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My Xikar ELX has a punch cutter built into the bottom, as many do. On the last two cigars I smoked, the cap split a little when I punched it. It was still completely smokeable, but I'm wondering why.
I have punched four cigars with it, so it shouldn't be dull yet. I press the cigar onto the punch firmly but smoothly, rotating a bit back and forth as I apply even pressure. Am I doing it wrong? Is it perhaps my RH is kept at 70%? Does this just happen sometimes?
My first thought would be to think that the blade is dull - but have to agree - certainly not after so little use. I'm interested to hear the 'weigh ins' myself...
I haven't used a punch since I lost mine years ago. On some wrappers it would happen even though the punch was sharp so I started moistening the cap a min or two before punching it. That stopped any cracking issues.
Is it the same type of cigar? I have some cigars that are always bad punching cigars. Just bad cap construction. Do you spin the punch as you are using it? Just a slight spin while applying preasure will help it cut cleaner.
Too much pressure, dry cap, dull punch...
Could be a number of things but if its still smokable I wouldn't worry too much and enjoy the cigar.
The Troll
I usually lick the cap before punching to avoid this. I'm waiting for someone to share a convenient way to sharpen. I heard some Xikar punches have self sharpening, and am curious how they do it. If you can recreate that part or maybe get it done with some dremel skill.
I store at 60 and lick the cap of any cigar prior to punching it. You also need to watch the amount of pressure you apply, a cigar punch shouldn't be slammed like a hole punch in the office.
All of these are great suggestions. I also make my cut by holding the punch at a very slight angle, so that the cut begins on one side. Then with a slight twisting/rocking motion complete the punch.
I figure its similar to slicing a tomato. You need a sharp blade and smooth motion and a bit of pressure. Given the details I would just chalk it up to bad luck. Sounds like you have a decent setup, 70rh cigars should be plenty moist, and your combination of pressure and twist should do the trick.
I use a punch anytime I can. I haven't had any issues with my 9mm Xikar as of yet. I do tend to wet the cap with my tongue then apply a small amount of downward force while rotating the cutter. I haven't had any issues yet with this method. I have mine stored at 65rh using Bovedas so they are kind of in the middle of the rh spectrum.
It might have to do with using the lighter built in punch though. I tried that in the beginning and had the same split caps as you. It's hard to get the force square with them. I always felt like the lighter was in the way. I went to the seperate cutter unit and all problems went away. Plus, I got to add another toy to mess with. :cool:
Reno
Hmm, I will try licking the cap. I do not use excessive force, and I do twist it a bit as I press.
Reno: Mine flips open 180 degrees and locks into place. I put a finger from the hand holding the lighter behind it also, so no, the lighter does not get in the way with this one.
I used to think licking the cap was weird, but I would also occasionally split the cap, despite using a razor sharp Xikar or Palio.
Tried it a few months ago, haven't had a single bad cut since. Been doing it ever since.
I lick the cap, too. if I'm going to share my punch with someone else immediately, I usually use a beverage of some sort to moisten the cap. Definitely keeps the cap from splitting.
Its your tip, Lick it!
All the suggestions sound great so far. I would also doubt it was a dullness issue. Just lick the tip and punch away.....see it it works for ya!
A lick does the trick for me...