I have used both punch cutters and cigar cutters over the years and like both. There are a lot of cigar aficionados who prefer one over the other. You can absolutely use one or the other, or both. Basically, it comes down to personal preference. I will say there are some cigars that a cigar punch won’t help you with, but more on that later. Let’s jump right into what this post is about. So… what are cigar punches for anyway?
What Are Cigar Punches For?
Cigar punches are circular blades that are designed to remove the middle of the top of the cap on a cigar while leaving the “shoulders” solid. The reason for using a punch is when the smoke, heat, and oils from the cigar are funneled into a tighter space through the punched-out hole. When a punch cutter is used the cap stays undamaged and tends to be way less messy when you light up. So cigar aficionados who want a solid draw that is more intense, a cigar punch works great.
What Types of Cigars Can You Use A Punch On?
Cigar punches work pretty much only on round top or “Parjeo” and some of the Belicoso style cigars depending on the size of your punch. For other types of cigars, you are going to need a cigar cutter.
How To Properly Use A Cigar Punch
Using a cigar punch is not difficult to use, but it takes a bit of skill to get it right.
- Open the punch cutter to reveal the blade. Extend or twist the blade out if it’s a retractable model. Or, if your punch has a cover, remove it.
- Set the cutter in the center on the cigar cap or as close as you can.
- Keep the cutter centered and twist gently to the left and the right. Give the punch GENTLE pressure while twisting.
Pressing too hard can easily and too deep can damage the cigar. You only need to cut, “punch”, through the cigar leaf wrapper. - Slowly remove your punch and you should have a nice clean hole at the cap of your cigar. Again the hole shouldn’t be too deep as all that needs to be punched through is the outer wrap of the cigar.
- Once you are done you can dump the outer wrapper that you punched out and fire up your stick.
Are All Cigar Punches The Same
There are a bunch of options when it comes to cigar punches. You’ll find that cigar punches come in different blade sizes. Some have screw-on caps to cover the blade. Some have retractable blades. Also, you’ll find that there are a ton of different styles and options.
Being that this site is all about lighters I have to also let you know that there are also many lighters that have integrated cigar punches. As with most things, there are many options. Below I’ve compiled a list of some amazing options.
Shop Cigar Punches At Amazon.com
High Priced Quality Cigar Lighters With Cigar Punches
In the high-priced range, I added two well-known cigar lighter manufacturers that have consistently made high-quality lighters. Both of the lighters in the high-end are above $55 USD.
Colibri Slide Double-Jet Lighter: Check it out at Amazon.com
Colibri makes outstanding lighters no doubt about it. The Slide has a cool push-up ignition, fuel window, large fuel tank, and of course and an integrated cigar punch. The punch is located on the back of the lighter and slides out. It features a 7mm cigar punch that is good and sharp and ready for action.
Xikar Forte Soft Flame Lighter: Check it out at Amazon.com
I am a huge Xikar fanboy and have owned quite a few of their lighters. The Forte is a great lighter that has all the bells and whistles of a premium lighter. Fuel window, oversized adjustment wheel, fold-out cigar punch, and my favorite push-down ignition. Located on the side of the lighter below the trigger is where you’ll find the punch. It folds out from the lighter body and is also 7mm.
This is a soft flame lighter but does use butane. I’ve used this lighter for many kinds of cigars and never seems to let me down.
Mid Range Cigar Lighters With Cigar Punches
In the mid-priced category, I added lighters that are known to be good and are in the $20 to $40 USD price range.
Lotus Defiant Quad Pinpoint Lighter: Check it out at Amazon.com
There are a lot of things I dig about this lighter. The all-metal body is solid, a big fuel wheel, and a sliding cigar punch. The punch is 10mm and slides out for use and then retracts back when you are done.
The thing I am not a fan of is the fuel window. It looks ok, but I prefer a standard simple fuel window. It might be a little picky, but that’s just how I am. Overall a super cool lighter with quad flame.
Lotus CEO: Check it out at Amazon.com
Yes, another awesome Lotus torch. All-metal body, check. Fuel window, check. Triple jet flame, check. Integrated punch, check! Lotus, like the lighters in the high-priced category, have a solid reputation and will always recommend them
My only problem with this specific lighter is the fuel adjustment. I honestly prefer a wheel compared to the screw adjustment on this lighter.
Inexpensive Cigar Lighters With Integrated Punches
In this last category, I’ve added lighters that are simply inexpensive and cost less than $20 USD.
Scorch Torch Dominator Triple Jet: Check it out at Amazon.com
Another company I am a fan of is Scorch Torch. By no means are their lighters on par with Xikar, Colibri, or other high-end lighters, but I still have a bunch of them. I have one of the twin flame Orion Scorch Torches on my desk as I write this.
With all that being said, the Dominator is a solid lighter and the price point is also really solid. I love the sliding cigar punch and where the trigger is located. I am not a fan of the fuel adjustment and as I said before, I prefer the adjustment wheel. Lastly, there is no fuel window and it’s not that big of a deal, but I prefer them.
Jetline Patriot Triple Flame Torch: Check it out at Amazon.com
Jetline Lighters are a fairly respected company that makes some pretty good lighters. If you’re looking for a solid lighter with a cigar punch the Patriot checks all the boxes. Large see-through fuel tank, slide-out cigar punch, and a unique and very fuel adjustment.
Do You Need A Lighter With A Cigar Punch?
No, you don’t need a lighter with a cigar punch. Over the years I have used lighters with punches and have collected punches for cigars, but I will say they are by no means is a necessity. When it comes to cigar punches I am no expert but I am glad I have a few laying around. I also have a few lighters that have integrated cigar punches that can be very handy from time to time.
In Conclusion
Using cigar punches can offer a different experience depending on the type of cigar you’ve got. It does take a little practice to get it right and again you can’t use them on any type of cigar. I should also mention that no matter what cigar lighter you have the quality of your butane make a huge difference. If you’ve got an expensive lighter it’s not going to work at its best if you’re filling it with low-quality butane. We put together a post that discusses which butane brands work best for cigar or torch lighters. Lastly, if the lighters above aren’t what you’re looking for we also have a post where we’ve looked at 10 awesome cigar lighters with cigar punches you may want to check out.