Monday, November 29 1999
Q. What is the average lifespan of a cigar cutter. The ones I buy seem to go dull rather quickly.
- Edward in Arizona
A. From what I've observed, a good, high-quality cutter will last about two years before going dull. Most "bargain brand" and the cheap "freebie" cigar cutters normally last an average of about nine months. If your cutters are going dull within that timeframe, then you should probably invest in a high-quality cutter, which will pay for itself over time.
Of course, you also have to factor in the frequency you use the cutter, and how you're using it. If you smoke a lot of cigars, no doubt the blade will go dull that much sooner. If you tend to cut a bit below the cap, that will put extra wear on the cutter, as will cutting behind the ashen portion of your cigar when it goes out. Or, if you're a "chomper" who chews on the head of your cigar, and you use the cutter to chop-off the gooey remains, that will take an even greater toll on the blade/s.
Most cigar smokers have several cigar cutters, which usually include a couple of cheapies. But for your best cigars, you should have at least one "special" cutter you know you can rely on for clean, razor-sharp cuts.
Finally, if you decide to purchase a cigar cutter starting around the $30 range and up, try to buy one from a manufacturer who also offers a warranty. Some companies will even offer to sharpen it for you when the time comes.
