There are hundreds of cigar cutters on the market. But not all cutters are created equal.
Our journey of over 20 years through the cigar world has sharpened our expertise, and we’re here to share the best with you. For this review, we didn’t just rely on our experience. We reached out to friends, tapped into the wisdom of industry insiders, and scoured genuine customer reviews. From the top 50 cutters that everyone’s talking about, we decided to test 37. The result after all the testing? A handpicked list of the top cigar cutters you can trust, with the Xikar XO cutter emerging as the best one. We’ve done the homework so you can enjoy the perfect cut every time.
- ☑ Best Overall: Xikar XO Cigar Cutter
- ☑ Best Value: Xikar X8 Cutter
- ☑ Best V-Cutter: Colibri V-Cut
- ☑ 2 in 1: Colibri SV
- ☑ Travel: Xikar XI1
- ☑ Luxury: S.T. Dupont Maxijet Cutter
- ☑ Punch: Xikar 9mm
- ☑ Cigar Scissors: Xikar Mtx Multi-tool
- ☑ Table Top: Colibri Quasar 2 in 1 Desk Cutter
- ☑ Unique: Victorinox Cigar 79
- ☑ Cheap: Alaska Bear Steel Cigar Cutter
- ☑ Gift: Lotus Jaws Cutter
- The Cigar Cutters That Didn’t Make It To The List
- How Did We Rate And Rank The Cutters?
- FAQ
- BEST OVERALL
Xikar XO
Cutter- – Excellent functionality
– Up to a 70 ring gauge
– Lifetime warranty
– Double-blade guillotine
- – Excellent functionality
- BEST VALUE
Xikar X8
Cutter- – Good price
– Up to a 70 ring gauge
– Lifetime warranty
– Double-blade straight
- – Good price
- BEST V-CUTTER
Colibri V-Cut
Cutter- – Ergonomic design
– Up to a 60+ ring gauge
– 2-year warranty
– V-cut
- – Ergonomic design
Best Overall: Xikar XO Cigar Cutter
Manufacturer: Xikar;
Type: Double-blade cigar cutter;
Dimensions: 2.4 inches in diameter and 0.6 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 70-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: Yes;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: Lifetime;
Weight: 4.7 ounces.
Check Xikar Xo prices on:
XO always provides a nice, clean, straight-cut line. We have never had any jamming issues with this cutter. The Xikar XO is the best high-quality cutter for everyday use.
This cigar accessory features an aluminum body with stainless steel blades. Xikar uses Rockwell-graded blades. The planetary gear system distributes pressure evenly to the blades and synchronizes their movement. The result is that you get a perfectly straight cut every time. You can choose from a variety of finishes to suit your style.
The XO works flawlessly. You need to press the button between the wings to unlock the cutter. This releases the blades and you can cut your cigar. To lock the wings again, simply press on the blades.
This is Oliver’s favorite guillotine cutter. We all agree that the XO is doing an excellent job. For a year and a few months, the quality of the cut has not deteriorated one bit. Only the finish is a little worn out.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Extravagant design
- Excellent functionality
- You can use it to cut almost all cigar vitola
- It can be used as a cigar rest
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- The finish of the body wears off
- Some of our friends say that some tobacco can get caught in the openings of the gear system (but we haven’t experienced that yet)
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar XO:
youtube.com/@AtDutchcigars
Best Value: Xikar X8 Cutter
Manufacturer: Xikar;
Type: Double-blade cutter for cigars;
Dimensions: 3.5 inches high, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.1 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 70-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: XIKAR® limited lifetime warranty;
Weight: About 1 ounce.
Check Xikar X8 prices on:
The body of the Xikar X8 is made of fiberglass nylon and has hardened stainless steel blades. The cutter is extremely well made. You get a durable and reliable construction. And the blades are really sharp. We do not recommend playing with them. Even without a spring-loaded mechanism, you get a stable and smooth movement of the blades.
