Cigar Cutter Choices
So how do you know which type of cigar cutter is best for you or your favorite cigar? It depends on your smoking preferences.
Do you want a large hole to smoke through
Do you need a larger opening to get a good draw?
There are web sites that will tell you what's the best cut for the cigar and type of smoker you are. It's probably easier to simply try out different types of cuts as you experiment with cigars. Find the one you like best and buy the right cigar cutter to get that cut every time.
Cutting Your Cigar
There are many ways as well as different tools to cut a cigar. There is the guillotine cutter, the punch, the v-shaped cutter and cigar scissors. Many people today use the punch because it is compact and easy to carry. However, if you want to truly experience the full flavor of your cigar I suggest a double-bladed cigar cutter or a good pair of cigar scissors.
Cutting your cigar correctly means you will have a better tasting smoke, so do it right. Just cut about an eigth of an inch off the head. Cigar Cutters with Double blades that are self-sharpening are better than those with a single blade, as they are less likely to cause cigar damage. The object of the cut is to create an ample and smooth opening for smoking. This allows you to draw evenly, which in turn creates an even cigar burn.
Traveling with cigars
Don＊t leave home without your cigars. When you are traveling you will want to protect your cigars. Cigar cases are a good way to guard and enjoy your cigars on the run. There are many types- tubes, cases, and boxes. The items can be light, sporty, and efficient in protecting and temporarily storing your smokes.
Discount cigar cutters
As with the other products in the cigar world there are opportunities to purchase discount cigar cutters. There are wholesale cigar cutters available at cigar stores, online, and through mail order. These companies buy in bulk and can pass off the savings to their customers. Know the pricing. Know what is a quality buy and make sure that they offer a guarantee.
Choosing Accessories
When cigar smoking took hold in Europe it was a sign of wealth. Prior to the premium cigar＊s recent increase in popularity the price of cigar accessories was proof of that. Since that time the price of cigar accessories has dropped due to the economies of making so many for so many cigar smokers. Everything from humidors to cigar cutters and cigar cases can be found at very affordable prices.
When choosing accessories be sure that it serves the intended purpose, regardless of the brand. Many brands charge a "luxury" bonus for the priveledge of displaying their logo. Other?s offer comparable products at reasonable prices. It?s up to you how snobby you want to be about your accessories. But whatever you decide to buy, make sure that it is guaranteed, specially if you buy it on the internet.
For the cigar smoker, the humidor will be the most important accessory you will buy. This box will hold your treasured cigars so make sure that the seal is right and tight.
When it comes to lighters, cutters, cases, etc... I love these items as much as the next guy and have purchased my share. But I have come to realize that the less I spend on accessories the more I can spend on good cigars. I choose them based on the quality, appearance, functionality and guarantee, as well as price.
Cigar boxes
Cigar boxes are another way to temporarily store and transport cigars. A cigar case of this type is usually what a cigar is displayed in within the cigar store humidor. Some are made of cardboard. But the quality cigar boxes are constructed of quality wood. Material like pine, cedar or plywood, are used in their construction.
Using quality cutters
Cigar cutters range in price from around $1 on up to around $75. There are numerous manufactures of each type of cigar cutter. Many cigar producers will include a cutter in a bulk purchase. Not only are they good for cutting they also advertise their brand. As with other accessories, be careful of the cheap cigar cutters. You do not want to damage your cigar and miss out on a quality smoke.
Cigar Cutters
The object of the cutter is to create an ample and smooth opening in your cigar for smoking. There are various types of Cigar Cutters, each different in the way they work. Cutting your cigars correctly means you will have a better tasting smoke, so do it right and use the correct cutter.
CIGAR GUILLOTINE CUTTERS 每 They have a single blade that when pressure is applied to the cutter, usually with your fingers, will cut your cigar＊s head from one side to the other. These ※guillotines§ are handy, economical and general have a low risk of breakage. Since the blade cuts through the cigar from one side to the other, there is more pressure on one side of the cigar than the other and risk of damage to the cigar＊s head, or worse, the cigar＊s wrapper leaf. Guillotine Cutters have their use but just be careful.
