How to cut a cigar is an essential technique to learn for a cigar lover. Different cutters​ affect the draw of the cigar differently. Figured shape cigars or Figurados such as Torpedo, Belicoso, and Pyramid taper at the head. Figurado shaped cigars cost more than the standard Parejos or nontapered cigars like Robusto, Toro, or a Corona, as they require more skill to roll. That is the reason that a Torpedo should not be cut too deep. It is designed deliberately with a pointed head to concentrate the smoke directly to your palate with intensity. If you cut too much off, you are most likely to get tobacco in your mouth, and the wrapper of the cigar can start to unravel. Below are the most effective ways you can cut a cigar.
CUTTING A TORPEDO WITH A STRAIGHT CUTTER
The most common and easiest way to cut a Torpedo cigar is to use a straight cutter. No matter what kind of straight cutter you have, whether it is a single guillotine, a double guillotine, or a cigar scissor, it will work. The key is, just don’t cut too deep. Cut the tip to start and draw from the cigar and see if enough air is passing through. If you feel that it is not enough, cut off a little more.
Some people lay the straight cutter flat on the table and cut just the cigar tip that fits in the blades, as it is buffered by the tabletop, it will be impossible to cut too much. Just cut enough to get a good draw.
SHOULD I CUT A TORPEDO AT AN ANGLE?
It is not very common, but some people like to cut their Torpedo shaped cigars at an angle. For doing this, you need to angle the blade at 35 to 45 degrees when the tip of the cigar is inserted. Using this method preserves the taper of the cigar but gives a slightly bigger draw. The only drawback is that the cigar may not pull equally when the air passes through it. You can monitor your ash to see if your cigar is burning evenly.
CAN YOU CUT A TORPEDO WITH A V-CUTTER?
Cutting a Torpedo using a V-Cutter gives one of the tightest and most constricted draws you can get on a cigar. Many fans insist on using a V-Cutter on their Torpedo cigar. Technically the V-cut pulls the smoke from the top and the bottom of the cigar equally and then blends the stream directly on your palate for the additional concentration. This effect is more noticeable with standard cigars like a Toro or Robusto.
If you like a V-Cut on your Torpedo cigar, te would recommend that you use a V-Cutter with an inverted blade; this means that the cutter’s tip is reversed and does not come at a sharp point. Today most of the V-Cutters are made with inverted blades. If the V-Cutter blade is not inverted and does come to a point, be aware that it can crack the cap of your cigar when you apply pressure as you cut.
CAN YOU CUT A TORPEDO WITH A PUNCH CUTTER?
A simple answer is no, you cannot. The reason is that the cylindrical blade on a punch cutter does not have the equipment to drill in a Torpedo or, for that matter, any tapered cigar. If you do it, it will severely mar the head of the cigar.