Oliver has cut a lot of cigars since 2017 and has never had any issues with the functionality of the X8. Straight, clean cut on every vitola. He has never experienced the mechanism getting clogged with tobacco. But if the cutter gets dull or starts to tear, you can take it to any retailer that sells the Xikar X8, and they will give you a new one.
The cutter comes in an attractive gift box.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- You can cut almost every cigar vitola with it
- It can be used as a cigar rest
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- The cigar rest is not the best function; the indentation for the cigar is too shallow, and the cigar can easily roll and slip off the cutter
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar X8:
youtube.com/@Cigarsandgear
Best V-Cutter: Colibri V-Cut
Manufacturer: Colibri;
Type: V-cut cigar cutter;
Dimensions: 2.8 inches long, 1.4 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 60+ ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: Yes;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: 2-year warranty;
Weight: 4.0 ounces.
Check Colibri V-Cut prices on:
If you still haven’t upgraded from the cheap $5 plastic cutters, this is the cutter worth buying. The Colibri V-Cut pays for itself by lasting much longer, making clean cuts even after several hundred cigars, and being sharp enough to cut a lot of larger and smaller sticks that other V-cutters are not compatible with.
The ergonomic design with a spring-loaded release ensures easy use and flawless functionality. Their Colibri V-Cut design is patented.
When you first pick up your Colibri V-cutter, you will notice a small button on the top. This is the trigger that you slide to open the cutter. When you first open it, the blade part may seem wobbly, but do not worry. The sliding motion is stable and locks into place when you press the blade shut. And you get a nice clean V-cut on your cigar. To clean the tobacco parts, you need to open the cutter again.
Colibri V-Cut is a great cigar accessory. We can count on Adelina to have her Brush Chrome Colibri in her purse. She has enjoyed this beautiful cutter for two and a half years at various events and smoking sessions. But she says that while she loves it, it’s not the best choice when traveling.
Pros
- Well-made construction
- Ergonomic design
- High-quality function
- Durability
Cons
- When opened, the slide may be jiggly
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Colibri V-Cut:
youtube.com/@CigarSmokerUK
2 in 1: Colibri SV
Manufacturer: Colibri;
Type: V-cut & Double-blade cutter for cigars;
Dimensions: 2.8 inches long, 1.4 inches wide, and 0.5 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 70-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: Yes;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: 2-year warranty;
Weight: 5.6 ounces.
Check Colibri SV 2-in-1 prices on:
The design of SV may be confusing at first glance. But after you use it, you will find that it is brilliant. The cut tobacco is collected in the cutter’s body so it does not fall out of the ashtray. When you open the cutter, the tobacco will fall where you want it, and there will be no residue left in the cutter.
This Colibri SV 2-in-1 is a weighty piece of cigar accessories. It combines straight and V-cutter in one sturdy design. Unlike the Colibri V-Cut, the SV 2-In-1 has no wobble. The movement of the slide is stable and very smooth.
We have had this cutter for half a year now. It is our office cutter. For us, it is perfect for this purpose. The SV is a little heavy to take to the golf course or on a trip, but it is a very nice accessory that adds to our smoking sessions in the office.
Pros
- High-quality and durable construction
- Metal body and stainless steel blades
- You can use it to cut almost any vitola
- Ergonomic shape
Cons
- It’s hard to tell how much you are cutting off when you use the straight cut
- The V-cut side works better than the guillotine side
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Colibri SV 2-In-1:
youtube.com/@MardoCigars
Travel: Xikar XI1
Manufacturer: Xikar;
Type: Double-blade cigar cutter;
Dimensions: 3 inches high, 1.8 inches wide, and 0.2 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 58-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: Lifetime warranty;
Weight: 0.3 ounces.
Check Xikar XI1 prices on:
The body of the XI1 is made of aluminum and has stainless steel blades.
This is a reliable Xikar cutter. Pretty simple function: pull the trigger to open the cutter, put your cigar in the opening, and push to close it and cut the cigar. And if there is a problem with dull blades, you can return the cutter to Xikar and have the problem fixed or get a new cutter.
