Part of the preliminary cigar smoking process involves the ritualistic cutting of the cigar. It’s one of the first things you’ll study when learning out how to smoke a cigar. Why? Because there is no such thing as a premium cigar without a closed head (or cap) at the end you put in your mouth. Therefore, in order to get the desired draw on your cigar, a cut must be made. This can be accomplished in several manners via a wide array of cutting methods and cutters themselves. There’s the V-shaped notch, typically made with the help of a pocket knife, piercing – which involves poking a hole in the cap with a pointed object (Winston Churchill’s preferred method) – or standard cutting. And while some “tough guys” may actually claim that biting the cap off with their teeth is the right way, we’re going to go ahead and strongly suggest against such as act.
In short, because a bad cut can ruin a cigar, it’s extremely beneficial, especially as you move up in cigar quality, to pay more attention to the finesse of the cut. Cigar cutters make this possible. Offering a wide array of styles for smokers the world over. But if we’re to get down to basics – not diverging down the slippery slope overly detailed and convoluted lists that could overwhelm you – we decided to keep it simple with this list of just the 10 best cigar cutters on the market today. Slice away.
Cuban Crafters Perfect Cigar Cutter
Arguably one of the most popular cutters around today, the Perfect Cigar Cutter from Cuban Crafters can automatically cut the exact amount off from whatever shaped cigar you have in mind thanks to its calibrated chamber. It also comes equipped with self-sharpening double blades made from surgical-grade stainless steel, a lifetime warranty, and can handle ring gauges up to 54. Keep it on hand or in the lounge at all times.
Alaska Bear Double Cut
Renowned for its quality and buyer-friendly price point, this double cut guillotine style Alaska Bear cigar cutter is made from brushed stainless steel and hosts a hole diameter larger enough to cut at a 60 gauge cigar. The blades are also self-sharpening, keeping it functional over the course of many a stogie. And with a solid construction and included gift bag, it’ll remain in great shape as the year’s progress.
Cuban Crafters 3 Blade Scissor Cutter
Boasting three self-sharpening blades that work to effortlessly slice through your cigar head with ease, this scissor cutter reduces the amount of stress on the cigar prior to the cut. In turn, three blades work in your favor to give any cigar the cut it deserves prior to lighting up. The piece is also made from surgical grade stainless steel, comes with a lifetime warranty and works with cigars hosting a ring gauge upwards of 60.
Lotus Jaws
Apparently taking its name from the Blockbuster hit, it’s clear what Lotus wants you the think about when using these cutters to prepare your stogie. It features a set of razor sharp, double action serrated blades poised to slice through your tobacco with ease and can handle even the thickest rolls around- 62 ring gauge to be exact. The Jaws is built with all metal as well, and will certainly serve as your go-to cutter no matter what the occasion.
Xikar Xi2 Composite
If the classic teardrop shape is more your style then the Xikar Xi2 cigar cutter is calling your name. It’s constructed from a nylon fiberglass composite for unmatched durability and can cut cigars with ring gauges up to 60 with precision. The piece is also imported, houses a set of HRC 57 stainless steel blades, and is small enough to carry with you at all times if need be. Because you never know when opportunity will strike.
Colibri V-Cut
If a V-Cut cigar is more your style – the classic preparation style is, in fact, coming back into the fray – then this Colibri is a perfect choice. It’s handsomely contoured to fit safely in your hand, hosts a stainless steel spring-loaded blade, and ergonomic shape, and can handle 60+ ring gauge cigars with ease. And with a two-year warranty, it’s hard to say no to such a great looking high-performance product.
Palio Burlwood
Palio offers a warmer and more inviting cigar cutter to those not only interested in slate gray or black. This ergonomic offering is also known for its finger rest and contour shape in addition to its precise slicing ability. The Palio locks shut, comes with a Lifetime Warranty, handles 60 ring cigars and comes with durable blades that won’t fall out of wear down with age. Yes, even cigar cutters can be classy, and this Burlwood offering certainly won’t disappoint.
Xikar Big Easy Titanium Finish
For fans of all black and titanium everything, or just a stealthy cigar smoker, be sure to give the this Big Easy cutter a second look. It’s quite the powerful and durable piece thanks to its construction, cuts cigars with ring gauges up to 58, and is also available in red. The blades are also made from HRC 57 stainless steel housed within Big Easy’s lightweight, ergonomic and teardrop-shaped body. It’s all about style in this case.
Lotus Fury
Built for the big boys of the cigar world, this 76 ring gauge beast hosts both single and double action retraction stainless blades. It’s also spring loaded with superb cutting ability and comes with a limited lifetime warranty to boot. Lotus also hooks this cutter up with a locking mechanism, and a brushed come and matte black finish.
Saladini Classic Tabletop Cutter
Here’s your chance to own a classic cutter typically only seen in cigar bars and smoke shops. It’s a one-of-a-kind cutter made from stainless steel and Olive Wood that can handle two different cigar gauges in its unique design. The piece also comes with a gift for and a sleek black suede cover to protect the piece when it’s not in use. For the cigar aficionado with exquisite taste.
