As a cigar enthusiast, few things are more frustrating than finding yourself to cut a cigar without a cutter. But fear not my fellow aficionados!
In the world of cigars, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Cutting a cigar without a proper tool requires creativity and resourcefulness, but it can be done.
From using your teeth to improvising cutters of household items, there are many ways to achieve a clean cut and enjoy a smooth draw.
Thumbnail
Cutting a cigar with your thumbnail is a quick and convenient method.
This method is best if you don’t have a sharp object at hand.
Note: It might prove difficult if you have closely trimmed nails.
To get started, inspect the cigar for any tears or cracks in the wrapper and locate the sweet spot where the cap ends and the body begins.
Using your thumbnail, lightly press into the leaf. Work your way around the edge of the cap in a circular motion, making sure not to push too hard or tear the leaf.
Be patient and take your time when cutting with your thumbnail, as it can take some practice to master.
Bite the Cap Off
While cutting a cigar with your teeth is not considered good etiquette, sometimes it may be the only option available.
Even though Winston Churchill was famously known for biting his cigars, it’s not recommended to do so. Especially with premium cigars.
Biting into a handmade cigar can cause the wrapper to unravel, ruining the entire smoking experience.
However, if you find yourself without any other option, you can carefully work your teeth around the cap. Slowly and patiently freeing a piece of the leaf.
It’s important to note that you should never try to “chomp” off the end in one quick motion. It’s pointless and a complete disrespect to the cigar maker’s craft.
This method should not be used in social situations or around cigar smokers. But in a pinch, with patience and care, you can still enjoy a cigar even without a cutter.
Pocket Knife
If you have a Swiss Army knife or a quality pocket knife with a sharp blade, you’re in luck.
To do this, gently spin the head of your cigar against the blade with a touch of pressure.
Position the blade above the cap line. As cutting too deep can damage the cigar and cause loose tobacco in your mouth.
You shouldn’t slam the blade down on the head of the cigar as if to chop it off.
The inside of a cigar is made from a carefully crafted recipe of assembled tobaccos. And, attempting to saw the end can disturb the construction of the cigar and affect its draw.
You can also slice an “X” in the cigar’s cap with your blade for a cleaner cut.
Make a horizontal slice and then a vertical one that crosses it. Ensure you can pass air through the cigar when you draw on it.
For pocket knife users, ensure a clean blade to preserve cigar flavor.
Additionally, wipe the blade down with a clean cloth before and after use to keep it in good condition. As you would clean a regular cutter.
While using a pocket knife to cut a cigar can be a good option, it’s not as precise as using a cutter designed explicitly for properly cutting cigars.
Poke It with a Sharp Object
If you happen to find yourself without a cigar cutter, fear not, my dear friend.
For those who possess a steady hand and a little creativity, any pointed object can be used as a makeshift poker to pierce a hole in the cap of your cigar.
Think outside the box. Look around your surroundings for objects with a sharp end.
Such as toothpicks, safety pins, paperclips, thumbtacks, hat pins, sewing needles, small screws, the sharp tips of corkscrews, small jeweler’s screwdrivers, or anything else that could do the trick.
Once you’ve found your tool of choice, position the pointed end at the center of the cap. Then, gently press down into the cigar until you have created a hole.
For larger ring gauge cigars such as the Alec Bradley Texas Lancero (7×70 ring gauge cigar), Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art (4 7/8 x 56 ring gauge), Drew Estate Liga Privada No. 9 (6 x 60 ring gauge), or La Gloria Cubana Serie R (size measuring at 5 1/2 x 54), several holes might offer a better draw.
Don’t rush at all. You don’t want to damage a delicate stogie when cutting a cigar without a cutter.
With a bit of patience and ingenuity, you’ll be enjoying your smoke in no time.
