Aside from smoking, cigars also provide great occasions for debate. Among the most passionate debates are those which deal with the best way to cut a cigar before smoking it. Not only are there several different types of cutters on the market, there are multiple types of lighters with cigar cutter implements attached. There are numerous options available for such lighters which include all of the major types of cigar cutters. Choosing one or another may require defending one’s choice!
The various types of guillotine type cutters are those most commonly seen on lighters. These feature a hole through which the cigar is placed in the blade which is dropped through the cigar by action of the thumb. For smaller gauge cigars, a straight-edge blade will generally provide adequate results. For thicker gauges, many smokers prefer to use a guillotine within angled blade. The angled blade makes a cleaner cut through thicker cigars and can result in easier smoking.
The sole exception to this are the double-bladed guillotines. These cutters can be dangerous to carry in one’s pocket and, therefore, they are rarer on lighters though such devices do exist. The scissors-type cutters usually fold up into the lighter to protect the blades and the user alike. Like any high-quality cigar implement, these devices need to be cleaned and maintained properly to ensure good results.
Very few lighters are provided with a punch-style cutter. These cutters are more often seen as keychain attachments and, owing to the round shape, they are difficult to attach to a lighter. The fact that guillotine cutters are flat and a scissor cutters can be folded into the lighter makes it very easy to transport and keep the lighter flat. These devices do require a bit of maintenance now and again. Most often, this maintenance is best performed by a qualified service technician. Provided that they are kept clean and sharp they should last just as long as one would expect of a high-quality lighter.
A dull cigar cutter not only compromises the cut of the cigar but can actually provide a hazard to the user. Dull blades are much more likely to slip which can result in mishaps. Users are very much encouraged to make certain that their lighter’s cigar cutter is kept sharp and clean. This ensures the longest possible service life, the best cuts and the most safety for the user.
Ryder is a consultant for an online specialty lighters store and has expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including torch flame lighter.