Cigar smoking is one of the most relaxing and stress reducing leisure activities you can do, especially after a long and tough day at work. So before you buy a cigar cutter to cut the cap end of your premium cigar, in preparation for a superb smoke, you ought to read a few of our best cigar cutter reviews & recommendations below.
The closed end of your stick, known as the cigar’s cap, needs to be precisely cut before properly lighting your cigar. The cap of a cigar is a piece of tobacco leaf wrapper that covers and secures the head of a quality cigar.
Cleanly cutting the cigar cap will eliminate the possibility of tearing or compacting the filler leaves, unraveling the outer wrapper of the cigar, and/or the accumulation of filler leaves in the mouth. All of these can severely reduce the airflow of your cigar and ruin your smoking experience.
Cigar Cutters Comparison Chart
| Product | Materials | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Zino Cigar Cutter | Metal & Plastic | $$$ | |
Xikar VX2 V-Cutter | Stainless steel and plastic | $$ | |
Xikar Xi3 Mayan | Stainless Steel | $$$$$ | |
JiFENG Black Skull | Metal | $ | |
Xikar XO Cutter | Stainless steel and aluminum | $$$ | |
JiFENG Ripple Engraved Cutter  | Zinc Alloy | $$$ | |
Colibri V-Cut | Metal | $$ | |
Vertigo Victory V-Cutter | Stainless steel and plastic | $ |
Our Top Picks For This Year
Deciding on whether to invest in a cigar cutter or punch or the type of cigar cutter you would prefer is a worthwhile consideration for cigar aficionados, and beginners are strongly advised from experience to do the same. By using one of the best cigar cutters will ensure a quality draw every time.
Below we share with our readers some of the best cigar cutter reviews & recommendations, to assist you in your research. But if you like, you could also skip right to our shortlist of the Best Cigar Cutters.
1. Zino Z2 Double Blade Cigar Cutter Review
One among the favorite cutters of cigar aficionados today is the Zino Z2 Double Blade Cutter. There is no doubt why it has become popular among cigar smokers because it has long list of great features that genuinely speaks of how good it is when it comes to its cutting performance. This cigar cutter comes with double blades which need precaution when being touched because of the very sharp edges.
It can easily cut cigar caps in one fluid stroke. In addition to that, it is really durable because it is made of high-quality material. If it fails to work within two years, the manufacturer will instantly replace it as they provide a 2-year warranty on this product. This product is also one of the oldest cutters still existing on the market, and it is considered reliable by many cigar aficionados.
Features
- Sharp double-edge blades
- Made with fiberglass reinforced materials
- 56-ring gauge
- Provided with a 2-year warranty
- Dimensions of 10” x 7” x 3”
- Comes in black lacquer, gunmed gray, light gray, and light blue
Summary
There is no way this cigar cutter will be passed over by knowledgeable cigar smokers. By the look of it and the quality of materials it is made of, it speaks nothing less than a great quality cigar cutter. This cigar cutter has been used by many cigar smokers, including some of the great actors of Hollywood. This cigar cutter is also versatile as it can cut any kind of cigar including the figurado.
One way to determine how the manufacturer trusts the quality of this cigar cutter is through its 2-year warranty offered to buyers. The manufacturer is confident that this cigar cutter is durable. Because this is a popular model, it frequently runs out of stock, so be aware of this when you are looking to purchase one.
PROS
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Can easily cut cigar caps in one forceful stroke
- One of the best double-blade cigar cutters
- With sturdy build
- Comes with sharp blades
- Beautifully designed
- Trusted by many cigar aficionados when it comes to efficient cutting
CONS
- Nothing – always in high demand, so act fast as easily runs out of stock
2. ALASKA BEAR® Stainless Steel Cigar Cutter
If you are a cigar smoker, then it is a must that you carry a cigar cutter with you. Not only do you need a cigar cutter, you need a good one to give you a clean cut. On the market, there are many cutters which include V-cut cutters, guillotine cutters, and punchers. Of all these different types of cutters, one of the best is the guillotine cutter, and particularly the Alaska Bear Cigar Cutter.
This product has all the features you can find only in the best cigar cutters, which is surprising given its reasonable price tag. It offers a healthy combination of affordability and performance, allowing you to fully enjoy the best cigar for the money.
Here’s a rundown of all the reasons why we believe this product from Alaska Bear is one of the best cigar cutters—if not the best cigar cutter— you can get your hands on.
