Smoking cigars is an indulgence that shouts of class and sophistication.
Cigars have long been collected by those who like a smoke that is a cut above the norm and continue to be held in high regard by people who understand the difference between a proper smoke and a poor habit.
In a rush? Here’s our top 3 recommendations.
With cigars come several rules of etiquette that all smokers abide by.
One is cutting a cigar correctly before smoking. That’s why every cigar lover should always have a cigar cutter on his or her person.
Here, we have looked at some of the best cigar cutters available, so that you can find one for your needs and budget.
Best Cigar Cutter: Our Top 10 Recommendations
1. Colibri V-Cut Cigar Cutter in Black
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The first one on our list – bear in mind this is in no order – is a very neat design that will appeal to the modern cigar smoker, a man about town with distinction. Discreetly designed to be not too fancy and noticeable, and finished in matt black, it is ergonomically designed with curved edges where the fingers will grip when cutting a cigar and is made from durable metal for a more robust and quality feel. It looks good, too, and is one you will be proud to take out in company.
This is a V-cut type of cigar cutter with a sharp stainless-steel blade for ease of cutting and sharpness. It cuts smoothly and right through with one easy action and has a spring-loaded release for better action. Measuring just 2.8×1.5×0.5 inches, and weighing very little, it’s a compact and neat design that will fit easily in a pocket. This is not the cheapest one here – around the $40 mark – but it’s a quality example.
- Metal body
- V cut
- Stainless steel blade
- Compact
- Black finish
2. XIFEI Cigar Cutter Black & Gold
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This very stylish V-blade cigar cutter is finished in black with gold trimmings. It has a sort of ‘Gentleman’s Club’ look that gives it plenty in the way of gravitas. Designed ergonomically so it is easy to hold, it is made from durable metal for long life, which adds to the quality feel. The finish may be a bit garish for some, but if you are a cigar smoker who wants to be noticed, this could be the cutter that you choose to carry with you – and why not!
It’s so designed that it can be used with just one hand, and offers a smooth, quick, and clean cut thanks to an inverted stainless-steel blade in the V-pattern. It’s suitable for wide and narrow cigars, so whatever your preference, you’ll be fine with this neat little cutter. Like the above model, this one also comes with a rather nice gift box, so if you’re in the market for a gift for a cigar lover, at around $30 it’s a decent example.
- Black and gold finish
- Durable metal
- Stainless steel V blade
- Compact
- Gift box
3. The Big Easy Tobacco Co. Quad Table Cutter
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Now this is a great example of an interesting cigar accessory that will certainly be a talking point. Imagine having a chunky, stylish and visually impressive stainless steel desk top cigar cutter than can cut four cigars at once – this is it, and it comes from the wonderfully named ‘Big Easy Cigar Co.’ Make no mistake, this is not a gimmick, it’s a very nice device that any smoker would love to have on their desk and as well as looking the part, it does the job.
The brushed steel finish gives this cigar cutter a feel of age, yet it is also utterly modern, and it can be used for 52 and 60 ring cigars, so is versatile too. Operated by a nice solid arm lever on one end, you simply drop the cigars in and pull – like you’re operating a one-armed bandit – and hit the jackpot every time! This is a straight cut machine and we love it and reckon you will love it too at a sensible price of somewhere around $50. A great gift idea.
- Desktop cutter
- Four cigars capacity
- 52 or 60 ring
- Brushed stainless steel
- Well-made and stylish
4. Perfect Cutter Guillotine
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If there is a ‘classic’ design of cigar cutter, this is perhaps it. Simple yet stylish, effective, and inexpensive, it’s a small guillotine device that would easily hang from a keyring and operates with one sliding movement for a straight cut cigar. The simplicity of this is what makes it a classic, yet it is also a stylish example of a cutting device that does a perfect job with no frills attached – and that’s all good as far as we’re concerned.
Very compact and easy to use – you simply put a finger in each end hole and the cigar in the middle and slide it closed – it’s perfect for when on the move. We like the standard gunmetal finish to this one, but if you want added colour it also comes in red and black. The dual blades are stainless steel and self-sharpening, and they provide a nice smooth and straight cut. It might be a bargain price at somewhere around $15, but in no way is this a cheap item, and it comes with a gift box.
