Cutting a cigar cap can be tricky. We need to cut just enough cigar to open its end, but not so deep as to cause the wrapper to unravel. This is particularly true with a torpedo type vitola. These pointy-end cigars are some of the hardest to roll because the head is elongated, making it’s construction more challenging than a parejo (standard cigar shape). This elongated head means the windings of the cap are spread out over a larger area of the cigar.
The tendency when cutting a torpedo (or piramide) is to cut way more than is necessary. This in turn can cause the wrapper to unwind, making for a less enjoyable smoking experience. Fact is, we really don’t need to cut all that much. Making a cut that is just enough to open a small air hole should work just fine. By doing this we can insure the integrity of the cigar’s construction and enjoy the cigar with a cap that remains tightly wound.
It’s good to keep the cap intact when cutting a torpedo.
If you cut the torpedo at an angle, you will add more surface from which to draw smoke, and will get a better draw overall. Of course, that is my opinion, but after using both straight cuts and angled cuts, I find the cigar smokes better when cut on the angle.
Hi Joe,
Good post, and Amen to your tip with regard to figurados. I learned the hard way by cutting too closely myself. In my recent blog on cigar cutters (http://knol.google.com/k/gary-korb/choosing-the-right-cigar-cutter/3l8qt7vra0ktn/6#) I note how to use a one-sided cutter for effectively cutting torpedoes, etc.
“The head of the cigar is placed in the gap which has a depth of about 1/16 of an inch, or thereabouts. When the blades are squeezed together, the result is a perfectly-straight cut at just the right depth. This type of cutter is also effective on tapered head cigars, since you can keep repeating the process until the opening is to your liking.”
Keep up the great work.
~GK
I use a .45/70 case ( the brass part of a bullet ) that I sharpen the inside of the brass. It holds an edge fairly well I don’t have to touch up the edge very often.to clean out use a wood toothpick so the cutting edge does’nt get deformed. I like using a cigar shear/scissor to nip off the pointy part of my favorite belecosos pyrmadides. I will @ times use a dbl.edge gee-o-tene cutter, One more thing about the brass I use a nice and sharp jack knife or my sak ie swiss army knife. the hole left is 11.5 mm I use a S&W .40 too @ 10 mm The cost of the brass is free if you hit the firing range for a little practice.