigars - it cuts down on the confetti

[nirab]

Xikar V cut all the way. If the draw is too tight, then I go to my Xikar Xi3 and clip the end. Done!  

[Hapcigar]

A bunch of seconds here.  

1) A cut is a personal preference thing.
2) I prefer a V-Cut.
3) Xikar V-Cut is the best.

[MT21]

I only use a punch on short filler cigars.

[Jackal]

I played around with punches for a wile.  I do like them, but, for me, they have the tenancy to promote irregular burning.  V-cut is a good compromise.

[CrazyK]

Hapcigar - 7/9/2012  12:21 PM

A bunch of seconds here.  

1) A cut is a personal preference thing.
2) I prefer a V-Cut.
3) Xikar V-Cut is the best.

x 2 - I got my Xikar V-Cutter a couple months ago and have not used anything since. I love it.

[ROTHNH]

I use as Xikar STK (double guillotine) all the time.

It's important to note that I've seen folks experience more problems with cigar punches than any other type of cutter.  But in a pinch (i.e., using the punch on your lighter) I would think that convenient.

[Shukpaw]

An additional note on using the punch.  It might be obvious, but I point this out because it wasn't obvious to me until I damaged a couple cigars.  When you punch, don't just push it in.  You want to twist it until it cuts the wrapper, then you can push it the rest of the way in.

[irratebass]

This weekend I revisited my punch, man I do love to punch sometimes.

[Daimonrunge]

Shukpaw - 7/9/2012  11:36 AM  An additional note on using the punch.  It might be obvious, but I point this out because it wasn't obvious to me until I damaged a couple cigars.  When you punch, don't just push it in.  You want to twist it until it cuts the wrapper, then you can push it the rest of the way in.

Thanks for the heads up on this.  I've never used a punch before and it's good information to have before my lighter gets here on Friday and I ruin two or three sticks trying to figure out what's going wrong.  

[Cigary]

Daimonrunge - 7/9/2012  9:07 AM  Going to have to wait until next month to be able to get one, but is there a v-cutter that anyone would recommend over others?

 There are a few good ones out there and you can spend as much as you like.  There is a good deal for the Quad Stainless Steel Cutter that has been on here several times...I use it quite a bit.  There is also the Boston V Cutter in the table top model but it's a down payment for a car almost or you can buy the smaller version which is what I have...Boston Lil Guy..mine is 12 years old and cuts like new and for $130 it should.  Xikar has a good one for around $12.