V-cut vs punch vs straight cut

[Chuckster]

So what does everyone like? Why do you like it? I have only smoked 2 cigars both Baccarat and used the cheap straight cut that I bought from the b&m!    

[bigjohn20081983]

I still consider myself a punch guy myself because you have one built into most cigar lighters so its one less thing to worry about. However the guys here have gotten me started on the V-cut and I am catching myself reaching for it more often. I can use it just fine on torpedo shaped cigars and regular cigars gives me a nice draw and I dont have as bad of an issue with loose tobacco getting in my mouth that I did with a normal straight cut which is why another reason I went to punches to start with. Ask your local B&M is they have any cheep V-cutters and give one a shot here they are only like $3 I think if you use one a few times your going to find your self reaching for it more often. Just be careful with a straight cut if you cut to high the cigar will start to undo as you smoke it. Sometimes if I have a tighter drawing cigar I will use a regular cut on it to open it up but most often the only thing it and my scissors are used for is to cut the cherry off if I need to go do something and won't get back to it for awhile so it dont have the ashtray taste after relighting it but if you do that you can still damage the wrapper.

[Cfickter]

Pretty much a straight cut guy.  Have several Xikar X series cutters I like to use.  Have used the V-Cut and the punch cut.

[ebernabe]

Usually use straight cut.  i do like a v cut every now and then

[vw77guy]

I switch it up all the time but if it's a 60+ ring or box press, it's always a punch.  The other two get split up depending on what I feel like that day.  They all do the same thing basically.

[mike.casey]

Xikar V-cut hands down. I never use anything else.

[Cigary]

Everybody should try a different type of cut just for experimentation....each cut gives it's own characteristic as to the volume of smoke one gets.  I like a V Cut ( cats eye ) as it is a bit different than the typical V Cut in that it "scoops" rather than straight across.  A scooping action is deeper that will go well into the tobacco which increases volume of the draw.  A Punch type of cut works as long as the mm is consistent with the cigar but the problem with that type of cut is that it can collapse the head of the cigar if you tend to "slobber" more than usual.  A straight cut is more popular and as long as you keep the cut above the cap it is a good consistent cut unless you cut past the cap...then it will unravel which becomes a PIA.

[Smurf]

Straight cut form me most of the time

[kuke]

Straight every time.  Don't like punch....never tried v.

[Hot Stuff x]

I love the V-cut.  Good smoke flow and pretty foolproof, with nearly no chance of damaging the cap or having the cigar unravel.  For a more open cut you can double v-cut your cigar (as in X or + shaped cut).    Unfortunately, I don't have a v-cutter at the moment.  I used to use a punch mostly, and still prefer punches for short-filler cigars, but punches don't work well for pointed tips (belicoso / torpedo) so if I'm away from home I end up having to bring a 2nd cutter anyway.

[Kman]

I used to be a v-cut about 90% of the time, now I'm the opposite. I found that with the v-cuts, I noticed the tar buildup a lot more often and have gone back to straight cuts mostly for that reason.

[sar127]

Kman - 12/28/2014  7:14 PM  I used to be a v-cut about 90% of the time, now I'm the opposite. I found that with the v-cuts, I noticed the tar buildup a lot more often and have gone back to straight cuts mostly for that reason.

Agreed, and also depending on how the cigar is rolled towards the cap, the V doesn't cut deep enough to get a good draw.

Straight cut all the way!

[Camshaft83]

I use a punch cut almost always. If the draw is to tight after the punch I will punch it again on the side of the first punch or use my cuban crafters perfect cutter and make a straight cut.

[Brlesq]

Definitely the V-cut or the straight cut.  

 

[Rhall]

i use a straight cut most times via a cuban crafter perfect cut. punch for box pressed and i have never had a chance to try a v-cut

[dwinstl]

I tend to think about the gauge of the cigar as the indicator for my cuts. For me, the smaller the gauge, the more likely I am to use a punch or a v. I guess I think about maximizing the smoke/flavor transport to my mouth. The smaller the gauge, the higher the percentage of the exposure to opening up the head of the cigar.  I tend to avoid a punch or a v for a big cigar as I feel the percentage of cut away on the head is so small. Perhaps I'm way off but I see a straight cut as the ideal way to go whenever possible for maximizing flavor potential but I also frequently prefer the "mouth feel" of a punch or v. It ultimately depends on what I'm after that day!

[Rebecca Silverwolf]

Typically I like a straight cut. In my experience, punch cuts lead to more burn issues. V-cuts are nice for large ring gauge or box pressed sticks, since a guillotine can't usually accommodate large or oddly shaped cigars.

[Longhorn]

Straight with a Xikar MT most of the time.

Occasionally a criss-cross v-cut.

Punch only when I don't have a cutter handy and the lighter is my only option.

[Ken Kelley]

I use my Xikar v-cutter about 99% of the time but every so often I fire up one of my old cutters....

[DonM]

Ken Kelley - 12/29/2014  8:56 AM

I use my Xikar v-cutter about 99% of the time but every so often I fire up one of my old cutters....

Now thats a cutter!

[nirab]

My Xikar V cutter is used most often, but sometimes I will go with a straight cut. If the cold draw seems too tight after a v cut, I will straight cut it.

[sjn1117]

I use mostly a V cut. It's simple and foolproof.

[Chuckster]

Ken Kelley - 12/29/2014  5:56 AM

I use my Xikar v-cutter about 99% of the time but every so often I fire up one of my old cutters....

 

[Rbrushaber]

Normally a straight cut guy but like the punch amd have used the V cut.  Prefer the straight just beciase I think I get better draw

[Vroomp]

Ken Kelley - 12/29/2014  7:56 AM  I use my Xikar v-cutter about 99% of the time but every so often I fire up one of my old cutters....  

 

You might want to try these sometime Ken for the combo cut......