- Simple classic design
- Twin self-sharpening blades
- Gunmetal or red and back
- Easy to use
- Comes with gift packaging
5. Xikar Xi2 Cigar Cutter
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Given the brief for a cigar cutter is very simple, designers have had a field day with the many different designs we have come across. This model, from Xikar, is one of our favourites. It doesn’t do more than any other cigar cutter, but it cuts cigars in some style. The ergonomic teardrop shape is unique to the brand and makes for a very nice item to hold. To operate, the ‘wings’ are pulled out, cigar inserted, and then closed again. It’s great to watch, and a superb item to bring out as a party trick!
The steel blades are especially finished to be the very hardest possible, so you get long life from this great little device. It’s suitably compact for carrying wherever you are, and the standard example is finished in a rather fetching matt black. If you want, you can have it in many other colours include the US flag. For use with up to 60 ring cigars, it comes with an attractive gift box, and at a little more than $40 it’s a quality product at an excellent price.
- Unique teardrop design
- Available in a choice of colours
- Sturdy and strong body
- Very hard blades
- Gift packaged
6. Cigarloong Bronze Engraved
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This is for the cigar smoker who wants to be noticed. It’s the classic design again, the sort of oval shape with three holes as described with the ‘Perfect’ model above and has sharp dual stainless-steel blades for the perfect cut every time. It also has the same simple ‘ring pull’ cutting action and is suitably compact and able to hang from a keyring should you wish. So what is it that would get you noticed?
Quite simply, it’s the finish: this might be the simple model, but there’s nothing simple about a copper engraved finish featuring oriental type shapes and motifs covering the whole item. depending on your taste it’s either stylish or garish, but what it certainly is, is different. The design does give this example a novelty feel, but it is a very decent cutter that uses the simplest of designs, and at around $25 is a great idea for a gift for your cigar smoking friend.
- Classic cutter design
- Copper engraved body
- Compact size
- Stainless steel dual blades
- Easy to use
7. Mantello Reserve Travel Humidor and Cutters
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Are you looking for a gift set for a cigar smoking friend? This could be it. It’s not just a cutter, it’s a portable humidor with no fewer than four cutters as part of the deal, and it comes from Mantello. The cutters are all no-frills examples that do the job simply and with no fuss. They cater for 60 ring, 52 ring, plus there’s a V-cutter and a punch, and they come in a neat little box that doubles as a humidor for when you’re on the move.
The humidor itself is suitably airtight and made from strong metal so it can’t be crushed, and all you need to do is add the required – very small – amount of water and shut the locking clasps, and the five cigars within are kept perfect while your travel. It’s a stylish little item that is certainly a clever design, and one that includes everything a cigar smoker needs to be kept supplied on the go.
- Humidor and accessories
- Four different cigar cutters including a punch
- Air tight construction
- Holds five cigars
- Great gift idea
8. Camlinbo 2020 Cigar Cutter
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There is something very stylish about this example of a cigar cutter from Camlinbo. It could be the combination of the chrome finish – it has a stainless-steel body – with the rather nice curves that make it lovely to hold in the hand. Either way, this is a very good-looking cigar cutter that is not immediately recognisable as such an item. It does the job too with sharp steel blades that are nicely encased inside the body.
The model is very compact – around two inches square and less than half an inch in thickness – and comes with pouch in which to keep it, which we think a nice touch. The cutting action is enacted by a simple sliding switch that is contoured to ensure success, and it’s all very fuss-free and effective. This is certainly one of the most attractive of all the cigar cutters we’ve looked at, and at around $30 with a nice gift box would be a good choice.
- Chrome finish
- Stainless steel construction
- Ergonomic design
- Very stylish
- Comes with a gift box
9. Xikar Xi3 Redwood
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This is the second model we’ve included from Xikar – the Xi2 is featured earlier in the list – and we think it needs including as this brand really does have a lot going for it. The detail in the engineering that has gone into this cigar cutter is quite amazing, and the look – with their trademark ‘teardrop’ style – is a great one. Not only is this a very effective cigar cutter, it’s a talking point and an extremely stylish accessory to bring out when needed.
This one has a Rosewood finish, which is very nice indeed, and the usual extremely strong steel blades. The cutting action is by pressing the ‘wings’ back into line, and it’s great to hold and use. Xikar offers a lifetime warranty on its products which is good to see, and this can also be had in a neat gift box. It’s not the cheapest out there – you should find one for around $70 – but in terms of quality it’s hard to beat.
