Alright, let’s break down the ways to get a cigar ready for business. It’s not rocket science, but it is personal, and a clean start makes all the difference.

First up, the straight cut, or guillotine. Simple, effective. One blade or two, doesn’t matter much as long as it’s sharp. You line it up just above the cap and give it a firm, even slice. Gets the job done, no fuss.

Then you’ve got the punch cut. This one takes out a little plug from the cap. Some folks like it because it keeps more of the cigar’s structure intact. It creates a more concentrated draw. Different feel, same end result: smoke.

The V-cutter, or wedge cut, carves out a V-shaped groove in the cap. This can offer a different draw than a straight cut, sometimes a bit more direct. It’s another way to open things up without taking the whole cap off.

And then there are the fancy contraptions – the multi-blades, the cigar scissors. They might look the part, but at the end of the day, they’re just trying to achieve the same thing: a clean opening.

The key with any cutter is sharpness. A dull blade will tear the leaf, and that’s no good. You want a clean cut so the cigar burns evenly from the start.

So pick your poison. Straight, punch, V – they all lead to the same place: the enjoyment of the smoke. Don’t overthink it. Find what feels right in your hand and makes a clean cut. That’s all there is to it.