How to Cut a Cigar (Without Looking Like a Rookie)

Because First Impressions (and First Cuts) Matter

You’ve got the cigar. You’ve got the lighter. Maybe you’ve even got a drink in hand.

But before you light up, there’s one move that separates the confident smoker from the guy mangling his cigar at the table — the cut.

Cutting a cigar isn’t complicated, but doing it wrong can ruin a good smoke in seconds. This guide will show you how to cut a cigar the right way, what tools to use, and how to look like you’ve done it a hundred times — even if it’s your first.

 

Why the Cut Matters

A clean cut does two things that make or break your experience:

• Protects the cigar’s construction. Cut too deep, and the wrapper unravels faster than your confidence.
• Sets up a smooth draw. Cut too shallow, and you’ll be puffing through a straw.

Cigars are built with precision — layers of tobacco rolled for the perfect burn and airflow. The cut is what opens that system up. Think of it like popping a cork: anyone can open a bottle of wine, but doing it smoothly shows you know what you’re doing.

 

Know Your Tools

There’s more than one way to cut a cigar — and each has its place. Here are the three most common styles and when to use them.

 

1. The Straight Cut

What it is: The classic. A double-blade guillotine cutter slices off the cap in one quick motion.

Best for: Almost every cigar shape — especially Parejos (straight-sided cigars like Robustos and Toros).

How to straight cut a cigar right:

1. Find the “shoulder” — the curved line where the rounded cap meets the straight body.
2. Place your cutter just above that line (never below).
3. Make one clean, confident clip. No hesitation, no sawing.

Burton Tip: Think confidence, not force. It’s a cut, not a reenactment of the French Revolution.

 

2. The Punch Cut

What it is: A small circular punch that removes just a bit of the cap.

Best for: Thicker cigars like Gordos or Churchills, where you want to control airflow.

How to punch cut a cigar right:

1. Center the punch on the cap.
2. Twist gently while applying pressure until you feel resistance.
3. Pull straight out and check for a clean edge.

Why you’ll like it: The punch delivers a concentrated draw with strong flavor and minimal mess. Plus, punch cutters are small, portable, and often double as keychain tools — practical and slick.

 

3. The V-Cut

What it is: A cutter that carves a V-shaped notch into the cap instead of removing the whole top.

Best for: Medium-to-large cigars; especially good for those who want a full draw without overexposing the filler.

How to V-cut a cigar right:

1. Line up the cutter with the center of the cap.
2. Apply steady pressure — let the blade do the work.
3. You’ll get a deep groove that maximizes airflow without compromising structure.

Burton Tip: The V-cut is the middle ground between straight and punch — smooth airflow, rich flavor, and a refined look.

 

Cutting Specialty Shapes (Like a Torpedo or Perfecto)

Most cigars you’ll smoke are straight-sided, but some — like torpedoes and perfectos — taper or close off at one end. These shapes look impressive but require a slightly different approach when cutting.

 

How to Cut a Torpedo Cigar

Torpedos taper to a point, and that pointed tip helps focus the smoke and flavor. You’ll want to clip just the very end — about an eighth of an inch — to open the draw without losing the cigar’s shape.
If the draw feels too tight, trim a little more, one small cut at a time.

Burton Tip: Less is more. A small, clean cut keeps the torpedo’s signature taper intact and gives you a smooth, controlled draw.

 

How to Cut a Perfecto Cigar

Perfectos are closed at both ends, meaning you’ll need to clip the tip and lightly toast the foot before lighting. Once you start to smoke, the heat will open the foot naturally, giving you that signature slow, evolving burn.

Burton Tip: Don’t overcut — part of a perfecto’s charm is how the flavor unfolds as it opens up.

 

Common Cutting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Every cigar smoker has botched a cut at least once. Here’s how to skip the rookie stage entirely:

• Cutting too much: Once you cut past the shoulder, the wrapper can start to unravel. Always aim just above it.
• Cutting too little: You’ll get a tight draw and uneven burn. The opening should look clean and centered.
• Using dull tools: A cheap cutter crushes the tobacco instead of slicing it — leaving you with frayed edges and poor airflow.
• Biting the cap: Don’t. It looks bad, tastes worse, and ruins your cigar.

 

How to Hold & Cut Like You Know What You’re Doing

This part’s less about technique and more about confidence.

• Hold the cigar near the band — not by the foot or right up against the cap.
• Make your move smoothly and deliberately. Hesitation looks like inexperience.
• How to cut and light a cigar? Always cut before you light up — it’s cleaner and easier.
• And if you mess it up? Don’t panic. Every cigar smoker has a “rookie cut” story. Laugh it off and try again.

 

What to Use (and What to Avoid)

Do Use:

• Sharp, double-blade guillotine cutters
• Punch cutters or V-cut tools
• Tabletop cutters (for home or lounge setups)

Avoid:

• Pocket knives, scissors, or your teeth (seriously). Wondering how to cut a cigar without a cutter? Don’t.
• Cheap plastic cutters that feel like kids’ toys

 

Ready to Try? Start with a Sampler

If you’re still getting your technique down, our Burton Variety Packs are perfect for practice. You’ll get a mix of cigar sizes and wrapper types — ideal for testing straight, punch, and V-cuts to see which fits your style.

Each pack comes with:

• Premium cigars at unbeatable value
• Free shipping
• The Burton Value Guarantee — honest pricing, no gimmicks

 

Wrapping It Up (Pun Absolutely Intended)

Every great cigar starts with one clean cut.

So grab your cutter, pour your drink, and light up like you’ve been doing it for years — because now, you know how.

What’s your go-to cut style — straight, punch, or V? Drop your answer (and your best rookie story) in the comments below.