I was wondering what the consensus is regarding cigar cap ventillation (that sounds technical). I have used a pucnher and at times I have had difficulty with the draw. Because of my greeness, I am unsure if it was my cigar or the fact that I punched the cap vs. cutting. Do any experienced cigar smokers punch, or is punching considered a novelty for the less serious cigar smokers (like steel tip darts vs. soft tip darts).

Thanks, Ken

When I forget my cutter, I use the punch cutter I keep on my keychain. They work much better on smaller ring gages. If I use them on a larger ring gage, I just make 2 or 3 punches. After that I return to my corner.

I don't think the "punch" is a novelty at all...... I really just think its personal preference. I, myself like to clip my cigars w/ my Zippo cutter (works great!). I don't really care much for the punch, but it does work and I have used a punch cutter in the past. Any way you feel works for you is what is right for you....... I don't buy into the fad thing.
enjoy a smoke,
Tony

Everyone is right on this one. Just a matter of personal preference. I have learned to make a level cut with my Xikar and it suits me fine, others hate Xikar and swear by the Swiss Army Knife that comes with cigar scissors. If after you punch one of those cigars it doesn't draw, cut the end an 1/8" or so. If it still doesn't draw, it's the cigar. Either plugged or wet, probably.

I think punch and "V" cuts are great, but I agree, I go with a straight cut because of the draw. I just hate a tight draw. And, if I'm smoking a long-lasting cigar, sometimes I'll cut it a second time if it's starting to get a little too "mushy". Maybe I have a drooling problem.

yep. like the others said, do whatever you like and enjoy yourself.

It's personal preference. I have a Coibri double guillotine I used for a long time. But I like the fatter smokes. They don't always fit. I bought a nice punch for $7 that is self sharpening. I like it a lot. You must have a cutter for figurados, pyramids etc. I had a v-cutter too. it didn't work well with the bigger smokes. Different strokes for different smokes! Ha!

I've only tried the punch a few times and much prefer steel tip titanium darts in a 26gram range.

Spring tipped?

I wish. those are cool.

my rabbi used a scalloped cut. i think it's cute.

Newbie to posting but been with CigarBid for almost two years; You guys crack me up; never a dull moment here. I prefer cutting (guillotine) as mentioned before but yet again, it's personal preference. I think I was punched AND cut before leaving the hospital as a newborn...I was also hung upside down and given a good swat as my parents fondly recall.

Rick, your Rabbi uses a schleimer to cut his cigars?

So Rick, you use a moyle to cut your cigars?

Good to have ya, jd.

jd1 : welcome aboard. please add anything mean and nasty you can. we are all getting too kind to each other.

That's right JD, welcome aboard, stay awhile, and remember, Rick likes his humingbirds well done wrapped in bacon.

I use both but as with some other find myself going to the puch more often cause it's on my keychain. I punch 2-3 times on the 50+ rings if the draw is too tight.

it is call humaki. if you are not familiar with rumaki, that won't make any sense.

I have a lock on my humidor....could I call the device I use to open it be called a humaki?