- Xikar style
- Teardrop shape is unique
- Rosewood finish
- Superb engineering
- Very strong steel blades
10. Colibri Double Guillotine
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The Colibri brand has something of a cult following among the modern cigar smoker – we featured a model from their range first on the list – and this model is a clear example why that is. It’s very 21st century to look at – there’s a sci-fi element to the funky yet purposeful design – and those specially curved sides really do make this metal-bodied model lovely to hold and use. It’s a double guillotine cut with twin steel blades and does its job in a very swift and efficient fashion.
The black finish lends a sinister look that is also very stylish, or you can have it in blue of you wish, and the spring-loaded action gives it a more mechanical feel. It can handle up to 62 ring cigars so is perfect for all. Compact, easy to use and well-made – and from one of the top brands – this is one for the shortlist whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, and at around $40 it’s good value for a quality example.
- Colibri brand
- Great engineering
- Fabulous looks
- Swift action cut
- Very compact
That’s our list of 10 cigar cutters for you, but which would we recommend? Before we go on, here’s a brief buyer’s guide that should help you draw up a shortlist!
Buyer’s Guide
What do you look for when choosing a cigar cutter? Read on!
Type of Cutter
It may seem confusing when you look at the many different types of cigar cutter, but each has its place. Here’s the main types, and why you should consider them:
Guillotine Cutter
These are simple to use, cheap and effective single-blade cigar cutters that are favoured by those who like a smoke on the move. They work by slicing cleanly through the cigar in one simple move.
These are best for up to 54 ring size cigars – more on sizes below – and while effective, you do need to master the technique of a single, swift cut for the best results. These are best for beginners or novices, and as a pocket accessory for when on the move.
Double Blade Cutter
This type of cutter takes the guillotine concept and adds a touch of sophistication and efficiency in having two blades. The twin blades usually work opposed to each other and, like the above, they need to be mastered to get the cut cleanly and swiftly. Some have a spring-loaded action – see the Xikar models on the list for example – which help get it right every time.
These are good for any shape or size of cigar, even the Torpedo type, and any size, but perhaps not great for beginners as there is a knack to getting one of these to make a clean cut.
Bullet Punch Cutter
The arguments rage as to whether a cutter or a punch is the right choice, and it comes down to personal choice. These work by – rather than having blades – using a sharp punch to pierce a hole in the cigar end. This makes them useless for Figurado type cigars, but great for larger, wider examples.
One problem with the punch is that you may not find the hole big enough at first, meaning you must punch more than one hole. Nevertheless, these are handy to carry around as they are simple to use, small and cheap to buy.
Cigar Scissors
These are perhaps for the serious, experience smoker. Scissors are just that – a neat and very stylish pair of scissors designed specifically for cigar cutting.
Usually made from the very hardest stainless steel, they take some getting used to but once you know how to use them properly, are very impressive. Cut any size of cigar, but not the starting point for a novice.
V-Shape Cutter
Preferred by some for the size and type of the cut, these cut a ‘V’ shape aperture at the end of the cigar, and can be used with different sizes and types of cigar.
However, they are not as simple to use and it is strongly advised that you start with a simple straight cut model as cheap v-cutters will do nothing other than cause damage to your cigar. Not for the novice, but you might want one once you are more experienced.
Desk Top Cutter
Some think of these as a frivolity, but in fact there are some very nice, very useful and highly practical desk top cutter on the market. Designed to mount or simply sit on a desk, these often have apertures for more than one cigar, so you can cut one for you and one for whoever you are having a meeting with!
These are quite sophisticated devices and not always cheap, but if you are investing in a humidor, you should consider one as an accessory.
Cigar Size & Type
As you will have read above, some types of cutter are only good for certain shapes and size of cigar. This is where things can get quite complex, but it does help to understand the various traditional names that are given to cigars, as the one you prefer will determine the cutter you need. There is a lot of tradition involved in cigars, and many of the terms are Spanish, so let’s see if we can cut to the chase and keep things simple, starting with the types of cigar.
Types of Cigar
First, what should be remembered here is that a good cigar is an artisan item; there are no industry standards in cigar making, and you will find that different makers use the same terms for slightly different products. To simplify things, there are – traditionally – two separate classes of cigar shape: the Parejo, and the Figurado. Think of a ‘classic’ cigar – long and straight – and that’s a Parejo. The word means ‘straight’ or ‘flush’ in Spanish. In simple terms, any other shape – that which varies from the straight edge by bulging in the middle, perhaps – is a Figurado.