This is the first cutter that Oliver gifted to Adelina. Oliver chose this accessory for Adelina when she was a novice smoker because the cutter is reliable, durable, and easy to use, even though it lacks a stopper. So far, we can all say that the Xikar XI1 is a smart investment for any cigar lover.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Some report problems with the spring mechanism
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar XI1:
youtube.com/@CigarSmokerUK
Luxury: S.T. Dupont Maxijet Cutter
Manufacturer: S.T. Dupont;
Type: Double-blade cutter for cigars;
Dimensions: 2.76 inches high, 1.8 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 52-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: 1-year warranty;
Weight: 0.23 ounces.
Check S.T. Dupont Maxijet prices on:
The Maxijet Cutter looks as good as it deserves. The stainless steel blades are extremely sharp and are made to remain sharp over time. Maxijet is a premium line of S.T. Dupont for cigar accessories. All products in this line feature a sleek design and premium quality features.
The cutter features a spring-loaded mechanism that provides clean and smooth movement. The mechanism opens when pressed once and stays closed when pressed down. The Maxijet Cutter makes precise, straight cuts with no exceptions.
We do not currently own this cutter. A good friend loaned it to us for this test. We had it for three months, and as with any other cutter, we cut at least ten cigars of various vitolas. In that time, and in our friend’s experience, there was not a single crushed cap.
Pros
- Premium-quality design
- Outstanding function
- Durability and reliability
Cons
- You cannot cut larger cigars with this cutter
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar XO:
youtube.com/@eatsmokedrink
Punch: Xikar 9mm
Manufacturer: Xikar;
Type: Punch cigar cutter;
Dimensions: 0.6 inches in diameter and 2.4 inches high;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 60-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: No;
Guarantee: Lifetime warranty;
Weight: 0.8 ounces.
Check Xikar 9mm Punch prices on:
The Xikar Punch cigar cutter is a convenient and easy-to-use accessory. To cut your stick, simply pull the body of the punch, and the stainless steel, circular blade will emerge. To close the blade, you need to push the blade back. Two or three twisting motions are enough to get a nice round opening in the cap. The tobacco residue will fall off the cutter when you close the blade.
The 9mm cutter is quite compact; you can carry it on your keychain. Like the other Xikar cutters, this one comes in a nice gift box with a lifetime warranty from Xikar. Oliver has had this cutter with a gunmetal finish for over ten years, and it still cuts cigars like butter. He says this 9mm punch works best with ring gauges from 48 to 54. For larger ring gauges, you need the 11mm diameter punch.
Pros
- Reliable
- Portable
- Sturdy
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- You must hold the cutter in the middle when you cut a cigar (otherwise, the blade will hide in the body of the cutter and you will not be able to cut your cigar)
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar 9mm Punch:
youtube.com/@single40yearoldguy84
Cigar Scissors: Xikar Mtx Multi-tool
Manufacturer: Xikar;
Type: Cigar scissors;
Dimensions: 4.6 inches high, 2.8 inches wide, and 0.2 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 58-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: Lifetime warranty;
Weight: 1.3 ounces.
Check Xikar MTX Cigar Scissors prices on:
We have already mentioned that scissors are for experienced smokers. But if you try cutting a cigar a few times and master cutting cigars with the Xikar Mtx, you will realize the true potential of the scissors. You can adjust the straight cut to suit your taste.
The Xikar cigar scissors are a cigar smoker’s mini survival kit. At MTX you’ll find a screwdriver, box nail remover, cigar poker, and bottle opener. All of this is combined in a compact format that you can keep on your keychain.
We have gathered a wealth of experience with this cutter from multiple sources, including Oliver, Adelina’s father, and at least five other enthusiasts. They all endorse the MTX and carry their pocket-sized cutters on their keychains.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight cigar cutter
- Multi-purpose tool
Cons
- You cannot cut larger ring gauges
- Not suitable for beginners in cigar smoking
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar MTX Cigar Scissors:
youtube.com/@single40yearoldguy84
Table Top: Colibri Quasar 2 in 1 Desk Cutter
Manufacturer: Colibri;
Type: Double-blade cutter and V-cutter;
Dimensions: 2.76 inches high, 1.8 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: The V-cutter can accommodate up to a 70-ring cigar, and the S-cutter can handle up to a 60-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: Yes;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: 2-year warranty;
Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.