Features
- Sharpness—This mechanical cutter comes with sharp blades that don’t lose their sharpness for a long time, and they assure a clean cut
- Comfort—Since it is not heavy, it can be easily carried in the pocket also, the handles are made in a way that they grant a proper grip
- Design—The customized and perfect craftsmanship allows a solid construction and comfort when handling the cutter
- The manufacturer provides a bag where it is kept for protection purposes
- It is manufactured by Alaska Bear brands, using brushed stainless steel material
- Its blades are self-sharpening, enabling a clean cut for a long time
- The diameter hole is of 22.66 mm, which is basically 0.892 inches. This can be used to cut up to size 60-ring gauge.
- The dimensions are 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.1 inches
- It weighs 1.4 ounces
Summary
ALASKA BEAR® is a brushed stainless steel, cigar cutter with double guillotine blades which provide a clean cut. Its design allows a proper grip, in that you need not to worry about it slipping by any chance. The customized design and solid construction assure anyone of the product’s quality. With a 60-ring gauge, it can cut various cigar sizes. If you looking for a suitable cigar cutter, this is the perfect choice, with a lifetime warranty!
It will also make a great gift if you have friends or family members who enjoy a good smoke. It even comes with a cool gift bag for storage and protection. All in all, this product from Alaska Bear offers the most value for your money.
Plus, it costs less than most of the other premium brands. It definitely comes at a friendlier price point than gold cigar cutters or a vintage cigar cutter.
PROS
- The guillotine mechanism guarantees a clean and precise cap cutting
- The 60-ring gauge allows various cigar sizes to be cut
- It comes inside a protective box
- The self-sharpening blades allow long-time usage without having to change them
- The life-time warranty is a sign of a quality product
- The price is pocket friendly
- Its dimensions allow it to be portable
- The nail grip provides a firm hold
- Easy to use
CONS
- Most of these cutters develop loose blades quickly after a short period of time, which rattles upon shaking them
- The sharp blades can be risky
- If you put more pressure on the handles, it will do an unwanted cut resulting in the unraveling of the cigar.
3. All Duty Metal Construction Painted Skull in Black Ground Cigar Cutter by JiFENG
If there is one tool that cigar smokers want by their side, it will be the best cigar cutter. That said, picking just one from so many options can be daunting. To help you make the right choice, we recommend this product from JiFENG. It is one of the best cigar cutters today. It costs a bit more than some of the other brands, but not as much as gold cigar cutters.
In addition, it can help you get the best experience if you buy the best cigar for the money. In the end, you will be getting more than what you pay for. There are many reasons why we are very bullish about this cigar cutter.
The All Duty Metal Construction Painted Skull in Black Ground Cigar Cutter is one that will serve cigar smokers with great reliability. It is made of high-quality materials and has sharp blades that will assure tidy cutting in one forceful stroke.
A built-in push-button release mechanism makes it very easy to use. The blades are self-sharpening, which means they would cut cleanly and allow you to enjoy cigars the right way for a very long time. While it does not offer the aesthetics of a vintage cigar cutter, it still has a distinctive look that is appealing in its own right.
In addition, this cigar cutter is painted with a skull on a black background that will surely attract attention. This cigar cutter is beautifully designed and cuts smoothly. Some cigar smokers have already testified on how great this tool is in cutting a cigar’s cap.
There is every reason to believe that it will be equally satisfying for you. You can buy one for yourself or as a gift for a friend or loved one. It even comes in a handsome gift box, so you don’t have to worry about wrapping it!
Features
- Double German INOX blade
- Do or Die Series Jarhead No. 1
- Duty aluminum body
- Anti-rust painting technology
- Lifetime warranty
- Money-back guarantee within 30 days
- 54-ring gauge
- Dimensions of 3.07” x 1.77” x 0.24”
- Only weighs 1.76 oz.
- Popular design of a Painted skull on a black background
Summary
The All Duty Metal Construction Painted Skull in Black Ground Cigar Cutter has notable increased in demand perhaps due to the skull on the cigar cutter. It also comes with very sharp blade, which makes it very reliable when it comes to cutting the cap of the cigar easily. This cigar cutter has made a reputation for itself among cigar smokers ever since it hit the market.
There is no question as to the quality of this cigar cutter as it is guaranteed to be durable; the manufacturer provides a lifetime guarantee—a confident assurance of how durable this cigar cutter is.
There have been no known issues about this cigar cutter; most reviews contained only praise about its quality. The only thing that buyers should be wary of is its high demand, which frequently finds it out of stock.
PROS
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Sharp due to double blades
- Opens and closes precisely
- Low risk purchase due to money-back guarantee
- Tested brand
- Versatile to use with any kind of cigar
- Sturdy construction
CONS
- Nothing – always in high demand, so act fast as easily runs out of stock
4. Xikar XO Cutter
While more expensive than other options, buying a Xikar cigar cutter means getting a well-thought-of item that underwent several rigorous tests for quality control. Such is the case when you buy the Xikar XO.