Within these two classes are several variations. We won’t confuse things by covering them all, but look out for ‘box pressed’ Parejo cigars, which have a slightly square shape for fitting in boxes, and where the Figurado is concerned, you’ll find many varieties with the ‘Torpedo’ – straight edged and with a pointed head – and ‘Perfecto’, which is the familiar shape of cigar which is pointed at both ends, among the most popular.
As you delve into the world of cigars – and it is an adventure – you’ll find that there is much to learn about cigar making, shapes and types, and believe us when we say the above is just the beginning. Read through our descriptions of the types of cutter above as some will not be suitable for Figurado shapes, so you need to be sure you have the right cutter. Now, let’s have a look at cigar sizes, which is another factor very much determined by traditional labels.
Cigar Sizes
As we said above, the world of cigars is about far more than simply cut, light and enjoy: there’s an entire history involved which is fascinating and informative. When choosing cigars it is important you understand the sizes referred to, and how they are measured. Cigars are measured in imperial units – that’s inches – and there are names applied to some standard sizes. However, as little is in fact standard about many cigars, it takes care to find the right ones. Where cutters are concerned, some will only handle up to a certain size of cigar. Let’s see if we can explain this in simple terms.
A Corona is one of the most popular sizes on the market and is considered something of a standard cigar. It’s a beginner’s favourite, too, so a great place to start. A standard Corona will be described as ‘5.24×44’. What does this mean? It’s a lot simpler than you think!
The 5.25 is the length of the cigar – 5.25-inches – and the 44 the ‘ring gauge’ – or diameter. This is measured in 64ths of an inch (yes, we know, it’s complicated but that’s those old traditions coming into play). As a Corona is usually 0.68” thick, that comes out at 44. You’ll get used to the numbers as you become more experienced. Now, if you refer to our description of types of cutters, you’ll see that – for example – that a guillotine cutter is good for up to 54 ring gauge. So, you can easily cut a Corona with one!
We don’t want to confuse you too much, so just for information here are the 12 most common sizes of cigar:
- Petit Corona (4.5×42)
- Gordito (4.5×60)
- Robusto (5×50)
- Corona (5.25×44)
- Toro (6×50)
- Gordo (6×60)
- Panatela (6×34)
- Lonsdale (6.5×42)
- Churchill (7×48)
- Lancero (7.5×38)
- Double Corona (7.5×50)
- Gran Corona (9.25×47)
We hope that helps you understand the rather complex – although we think fascinating – world of cigar sizes and types, and it should also help understand which type of cutter will be suitable for the cigar you choose.
Style & Looks
You don’t set out to buy a cigar cutter for its looks, but when you check out the 10 on our list, you’ll see some serious diversity in style, and some brilliant engineering too. An engraved copper finish might be for you, or a matte black version may be more your taste, or you may like the amazing looks of the Xikar models which are unique. Always hold a cigar cutter and see how it feels in the hand, as great looks don’t always mean great ergonomics.
That’s our tips for choosing a cigar cutter, and if you’re looking as a gift for someone these all come with gift presentation packs. So, before we conclude, we have a few popular questions to answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Cigar Cutter is Best?
This is personal choice. Every one of the cutters on our list will provide you with a superb cut, and it will be done quickly and with little effort. Whether you choose a guillotine example, or a V-cut is up to you and how you choose to cut and smoke your cigars. The ultimate result is the same: to cut your cigar so you can enjoy your smoke perfectly.
Is it Better to Cut or Punch Cigars?
This is another question where the answer is down to personal taste, but there is one advantage to cutting over punching. This is that you are left with a larger aperture through which to take in the flavours that make a cigar so appealing. A punch will leave only a very small hole for the air to come through, and your preferred cutter will cut the hole exactly as you like it.
How do you Sharpen a Cigar Cutter?
Put simply, the best way to sharpen a cigar cutter is to take it to a cigar shop or tobacconists, and they should be able to do it for you with a professional touch and the right equipment. All of the examples on our list have stainless steel blades that will last a long time – some with specially toughened blades – and you will have to cut a great number of cigars before you find the blades are becoming blunt.
Conclusion
The cigar cutter you choose will be the one you are most at home with and were not going to recommend any single example as that would be overlooking the personal choice element. What we will say is that the engineering on the Colibri and Xikar models is exemplary, and they both offer very stylish cigar cutters for a decent price. If you want a cutter that looks as good as it works, that’s four on our list to consider.
We hope this article has helped you get an idea of the different types and brands of cigar cutter you can buy, so have another read and make your shortlist, and you’ll soon find one that is perfect for you!