Check Quasar 2 in 1 prices on:
This is the ultimate tabletop cutter. Its eccentric esthetics and high-quality construction will benefit your workspace. You can combine this cutter with the Quasar desktop lighter and humidor.
The body is made of metal, and the blades are made of from stainless steel. The top peak holds the blades and runs on oiled quad pistons for smooth and clean movement. The bottom of the Quasar is lined with rubber to prevent the cutter from slipping and damaging your desk during use.
To use the cutter, simply press the top of the Quasar, and the cutter will open. You can choose between a straight cut and a V-cut. To cut your cigar, press down on the top quad. The cigar caps will end up in a container inside the cutter. You can dispose of the contents of the container via the bottom cap.
Our team received the Quasar 2 in 1 for our office as a gift from some of our aficionado friends. In our experience with it, three cigars almost fill the cutter’s container.
Pros
- 2-in-1 cutter
- Exceptional esthetics
- Sturdy construction
- Reliable function
Cons
- The container is quite small; if you share the cutter with a group of friends, you will have to empty the container a few times
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Colibri Quasar 2 in 1:
youtube.com/@single40yearoldguy84
Unique: Victorinox Cigar 79
Manufacturer: S.T. Dupont;
Type: Cigar scissors;
Dimensions: 3.3 inches high, 1 inch wide, and 0.9 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 65-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: Lifetime warranty against defects;
Weight: 3.4 ounces.
Check Victorinox Cigar 79 prices on:
Victorinox is known for its high-quality Swiss Army knives. The Vigar 79 model is for cigar lovers. Among the fifteen functions of the multitool is a cigar cutter. The cutter itself is a cross between a cigar knife and scissors. If you are an experienced cigar smoker and enjoy a cigar and a drink on camping trips, the Victorinox Cigar 79 is perfect for you.
Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, this tool guarantees long life and reliable function. The construction is made of recognizable red ABS plastic and stainless steel. The tool is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in your hand and is easy to handle.
This iconic design tool was a gift for Adelina’s father until she noticed the cigar cutter. Since then, it has been her multitool for unexpected situations on the go and cigar-savoring.
Pros
- Multi-purpose tool
- Durable and reliable
- Ergonomic design
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- This cutter is not suitable for inexperienced cigar smokers
For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Victorinox Cigar 79:
youtube.com/@saviom8166
Cheap: Alaska Bear Steel Cigar Cutter
Manufacturer: Alaska Bear;
Type: Double-blade cigar cutter;
Dimensions: 3.6 inches high, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.1 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 60-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: 1-year warranty;
Weight: 1.5 ounces.
You can buy Alaska Bear Steel Cutter on:
This is the best cheap cigar cutter option. The brushed stainless steel construction with sharp blades will cut almost any vitola. The Alaska Bear Steel Cutter is perfect if you are a beginner or prefer to spend your money on sticks rather than expensive smoking accessories.
Both Adelina and Milan have an Alaska Bear cutter. And both agree that it is decent quality for the price. It’s a very good backup cutter to have in your car. It gets dull after cutting a hundred cigars, but you can always get a new one for less than $10.
Pros
- Brushed stainless steel body
- Sturdy construction
- Reliable function
- Affordable option
Cons
- Some cutters are a bit loose
Gift: Lotus Jaws Cutter
Manufacturer: Lotus;
Type: Double-blade cigar cutter;
Dimensions: 3.6 inches high, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.1 inches thick;
Maximum Gauge: Up to a 58-ring gauge.
Spring-Loaded: No;
Will Cut Figurados: Yes;
Guarantee: 1-year warranty;
Weight: 1.5 ounces.
