Expert: James Yee - 1/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

I recently bought a xikar punch cutter recently.   I was just trying something new, and also got tired of double guillotines sometimes unraveling my cigars if I get too big a cut.

Anyways, I have a very basic question.   When I use the punch cutter and remove it, is it supposed to remove a chunk of the cigar on the head as deep as I inserted it?   Or just a round part of the cap?   

I used it yesterday for the first time and it removed only the round part of the cap... great first experience with a punch cutter to be honest.



ANSWER: Hi Andy,

A cigar punch will usually remove the cigar cap plus some of the filler tobacco.  On average, a cigar punch will remove about 2-3 millimeters of tobacco underneath the cigar cap.  

If your cigars are unravelling from using a guillotine cutter, try cutting less of the cigar cap.  You should cut just enough of the cigar cap that when removed, you should see a dimple in the center of the cut cigar head.  If you cut a cigar with a cutter and the cut is perfectly smooth across the head of the cigar, you've cut too deep and the cigar cap will unravel.

Hopes this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi James,

Thanks for the info.   When I tried using the punch cutter, I couldnt seem to take out anything other than the cap.   Is there some sort of technique I dont know?

thanks!

Answer
Hi Andy,

As you push the cigar punch into the head of the cigar, twist the punch as you push in.  When you pull the punch out, continue to twist it and it should cleanly remove a small plug of tobacco.  If only the cigar cap comes out the first time, you can re-insert the punch into the hole and re-punch it.

Regards,
James