Cigars 101

Introduction
Why You Should Smoke Cigars & Why You Shouldn’t
Your Local Tobacconist – Your Best Friend
Shapes, Sizes and Shades
How to Choose a Cigar
Off With Its Cap – How to Cut a Cigar
The Art of Lighting a Cigar
Cigar Storage
Cigar Repair
Cigar Etiquette
Cigar Transportation
Glossary of Common Terms
In Closing

CUTTING THE CAP

People have asked me what is the best way to cut the cap/tip of the cigar.  Honestly... ...it depends on the cigar you are smoking but I will describe 3 of the more common methods.

The first would be to use a CUTTER. 

Cutters come in many varieties from scissors to finger snips to devices that could be used in illegal circumcisions.  Cutters have the additional use of being able to cut the cigar within the body of the stick to save it for later smoking.  Some cutters work better than others so check with you friends behind the counter and see which one the recommend

The fellas at CigarMasters.com have a video up on YouTube which shows in detail where to cut your cigar.  It's only a minute or so long so, check it out if you still are confused how a cutter works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AlOulqQR0M

The second would be to use a PUNCH. 

A punch uses a small circular razor on the end of a piece of metal or plastic to 'punch' a small hole in the center of the cap/tip.  Punches generally are smaller than cutters and many of them fit on key rings which makes them an excellent choice for a smoker on the go.

The key in using a punch is to be sure that you 'punch' through the center of the cap/tip.  If you miss, you could get an bad draw from your cigar which would make it burn unevenly. 

The third would be to use your TEETH.

Only use you incisors (front teeth) to make the cut.  Unlike the cutter, you would bite down on the very tip if the cap in attempt to cut a small break in the cap,  Rotate the cigar until you have a hole big enough to enjoy the draw from

The only reason I am listing this method is because people do it when they are in a tight spot a REALLY want a cigar.  I don't recommend this method and neither will anyone else who works behind the counter of ANY cigar shop... ...but it needed to stated as a method of cutting your cap.

Which method you use to cut the tip/cap off your cigar is personal preference.  There are circumstances which warrant the use of anything that can get your stick to smoke properly.  Just remember to throw the refuse away before you light up... ...one has to have some standards