Using premium materials, Xikar was able to come up with this ergonomic, highly functional, and innovative guillotine-style cigar cutter. That said, could it be the cigar cutter you are looking for?
The Xikar XO is a round-shaped aluminum cigar cutter with two stainless-steel blades designed to work like a guillotine. This design delivers unmatched performance, thanks to the spring-loaded release button and planetary gear system. This patent-pending tech ensures the blades move in harmony.
With a diameter of 2.38 inches, you can effortlessly fit this cigar cutter in your pocket. Moreover, it can cut 64RG cigars and remove the cap of 70RG cigars with absolute ease.
Features
- Double guillotine-style cutter
- Lightweight aluminum build
- Durable stainless-steel blades
- Planetary geared cutting system
- Spring-loaded blade release button
Summary
The Xikar XO is a lightweight and compact cigar cutter made of aluminum and stainless steel. This combination guarantees a cigar cutter you can rely on for many years. It does an excellent job at cutting cigars and is also effortless to keep clean.
Pros
- Cuts right through without any problems
- For cigars up to 64RG
- Cuts cap off of 70RG cigars
- Lightweight and portable construction
- Impressive performance
Con
- Still bigger than other cigar cutters
5. JiFENG Rose Golden Zig-Zag Ripple Engraved Cigar Cutter
Are you a cigar smoker? Then you will probably want to have a quality cigar cutter to help you prepare your cigar for your smoking experience. The Rose Golden Zig-Zag Ripple Engraved Cigar Cutter is one of the most elegant and reliable cutters on the market today. It offers nothing less than efficiency in cutting a cigar’s cap.
This product is another offering from JiFENG. Sadly, it does not have the benefit of customization that comes with engravable cigar cutters. Even so, it has a unique design that will draw second looks from fellow cigar enthusiasts.
There are intricate markings in all the right places, and they are all tastefully done. However, do not be fooled by its elegant look, as it can withstand rough handling.
Its construction is of quality zinc alloy that makes it durable. In addition to that, this cutter has very sharp blades with edges that can precisely cut the cap neatly. It is important for cigar smokers to cut the cigar’s cap neatly to obtain the desired quality during smoking. Unraveling the cigar because of indiscriminate cutting will only ruin the quality of the cigar.
Features
- Made with 100% quality alloy zinc
- With double German INOX
- Self sharpening blades
- Provided with lifetime warranty
- The manufacturer gives a money-back guarantee within 30 days
- With the dimensions of 3.74×1.77×0.43 Inches
- Weighs 3 ounces
- Delivered in a handsome gift box
Summary
This product is highly recommended by most cigar users, making it one of the best cigar cutters ever made. A noticeable feature is its beautiful design with a fancy rose gold colored zig-zag ripple engraved body – a beautiful design that’s visually appealing.
The most important feature of a cigar cutter is its efficiency in cutting. This cutter cuts easily with its sharp double blades. The manufacturer provides a warranty for any defective item which promotes positive customer experiences and reviews. In addition, the money-back guarantee reduces the buyer’s risk and creates greater trust of this manufacturer.
PROS
- Low risk purchase due to money-back guarantee
- It comes well packaged in a gift box
- With very sharp cutting blades
- Made with high-quality zinc alloy
- Beautifully designed
- Self sharpening blades
- Durable
- With warranty from the manufacturer
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Cuts smoothly
CONS
- Nothing – always in high demand, so act fast as easily runs out of stock
6. Vertigo Victory V-Cutter
For beginner cigar smokers on a strict budget, you can get off your journey to a good start by getting the Vertigo Victory cutter. Though not as expensive as higher-end cigar cutters, it gets the job done. The best part is that you won’t have to overpay just so you can get a quality cutter.
So, what does the Vertigo Victory cutter has that others in the same price range don’t? First off, this cutter sports a plastic body and has a stainless-steel blade. Because it is lightweight, you can be sure it won’t feel heavy when in your pocket.
Where performance is concerned, there’s nothing to worry about the Vertigo Victory. The dual-action, ultra-sharp blade delivers clean V-shaped cuts and can fit cigars with up to 62RG. That said, keep in mind that it is a bit bulkier than other options at 3.82 x 1.42 x 0.55 inches.
Features
- V-shaped cutting mechanism
- Sharp stainless-steel blade
- Lightweight plastic body
- Accommodates cigars up to 62RG
Summary
If you are new to smoking cigars, you probably are still hesitant about investing in high-end cigar accessories and that’s completely understandable. To complete your starter pack, make sure you get a reliable cigar cutter like the Vertigo Victory. Though made of plastic, its very sharp stainless-steel blade makes it a must-have for beginner smokers.
