The proper place to cut depends on the cigar. First, you need to closely examine the head of the cigar. You are looking to see just how far the cap (this is the round of tobacco used to seal the head) extends down the barrel. On a parejo (a parallel-sided cigar), this is typically 1/4″-3/8″; wherever the caps stop you should regard as your limit as to how far down you should cut.

The best cut is one above this “cap line,” which will open up 75%-85% of the cigar’s surface. You want as large an open cut as possible to allow for an easy draw, but you do not want to cut beneath the cap line, as the cigar may start to unravel. Sometimes this means a thin cut of 1/32″ is perfect, while other times you may need to cut 3/8″ – it depends entirely on each cigar’s construction.

For figurados such as torpedos, perfectos, etc., you may have to cut significantly more in order to open the head enough for a sufficient draw. Exactly how far is a personal matter. Typically, people smoke cigars with tapered heads because they like how the narrowing ring concentrates the smoke against the palate, so unlike with a parejo, most figurado smokers want less of the cigar’s surface opened by the cut. Personally, I suggest you cut less at first, smoke the cigar for a while, and if you decide you wish for a more open draw, just recut.

Most single-bladed guillotine cutters are inadequate, so I suggest you opt for a double-bladed guillotine if possible. Single or double, what is important is that the cutter is sharp; if it isn’t, you will just end up crushing the head of your cigar. There are quite a few other tools you can use to cut a cigar.

A few weeks back we showcased five of our favorite cigar lighters. We figured, why not complete the trifecta that goes into smoking a cigar than showcasing five of our favorite cigar cutters we’ve used this year. Between Xikar, Colibri, and Vertigo, here are our five cutters we know you will absolutely love.

If you want more options other than the five we mentioned, then you can go here for more options we know you’ll love!

First up on our Top 5 Cigar Cutters of 2021, we have the Big Boy 64-Ring cutter from Vertigo. Priced at $6.00, the Vertigo Big Boy 64-Ring comes in handy when you are in need of a Churchill or any other bigger cigars that need a cut. The Vertigo Big Boy 64-Ring is always a good cutter to just have around since it’s less than $10.00.

If you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer idea, the Xikar XI2 Custom Ugly Xmas Sweater is the perfect gift for the holiday season. Sporting an “Ugly Christmas sweater” design, this sharp blade cutter in Xikar’s signature teardrop shape is priced at $39.95. It’s the perfect price and size to put in the stocking of a cigar lover in your life!

Being the only V-Cut on this list, I’d say we didn’t go wrong with choosing the right one for you guys and gals! The Xikar VX2 V-Cut Red is a little more on the expensive side, priced at $42.49. The sleek Red color, mixed with the sharpness of the blade, the VX2 V-Cut Red will give you the most accurate V shape on the cap of your cigar.

Another perk to the Vx2 is it’s backed by Xikar’s famous lifetime warranty. With all the amazing features included, the Vx2 might change the way you feel about using a V-Cutter on all of your costly premium handmade cigars.

If you’ve been following us closely this year, you’ll know we’ve been celebrating 50 years of cigars! With 12 anniversary cigars, we also created this heavy-duty JR 50th Anniversary XO Cutter produced and manufactured by Xikar. Sporting our 50th-anniversary logo and our JR logo, this limited edition cutter features double steel blades that open and close to perfection. Definitely one of the top cigar cutters in the market.

Less than 200 cutters produced, this limited-run cutter is priced at $109.95 which is quite hefty for a cutter. But with this product being so rare and a part of history, it might be worth it for you to hurry up to get your piece of history today!

Out of all five of the cigars featured on the Top 5 Cigar Cutters of 2021, this one might be the heftiest out of the bunch, arguably the best cigar cutter of 2021. The Colibri Quasar Red features an eye-catching geometric design with a red finish.

This two-in-one combination of the Colibri V-Cut and S-Cut cigar cutters is presented in a sturdy desktop or tabletop format. This is another cutter on our list where you won’t have to worry about the size of your cigar. The Quasar Red can accommodate up to a 70-ring and the S-Cut can handle a 60-ring cigar.

Coming in a little over $100.00, the Colibri Quasar Red is an all-purpose cutter that worth every penny!