12 Best Cigar Cutters for 2023 [Out of 37 We’ve Tested]

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.

Our criteria for a good cutter are its construction, movement smoothness, cut precision, ergonomic design, and durability and reliability.

To evaluate each cutter’s performance, members of our team – each with varying expertise – tried cutting both Parejo and Figurado cigars. Of course, we did not attempt to cut Figurados with the tested punch cutters. We consider such tests to be a good assessment of design and ergonomics because Oliver is an experienced, mature man, Adelina is a petite woman with a few years of experience, and Milan is a novice smoker. Together, we represent a broad spectrum of experience.

Best Overall: Xikar XO Cigar Cutter

---

You can buy Xikar Xo 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 ideal 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar XO:

youtube.com/@AtDutchcigars

Best Value: Xikar X8 Cutter

---

You can buy Xikar X8 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar X8:

youtube.com/@Cigarsandgear

Best V-Cutter: Colibri V-Cut

---

You can buy Colibri V-Cut 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Colibri V-Cut:

youtube.com/@CigarSmokerUK

Colibri SV 2-In-1

---

You can buy Colibri SV 2-in-1 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 cutter 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Colibri SV 2-In-1:

youtube.com/@MardoCigars

Xikar XI1

---

You can buy Xikar XI1 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 the cutter to close 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar XI1:

youtube.com/@CigarSmokerUK

S.T. Dupont Maxijet Cutter

---

You can buy S.T. Dupont Maxijet 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 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar XO:

youtube.com/@eatsmokedrink

Xikar 9mm Punch

---

You can buy Xikar 9mm Punch on:

The Xikar Punch cigar punch 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. You must hold the cutter so that it does not close to punch a cigar. 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar 9mm Punch:

youtube.com/@single40yearoldguy84

Xikar Mtx Multi-tool Cigar Scissors Chrome

---

You can buy Xikar MTX Cigar Scissors 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Xikar MTX Cigar Scissors:

youtube.com/@single40yearoldguy84

Colibri Quasar 2 in 1 Desk Cutter

---

You can buy Quasar 2 in 1 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 cutter 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Colibri Quasar 2 in 1:

youtube.com/@single40yearoldguy84

Victorinox Cigar 79

---

You can buy Victorinox Cigar 79 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.

For a second perspective, here’s another person sharing insights on Victorinox Cigar 79:

youtube.com/@saviom8166

Alaska Bear Steel Cigar Cutter

---

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.

Lotus Jaws Cutter 

---

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.

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.

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:
www.smoking-hub.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

FAQ

What is the best type of cigar cutter?

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.

Can I use any cigar cutter for all types of cigars?

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.

How do I clean and maintain my cigar cutter?

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.

Are there any cigar cutters suitable for beginners?

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.

How long can I expect a cigar cutter to last?

This all depends on the frequency of use. On average, a high-quality cigar cutter lasts for about two years.

How to cut a cigar?

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.