Tom's Cigar Reviews

Guide To Using Cigar Scissors

Around a year ago, Walt posted an article and video on cigar scissors. Check it out here. This inspired me to give the Xikar Multi-tool a try. Needless to say, that’s all I’ve used since then. I basically adopted the same method he uses. I admit it, basically I copied Walt (again).

One major advantage the scissors have over other cutters is that you have total control over the cut. Initially the scissors are a little intimidating. After a week or so, you will find a method that works best for you. My only advice is to not use it a chopping fashion. A guillotine cutter does that, so doing it with scissors eliminates the advantages the scissors offer.

After a year of constant use, I had a few people ask me to show my method on using the cigar scissors. This video will give you a quick run down. Every now and then I’ll go back and try other cutters, but I always end up going back to the scissors.

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Posted in: Tips and Info

Tags: multitool, scissors, stogiereview, tips, tricks, walt, Xikar

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Tips and Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

14 Responses to “Guide To Using Cigar Scissors”

A well aged Cuban May 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 am

Hi Tom,
Was just wondering if they are showing any signs of losing any sharpness yet after a year of use? Been thinking about getting a pair for a while. Thanks.

Mike - KnightRid May 3rd, 2009 at 6:45 am

Thanx for the video! It made the scissors a bit less intimidating for a noob like myself!

I was also wondering about the sharpness. Have you had them sharpened, sharpened them yourself, or have they never been touched?

I imagine you have used them quite a bit, so inquiring minds want to know

Mike

Tom May 3rd, 2009 at 7:48 am

About the sharpness… They are still pretty sharp after being used constantly. I have noticed they aren’t what they used to be though. I may try to sharpen them myself.

If not… I believe Xikar will do it for you if you send it in to them.

JJ May 4th, 2009 at 4:29 am

On sharpness, I bought a Spyderco knife sharpener that made my Xikar sharp as hell. They cut so much better than factory sharpness. I recommend giving them a sharpen for an easy cut.

RuudNL May 4th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

Nice guide Tom! I sometimes use my Palio and not cut off the cap, but just leave it open a bit and then turn the cigar around so that it will only cut off a little bit of the cap. Works as a treat!

Tom May 5th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

I will check out those sharperners for sure. Thanks for the tip.

Ruudnl – Sounds like you use the Palio in a similar fashion they I use the scissors. Good tip!

ahaught May 6th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Nice video. I always assumed you cut just like you would with a guillotine. Now I know.

Ed Nazare May 9th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

good job on the scissors

Cris May 16th, 2009 at 2:16 am

Nice guide. I’ll refer to it in my next smoke.

Alex G. July 17th, 2009 at 1:58 am

Great vid and all man, I enjoy your reviews, but according to your own words thou using a scissor for review purposes are a bad choice since every time u cut the cap its different, you wont get the same draw on another cigar of the same brand say if you were comparing the both of the same, Ha I might be just me though nit picking.

Tom July 22nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm

Alex G – Wow I don’t remember that! I hope I didn’t contradict myself. If I did, hey you got me. Although different cuts (V, punch, guillotine) can affect flavors, I figure using the scissors on every review can’t hurt. At least that’s my take on it right now.

Reggie E October 19th, 2009 at 11:17 pm

Matt told me to tell you that you suck. I’m sure he doesn’t mean that.

Chris April 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 am

Hi Tom,

I know I’m late to this article but it’s a Great tutorial!

Two quick questions: How is the chrome part of the scissors holding up? Do they tarnish/smudge a lot?
I would like to get these scissors, but can’t decide between the bead blast or chrome finish.

Second, how has the sharpness of the blades held up? Did you have to send them in for sharpening?

Thanks,
Chris

Tom April 3rd, 2010 at 10:06 pm

Chris -
I just sent the scissors back for sharpening after a couple years of constant use. I’m lost with it!

I got the black handled version, so I don’t know about the chrome or bead blast finishes. I suspect you’d be fine since the black finish held up great. I kept the scissors in the free sheath Xikar sends you when you register your product.