wrapper issues after cutting

V

vstrommark

Nice Jungle Ya Got Here
So I've noticed something weird for many (perhaps most) of my sticks recently.

After I cut the cap with my trust Xicar, I find that the cap end of the wrapper likes to peel. No crack or problems noted before the cut. This is happening on sticks regardless of RG or location of origin, so I think it is a problem on my end

I have 2 vinotemps and a pretty darn close electronic RH display (less than 2% error on tests). The vinos are set to 67 degrees (but the cycle) and the humidity is constant in the 65-67% range.

This is happening on loose sticks (that I keep in boxes), cabs and regular boxes. I have an oust in the bottom of each vino along with 2 lbs of beads per unit. The problem is occuring with sticks in both vinos.

I do tend to leave the sticks out for a while (1/2 hour up to 2 hours) before lighting as I find that helps with the draw - or at least no plugged sticks when I do this. I tend to either drop the sticks in a coffin or leave them on the counter for the period before smoking. I'm going to try dry boxing some sticks for a few days next, but thought I would ask around to see if anyone else has a solution to this issue.

No cracking or peeling from the foot.

I'm at a loss, but also not very knowledgeable about the finer points of cigar keeping.

Any help is most appeciated.
 
Ive recently started having this problem as well but usually I can keep the wrapper together. I use the same cutter and I dont think its dull. Im at a loss
 
My best guess: the Xikar is a bit dull or the angle you're approaching the cut is a little off. I notice this happens if I'm not careful when I'm making my cut even with my Palio sometimes ... there'll be a slight pinch, which creates a small crack through the triple cap and causes the cap to unravel. I get the best results when I use the Palio shave off the top cap rather than cut through the second (if that distinction makes sense).

So I guess that means I have two guesses of what's going on: (1) dull Xikar or (2) you're cutting too deep. I guess (3) could be a combination of both.

Good luck!!!
 
When you say peel, do you mean unravel?

I know that if you cut a little to far down on the ap or cut off the cap they will start to unravel.

As for peeling, I am not sure what you mean exactly unless the leaf is actually flaking apart.

Good luck on your quest

B:ss
 
The Professor said:
My best guess: the Xikar is a bit dull or the angle you're approaching the cut is a little off. I notice this happens if I'm not careful when I'm making my cut even with my Palio sometimes ... there'll be a slight pinch, which creates a small crack through the triple cap and causes the cap to unravel. I get the best results when I use the Palio shave off the top cap rather than cut through the second (if that distinction makes sense).

So I guess that means I have two guesses of what's going on: (1) dull Xikar or (2) you're cutting too deep. I guess (3) could be a combination of both.

Good luck!!!
Click to expand...

That could be, Dokk. I'll experiment this afternoon :ss

I do tend to take a bit of a deep cut most of the time, especially on torps...
 
vstrommark said:
That could be, Dokk. I'll experiment this afternoon :ss

I do tend to take a bit of a deep cut most of the time, especially on torps...
Click to expand...
Frickin noob. ;) :chk

Yeah ... if you cut too deep, you risk (a) cutting past all of the caps or (b) cracking the remaining caps (on CCs), which results in the same effect: unraveling of caps and then the cigar.
 
I still lay my palio flat on a table and insert the cap to make my cut. I don't care if it makes me look like a newbie, it works. Same goes for the xikar.

Torps on the other hand have to be treated like a lady, only take a little at a time until you are at the sweet spot. :r
 
cbsmokin said:
I still lay my palio flat on a table and insert the cap to make my cut. I don't care if it makes me look like a newbie, it works. Same goes for the xikar.
Click to expand...

I don't know about the Xikar; but with the Palio, doing that method takes WAY too much off. Work on shaving off 1-2mm of the cap -- just the top cap. That'll give you a better smoke with less unraveling.
 
I have read that when cutting you have to be very careful not to pull away even the slightest bit. I had that problem with my xikar b/c I was scared of getting my finger pinched. I have since learned to steady my hand and I no longer have that problem.
 
The Professor said:
I don't know about the Xikar; but with the Palio, doing that method takes WAY too much off. Work on shaving off 1-2mm of the cap -- just the top cap. That'll give you a better smoke with less unraveling.
Click to expand...


I did this when I first got my Palio since I was used to the cheapie 1$ cutters from the B&M which that method worked perfectly. The palio however is a lot thicker and I ended up cutting way to deep. The first and only time I did this it unraveled within minutes after lighting.

I also noticed that if I cut to slowly I will have problems. Now I line it up with the blades resting on the cigar and give it a very quick snap and I haven't had a problem since.
 
This oughta make you guys cringe:
I use my Xikar and cut my cigar wrapper and all. It comes unraveled and nasty and while I'm smoking it I bite down real hard so it fits in my teeth, then I chew them all up and make them so soggy they go out when there's two inches left.
Sexy, eh? :D
 
shilala said:
This oughta make you guys cringe:
I use my Xikar and cut my cigar wrapper and all. It comes unraveled and nasty and while I'm smoking it I bite down real hard so it fits in my teeth, then I chew them all up and make them so soggy they go out when there's two inches left.
Sexy, eh? :D
Click to expand...
ffaint.gif
 
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