Pros
- Offers excellent value for money
- Can withstand the test of time
- Has a razor-sharp blade
- Does not damage the cap
- Works on cigars of different sizes
- A nice gift idea
Cons
- The cut may lack depth for some
- Requires much effort when cutting
- Largely plastic build
7. Xikar VX2 V-Cutter
Beginner or not, there’s a good chance you have heard of Xikar before. The brand has been making cigar accessories for many years and has thousands of satisfied customers from all over the world. From cigar lighters to cigar cutters, you will find that its products meet industry standards. Among its best creations yet is the Xikar VX2 V-Cutter.
The Xikar VX2 V-Cutter measures 4.72 x 3.35 x 1.06 inches and is just the right size for cutting cigars with up to 70 ring gauge. Thanks to the precision-engineered blade, you can easily achieve the best cut depth regardless of the size of your cigar.
When it comes time to use it, there’s no doubt you’ll appreciate its ergonomic build. It is intelligently designed so that you can use it with one hand by pressing the release buttons on the side using your index finger and thumb.
Features
- Precision-engineered angled blade
- Ergonomic construction
- Built-in 64RG bowl
- Secure-Lock system
- Spring-loaded
- Lifetime warranty
Summary
The Xikar VX2 is a spring-loaded cigar cutter that is sturdy and easy to operate. The stainless-steel blade is angled so it doesn’t cut too deep that it breaches the cigar cap. This means there’s no fear that your precious cigar unravels.
Pros
- Stylish and functional
- Allows one-handed operation
- Ideal for cutting up to 70RG cigars
- Does not cut too deep
- Available in seven different finishes
- Comes in an attractive gift box
Con
- The finish wears off over time
8. Colibri V-Cut
Since 1928, Colibri has been coming up with innovative cigar accessories to enhance the experience of smokers worldwide. Among its list of must-have cigar tools is the Colibri V-Cut. How does it compare to other options on this list?
At first glance, you will immediately notice the contoured shape of the Colibri V-Cut. This unique shape guarantees that the cutter feels secure in your hand, eliminating accidental slips. Moreover, it has a rubberized finish to further ensure a secure grip.
Like any good cigar cutter, the Colibri V-Cut has a stainless-steel blade that cuts cigar caps effortlessly. The result is a deep 7mm cut on the cap for a more robust and richer smoke delivery. It also has a spring-loaded blade release mechanism that makes it almost effortless to use.
The Colibri V-Cut is available in different colors, from all-black to blue/black, gold/black, and red/black. Measuring just 2.8 by 1.6 x 0.5 inches, I like that I can effortlessly put it in my pocket to bring it with me anywhere.
Features
- Ergonomic V-shaped design
- Compact, pocketable size
- Rubber finish
- Extra-sharp stainless-steel blade
- Spring-loaded release
- For cigars with up to 62RG
- Two-year warranty
Summary
If you’re looking for a cutter that cuts deep into the cigar, the Colibri V-Cut won’t disappoint. This V-shaped cutter creates an angled cut on cigar caps, allowing you to unleash the full flavor of your cigar. As such, there’s no doubt you’d be able to enjoy your cigar more.
Pros
- Ensures a guided cutting action
- Delivers a clean and deep cut
- Available in several color combinations
- Comes in a gift box
- For cutting cigars with a larger gauge
Cons
- The finish chips off easily
- May cut too deep
Cigar Cutters Buyer’s Guide
For most novices, a cheap cigar cutter may seem fine at first glance, until it ruins a fine cigar. How so?
Simply, because the best cigar cutter is made from quality materials and uses precision blades as part of good product design. Ensuring a clean cut of the cigar’s cap, slicing through the filler leaves, which means a good draw of airflow, for a pleasurable cigar smoking experience.
A cheap cigar cutter will likely compact the leaves and may tear them, creating a lack of airflow and producing a poor burn resulting in a poor experience.
So, why not avoid the risk of ruining premium cigars by investing a little more and buying one of the best cigar cutters.
There are many types of cigar cutters and we review some of the best, under the following categories:
Guillotine or Straight Cigar Cutter
Many cigar aficionados love the single blade guillotine or straight cigar cutter due to its precise, clean cut to the cigar’s cap. The double-blade type is highly preferred as it cuts from both sides without tearing the cigar wrapper.
Wedge Cigar Cutter
A wedge cigar cutter makes a notched hole resembling a V-cut. It’s innovative, slicing from one side at the same depth, resulting in a generous amount of surface area.
