You cut a cigar at the closed head, just above the point where the rounded cap meets the body. One clean, decisive cut is enough. Cut too deep and the wrapper comes loose and the cigar frays.
Which end do you cut?
You cut the head, the rounded, closed end. The other, straight end is the foot, and that's what you light later. Mix them up and the cigar won't draw.
Where exactly to cut
Remove only the cap. That's the small piece of wrapper sealing the head. Place the cut one to two millimetres above the shoulder line, where the curve ends. That line holds the wrapper together; cut below it and it unravels.
How to cut properly
- Place the cutter just above the shoulder.
- Aim briefly, then cut in one decisive motion. Hesitating leaves ragged edges.
- Test the draw. If it's too tight, trim a touch more.
Common mistakes
Cutting too deep so the wrapper comes loose. Sawing instead of cutting. Catching the foot instead of the head. Or a blunt blade that crushes rather than cuts.
Which tool cuts how is covered in What types of cigar cutter are there?.
Frequently asked questions
Which end of a cigar do you cut?
- The head, the rounded, closed end. The straight foot is lit.
How much do you cut off?
- Only the cap, about one to two millimetres above the shoulder line.
What if the wrapper tears?
- Usually the cut was too deep. There's little to be done. Place it higher next time.
From the house of SB Cigars. Read which cutter suits what here. More about our SB Robusto here.