You can buy Lotus Jaws Cutter on:
Lotus cigar accessories are known in today’s market for their beautiful design. We love their stylish, good looks. Their oval shape makes them easy to use with one hand. And the razor-sharp stainless steel blades provide a clean, straight cut. Precisely crafted blades for years of hassle-free use.
Both serrated blades are active. But you do not feel the design is loose in your hands. On the contrary, it’s heavy.
The black and chrome version is one of Oliver’s new cigar toys. For the past six months, he has been more than satisfied with the Lotus’s flawless operation. In his opinion, the blades have not dulled at all.
Pros
- Stainless steel serrated blades
- Sturdy construction
- Reliable function
- Sleek design
Cons
- You cannot cut larger gauge cigars
The Cigar Cutters That Didn’t Make It To The List
Two of the cutters that did not make the list that are worth mentioning are the Original Perfect Cigar Cutter and the Vertigo Big Daddy 80 Ring Cigar Cutter. We purchased both of these cutters to make this list. They are not the worst of the worst, but their materials and construction do not seem capable of cutting cigars hassle-free for years. On the other hand, after rigorous testing and comparison, our pick for the best cigar cutter and lighter set is the Haillai Triple Jet Flame Lighter and Cutter Set.
How Did We Rate And Rank The Cutters?
We all want to enjoy the outstanding cigars that are available. But to do that, we need high-quality cutters. Here is our list of crucial criteria that covers all aspects of a cutter that is considered good quality:
Construction
We estimate the quality of the materials used and how well the cutter is made. Wobbly and loose parts are rarely a sign that the product will have a long life.
Smooth Movement Of The Mechanism
The smoothness of the mechanism ensures easy handling and precise cutting. And on the other hand, this criterion is a sign of design and manufacturing precision.
The Precision Of The Cut
If we have to explain why we pay attention to this in a cigar cutter, we say that this is the main function of the cutter and that the precise cut makes the cigar ready to be enjoyed. Smashed cigar and torn cigar wrapper don’t lead to enjoyable smoking. The precise cut is a result of razor-sharp blades and high-quality construction.
Ergonomics
This parameter shows how easy it is to work with each of the tested cutters for people with different levels of experience and different hand measurements. It also indicates how well each cutter feels in the hands of people with different hand measurements.
The Durability Of The Sharpness Of The Blades
The longevity of a product is a desirable characteristic. It is a reliable cigar accessory if a cutter still cuts cigars like butter after hundreds of cigars. Since this is difficult to test for a few weeks, we used the experience of our aficionado friends and cigar experts to assess the durability of the thirty-seven cutters we tested.
Disclaimer:
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FAQ
There is no universal answer to this question. The best cigar cutter depends on the vitola of the cigar you want to cut and your preferred cut.
No, you can’t. Cigar cutters are designed to accommodate certain ring gauges. Not every cutter is suitable for every cigar shape. Punch cutters aren’t suitable for Figurado cigars.
Remove all tobacco residue from the mechanism of the cutter. You can dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and clean the cutter blades. Repeat the process and clean the blades on both sides in the open and closed positions.
Yes. The straight or guillotine cutter with a stopper is considered suitable for beginners. The stopper of the cutter prevents the cigar from being cut too much.
This all depends on the frequency of use. On average, a high-quality cigar cutter lasts for about two years.
It depends on the tools you’re using and the specific cutting method you prefer. For comprehensive guidance, explore our dedicated article on how to cut a cigar.
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Great content, thanks for the insights 🙂 I’m gonna give the Colibri V Cut a try
Thank you for your kind words, Austin! The Colibri V Cut is a great choice, and we’re glad we could help.
Cutters are the perfect gift for cigar smokers. Thanks for this article. Now I know what to buy my hubby next.
It’s great that you found the perfect gift for your partner! Cutters are definitely a hit with cigar fans. Thank you for the kind comment, Cathrin.
How is there not a single iris cutter in this entire list?
Thanks for your comment! Could you give us more information about what you mean by “iris cutter”? We’d love to learn more and consider it for our list.