Why do cigars not come pre-cut?

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dentonparrots

Young Ape
Noob question I know, but I was wondering why they cut one end but not the other in the cigar factories? Is there a benefit to it that it would lose if they did cut both ends?
 
The cut is such a personal thing, I think it wouldn't be too popular to pre-cut. For example, I like my cigars punched, others like the straight cut.
 
DonnieW said:
The cut is such a personal thing, I think it wouldn't be too popular to pre-cut. For example, I like my cigars punched, others like the straight cut.
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:tpd: Plus, I think if your cigar lost the band, you wouldn't know which end was the foot and which end is the head.
 
I believe there are some cigars that are pre-cut. I recall getting a cheap-ish Cuban in a clear plastic tube (don't recall what it was) that was pre-cut. I actually hesitated to smoke it, wondering if it was returned by someone. It was sealed, so I assume that's how they come.
 
DonnieW said:
I believe there are some cigars that are pre-cut. I recall getting a cheap-ish Cuban in a clear plastic tube (don't recall what it was) that was pre-cut. I actually hesitated to smoke it, wondering if it was returned by someone. It was sealed, so I assume that's how they come.
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That would be a Guantanamera. Im hesitant to smoke those too, but it has nothing to do with the fact they are pre cut.
 
It seems like most dry cured cigars come pre-cut, maybe that has something do with it. Maybe the wrappers are more brittle... I'm betting it goes back to tradition as well. A head cutting step was not part of production in times past, so why add it. It kind of cheapens the experience.
 
Whenever a b&m asks me if I want my cigar cut I look at them as if they have 3 heads. To me it is part of the experience.

But the biggest reason is to protect the wrapper. It is one thing to lose some on the foot due to unraveling but another to lose it on the cap side. Your cigars expand and contract with variances in humidity and this stresses the wrapper. I have been prenty fortunate over the years because even in my pre-bead 70/70 days I had very little damage.
 
I've had gurkha perfectos that don't require a cut. They aren't pre-cut or anything. They just aren't capped.
 
I agree with y'all about cutting the cigar. I like to be able to cut my own as a part of the experience. As a newer cigar smoker it makes me happy when I achieve a perfect cut. Although with punching cigars as I don't have a punch yet, I have my b&m or my brother do the honors while I watch.
 
Rolando said:
Whenever a b&m asks me if I want my cigar cut I look at them as if they have 3 heads. To me it is part of the experience.

But the biggest reason is to protect the wrapper. It is one thing to lose some on the foot due to unraveling but another to lose it on the cap side. Your cigars expand and contract with variances in humidity and this stresses the wrapper. I have been prenty fortunate over the years because even in my pre-bead 70/70 days I had very little damage.
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I was out drinking one night and stopped in a B&M (there's like 3 within the area I barhop) that I only visit maybe 1/4 of the time I buy singles. The guy insisted on cutting my Short Story and lighting it for me...and he cut it so far up that I had to babysit it to keep it wrapped.

I also assume it would result in more factory rejects if the roller also had to cut it or punch it. Adding more steps to an assembly process adds more room for error.
 
The whole reason for a cap on a cigar is to keep the wrapper from unreaveling. To place the cap on, only to have to cut/punch it soon after (I assume) is an unecessary step for the roller and allows for the end user to be more personal on how they prefer their cigars punched/cut.
 
ActionAndy said:
I was out drinking one night and stopped in a B&M (there's like 3 within the area I barhop) that I only visit maybe 1/4 of the time I buy singles. The guy insisted on cutting my Short Story and lighting it for me...and he cut it so far up that I had to babysit it to keep it wrapped.
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I had never thought about them doing it wrong. Wait. He lit it for you too? That is just so wrong.
 
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ActionAndy said:
I was out drinking one night and stopped in a B&M (there's like 3 within the area I barhop) that I only visit maybe 1/4 of the time I buy singles. The guy insisted on cutting my Short Story and lighting it for me...and he cut it so far up that I had to babysit it to keep it wrapped.

I also assume it would result in more factory rejects if the roller also had to cut it or punch it. Adding more steps to an assembly process adds more room for error.
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maybe you looked too drunk to play with fire? :r
 
poker said:
The whole reason for a cap on a cigar is to keep the wrapper from unreaveling. To place the cap on, only to have to cut/punch it soon after (I assume) is an unecessary step for the roller and allows for the end user to be more personal on how they prefer their cigars punched/cut.
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Exactly!


however what is probably un-intended is the most benefical result of the capping of foot. A nice cap turns what is an open avenue for the drying out and depletion of all flavor elements, into a tight cul-de-sac.
 
Regarding some concerns about my post:

1) By light it for me, I meant that he held a lighter to the cigar and allowed me to puff until it was lit--he didn't actually put my cigar in his mouth. I'd have told him to cancel my purchase if he did something that preposterous.

2) I am both a charming and affable drunk, and not terribly obvious. (Until I hit the mutant stage, which my friends have dubbed The Zombie. The Zombie will force his way into a game of billiards, stare down the bartender and attempt to order via mind-link, and break up with girls that he is not actually dating.)
 
No one can tell if I am drunk either. Sleeping on the floor with a big stupid grin on my face is something I do all the time.
 
I think that if they pre-cut the cap, because of the direction of the roll the cigar might start to unravel.

I would guess the main reasons to cut the foot is for a A.)finished look, B.) to have all the cigars in a box all the same lengths, C.) and for ease of packing.
 
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