DOUBLE-BLADE CIGAR CUTTERS 每 The classic cigar cutter. They have 2 blades that cross each other when your cigar＊s head is in the center. The blades cut the cigar evenly from both sides, with uniform pressure. The best of these have self-sharpening blades that are made of stainless steel. These are my preferred cigar cutters.
CIGAR V-CUTTER 每 Similar to the Guillotine cutter but the blade has a V shape. The cigar＊s head is placed against a stopper and the blade drops and cuts a V from one side of the head to the other. Not advisable for shaped cigars, such as the Torpedo. Also poses the risk of damage to the cigar.
※HOLE§ PUNCH CUTTERS 每 This cutter has also been called the ※Bullet§ cutter. It has a round blade that when pushed against the head of the cigar cuts a circle. This is a very compact cutter and works well on some cigars. It is not practical on shaped cigars that do not have a flat head.
OTHERS 每 There are table cutters, floor cutters, electronic cutters and others. Most use the same concept as described in the above detailed cutters. With technological advances, some cutters are bound to show up that use a different method to cut your cigars.
Smokeless ashtrays
With modern technology there are smokeless cigar ashtrays. Smoke can be overwhelming to some. These ashtrays collect the smoke as the cigar is at rest. While the smoke is drawn into to the device the air is cleaned. Theses smokeless ashtrays allow for the cigar lover to enjoy his smoke while his companions are not opressed with heavy smoke and odor.
Smokeless Ashtrays: Part of the Solution
Do smokeless ashtrays work for cigar smokers? Or, more accurately, are they worthwhile cigar accessories for those who live and work with cigar smokers? The answer is yes -- to a degree. These ashtrays draw smoke into the base, where it is run through a series of filters before being expelled. And they actually do work -- but only when the cigar is in the ashtray. When the smoker is puffing away, the cigar smoke is still expelled directly into the air. So they're better than nothing, but not a complete solution.
Cigar Cases
Cigar cases protect your cigars from damage and the environment while you carry them from place to place. They serve as Humidors in protecting your cigars while your transport them from place to place. Cigar Cases are also a clothing accessory for cigar smokers. Coordinating the case you carry with your attire is very common. It is also very simple to do it correctly if you follow the simple rule of matching the case＊s appearance with your shoes and belt, and not with your suit or shirt.
The finest cigar cases are made of leather. Be careful with lower priced, mass produced cases that are made with man-made materials. They tend to have a ※chemical§ smell that will stay with your cigars. It can even change your cigar＊s taste. Some cases have cedar lining but that tends to make them heavier and if the case is not humidified, the cedar removes moisture from your cigars. Leather cigar cases are not only elegant but enhance the cigar smoking experience.
Cases either have ※fingers§ or are flat. The fingers are molded sections of the case that are the shape of cigars. They tend to cost a little more with the fingers but are usually better at protecting the cigar.
They hold cigars of various lengths and ring gauges. One thing to always remember when buying a cigar case is to find one that hold the length and ring gauge of the cigars that you will be smoking. If the case is made for 50 ring gauge cigars, DO NOT place 54 ring gauge cigars in it. This could damage the cigar. If it made for Robusto size cigars, DO NOT put Churchills in the case.
The uses of a cigar box
Cigar boxes can have many uses. Not only are these cigar cases used for cigars, a cigar box is also used to store everything from change to photos once their initial use is complete. Some even use them as a clothing accessory. Some people attach straps to the boxes and create cigar box purses. Cigar purses are an excellent example of the art people create with cigar boxes.
Cigar Holders and accessories
Other fine cigar accessories are items to carry the cigars. Cigar holders ensure that your cigars safely get where they are going. Theses cigar accessories allow you to travel with some of your inventory. The holders provide protection from damage. There nothing more discouraging than a damaged cigar.
Leather cigar cases
Other types of cigar cases come in leather. Leather cases usually carry from two to six cigars. This gives the opportunity to carry a good days supply. Fingered compartments in the case allow the cigar to stay in place. Because you like a variety in your cigars, you want versatility in you case. An option of telescoping fingers within the case allows the longer cigars to be protected just as well. These cases can also often double as an eyeglasses case for versatility.