Cutting a cigar is a vital part of preparing yourself for the best possible smoking experience. The method of cigar cut you choose to use will impact how quickly it burns, and how much smoke you get out of each puff.

Everyone has personal preferences, but this tutorial will walk you through how to perform a basic ‘punch cut’ on your cigar. We think this is the simplest of all the cigar cuts, and it works well as it leaves the cigar cap in place by just punching a small hole in the head, leaving you a nice tight draw with little risk of tobacco flaking out.

So if you are new to the Premium cigar world, you can start with these instructions on ‘punch cutting’ your cigar before venturing out into cuts like the V-Cut or Straight cut.

First and foremost you will need to prepare your cigar, which also requires selecting the right smoke for you. When dealing with a punch cutter you will be looking for cigars with a round or flat head, the punch will not work on cigars with a tapered end.

Cigar shapes such as Toros and Gordos are ideal for the punch cutter, and Payless is proud to offer a large variety of premium cigars in these shapes. Once you have your cigar selected you will take it out of the cellophane or paper covering, and ready your punch cutter by pushing the blade out or removing its cap.

You also have the option of leaving the cigar band on or taking it off. Originally used to hold cigars together, bands are primarily used for decoration and marketing now. Some Premium Cigar connoisseurs make a point of collecting these bands as a way to remember all the cigars they smoked.

It is vital that the blade of your punch cutter is plenty sharp. Should the blade be dull you risk splitting the cigar wrapper, which can cause the cigar to begin to unravel as you continue to smoke it. Check the sharpness of your punch cutter with your thumb, should it feel dull or if it has split wrappers, it is likely time to get a new punch.

Cigar cutters range in price. While you can find cheaper ones they will usually not last as long, so we recommend spending a little extra to invest in a high-quality cutter that will last.

Remove the cap or push out the blade for your punch cutter, remembering to check the blade sharpness. You will be lining the circular blade of the punch cutter centrally on the head, or top, of your cigar. You will want to aim as close to the center as possible as this will allow for a more even draw.

Many cigar smokers choose to wet the head of their cigar by lightly drawing on it prior to cutting as they feel it allows it to cut easier and smoother.

Now that your cigar and punch are lined up, push the blade directly into the head of the cigar and in one motion pull it back out. Your cigar should have a neat circular hole cut right in the center, only 1-2 millimeters deep.

Should you so choose, you could repeat this entire process and it would grant you a bigger punch. Those who do this are typically looking for a more smoked filled puff, though it is not necessary by any means.

Cigar cutting is a one-shot job, so you will want to be confident in cutting your cigar. Hesitation can be the difference between a split wrapper and a pristine cut.

Using a napkin or paper towel, you will want to collect any bits of tobacco that dropped and throw them away. Additionally, it is a good idea to brush any hanging tobacco bits off the head of the cigar to avoid getting this in your mouth.

The next step is to light your cigar; of which there are numerous techniques each cigar enthusiast will use. Here at Payless, we prefer using a simple butane torch lighter, which vary in the number of flames, cost, size, and quality.

However, there are those out there that prefer to use matches, cedar, or even regular soft flame lighters. To each their own we say, whatever you enjoy, go with!

If you are not looking to partake in the flash and flair, lighting a cigar is an easy step on your way to enjoying a nice smoke. Put the cut end of the cigar in your mouth. You will lightly draw on this end of the cigar while using a flame to light the foot gingerly.

You don't want to envelop the entire foot of the cigar in the flame. Instead, lightly burn it with the edge of the flame. As you inhale you may need to lightly puff in order to get the cigar fully lit. It should be a glowing black/orange ember as opposed to scorched white.

Finally, you are ready to kick back and enjoy your cigar while doing whatever you like! Some will watch sports, some do yard work, or some like us just kick back and enjoy our cigar with our favorite beverage, which can sometimes enhance the flavor of what you are smoking.

If you are new to smoking cigars, just remember that cigar smoking is a marathon not a sprint. You want the smoke to linger in your mouth for taste. It is no issue to put your cigar down in an ashtray. You are in no rush to finish.

Most premium cigars burn anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 plus hours. You may have to relight your cigar while enjoying it and that is perfectly normal. Whatever method you choose will be right for you. Now enjoy!