Punch Cutter
The punch cutter also makes a hole through the cigar’s cap, using a circular blade. The cigar smoker must ensure that the hole made to their cigar’s cap is large enough for a quality draw. There is a risk if the hole is too small, as the cigar will not smoke easily nor maintain a good burn. Cigar smokers may find that two holes are necessary to be punched into their cigar cap.
Cigar Scissors
This cigar cutter contains unique technical specifications such as being made from stainless steel, to guarantee a clean cut. It is imperative to purchase a high-quality, if not the best cigar scissors, to avoid any tearing or damage to the cigar’s wrap.
Traditional Cigar Cutters Vs. Punch Hole Cutters
After all, the punch cutter is still being made despite the fact the cigar cutter is generally accepted by cigar aficionados.
Our focus is on the technical differences between the two. As to which is better, is a matter of personal choice, because every cigar aficionado has a different character and taste when it comes to their cigar.
The Cigar Cutter
The most popular method of precisely cutting a cigar is using a cigar cutter. There are many kinds of cigar cutters and their function is to cleanly cut the end cap of a cigar, to allow air to pass through while smoking.
There are precautions that need to be taken in cutting a cigar. Care must be exercised when cutting the cap, as there is only a certain amount of space where the cap should be cut and each cigar type is different.
This should be observed to avoid unraveling and ruining the structure of the cigar, which may lead to an unpleasant smoking experience. Thus, a cigar smoker is advised not to cut off too much of the cigar’s cap (a few millimetres will do the trick for a flat end cigar).
Cutting too much from the cigar will only lead to the frustration of loosely drawing air or too much air. When this happens, the quality of the cigar smoking experience will be dramatically affected, as the cigar will overheat and yield a bitter taste.
One of the advantages of a cigar cutter is its ability to cut the cigar neatly to avert loose tobacco leaf flakes from accumulating in the mouth of the smoker.
Another is its versatility; it can be used on all kinds of cigars, including the figurado cigar. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why most cigar smokers prefer a cigar cutter over a punch cutter.
Learn how to enjoy cigars on the golf course by clicking here!
The Cigar Punch Hole Cutter
The cigar punch, on the other hand, is a tool used by many cigar smokers as it doesn’t cut the way a cigar cutter does; instead it cleanly punches out a circular hole in the cap of the cigar where the air will be drawn by the smoker.
Some cigar smokers comment that this kind of cut produces less smoke because it only makes a hole where the air will be drawn in, unlike the cigar cutter, which makes a full cut.
As some smokers observe, because of the limitation of the hole, the cigar often goes out periodically and the smoker has to light the cigar again.The cigar punch is also not as versatile compared to the cigar cutter, as it cannot be used for non-torpedo or figurado-shaped cigars.
However, some cigar smokers see the use of the cigar punch in a positive light. The punch made on the cap of cigar greatly prevents unraveling during smoking, as it keeps the cap intact. Because the cap is left more intact, even fewer tobacco leaf flakes accumulate in the mouth of the smoker.
As to the question of insufficiency of drawn air, because only a hole is made by a cigar punch, some users put two holes on the cigar’s head. This strategy allows the smoker to sufficiently draw air while smoking.
Cigar users also notice that cigar punch makes a cigar fuller-bodied. This wonderful effect is assumed by cigar aficionados to be caused by a higher build-up of tars in the cap of the cigar.
The cigar punch may also be convenient to carry, if it is smaller in size compared to a cigar cutter; and they are often used as a key chain by some cigar smokers making them more accessible.
Conclusion
By now we know that choosing the best cigar cutter requires research and often asking experienced cigar smokers or cigar shops for their opinion. As a head-start the above best cigar cutter ratings, reviews & recommendations will answer many product questions.
If you notice, some of the best cigar cutters reviewed above do run out of stock occasionally, and this further indicates their popularity and the know-how of seasoned cigar smokers. Any Cigar aficionado would recommend a newbie cigar smoker buys one of the best cigar cutters from the beginning, to avoid ruining a premium cigar.
In summary, our best cigar cutter ratings, reviews & recommendations conclude that among the cigar cutters, the most outstanding is the Colibri V-cutter and Xikar XO cigar cutter. The reasons are due to their reliability (thanks to its beautiful design) and sharpness of its blades. Guaranteed to cut any cigar cap with ease in a precise, fluid cutting motion.
And of course, the other best cigar cutter is JiFENG’s All Duty Metal Construction Painted Skull in Black Ground, as its design is so hugely popular, that it even gains the attention of cigar-smoking Harley riders!
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