I'm sure this has been talked about, but I cant find it. And I even used the search feature!

But I just bought a lighter with 3 punches on it, so I figured I ought to try it. However, when I went to punch my cigar, I felt like I was just going to crush in the end of it. Any certain technique?

The punches I have are 3 different sized ones. About 1/8th, 1/4th, and 1/3rd of an inch, which size should I use? Also, they are all like rings with an edge on them, I always anticipated a punch being like a long needle.

General punching advise is welcome.
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i find that it helps if you twist the cigar while pressing it into the punch. seems to help it to cut into it without busting the tip
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The punches I use are fairly sharp and work well, sometimes it may help to use a slight rotation to penetrate if the cigar is moist.

Edit: Justin beat me to it I see.
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The twist is the key.
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I'll try that out this afternoon, after work.
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"Float like a butterfly, sting like a Wii"

Image
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:-):-)
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I noticed that some punches are not very sharp -- even when new. If the punch does not cut easily -- while rotating gently against the cigar -- don't force it as you risk cracking the wrapper... Just my :-)
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I tend to moisten the cap a bit before I try to punch. I find that helps, but the twisting is definitely important.
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+1
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Also, do you try to take the inside of that circle out? So that there is an indent on the butt of the cigar? Or do you just leave the ring? If you get what I am saying...
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most of the time it comes out with the punch.
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You mean the center plug of tobacco that is left after you punch? Yes, if that doesn't come out on it's own, you should pop it out of there.

If it doesn't come out easily or on it's own, you might not be punching deep enough to fully cut through the capote (binder).

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Addendum:

The head of the cigar should look something like this after you are done punching it:
Image

Note how you can clearly see the filler tobacco.
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Thank you. That's what I was wondering. Also, the end you suck on is the head... The end you light is the foot? Heel? What's what in the anatomy of a cigar?
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Yes, the end that you draw smoke from is the head. The end you light is the foot. The part in the middle is the body.

The leaves bunched in the center are the tripa or filler.
The first leaf wrapped around this bunch to help it hold it's shape is known as the capote, or binder in English.
On top of the capote, a much nicer looking leaf is applied, this is the capa, or wrapper.
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Thanks man. I knew there was a reason I joined this site...
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Anytime brother, that's why this place exists. Sharing knowledge, interests and camaraderie over cigars.
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Since I've started punching, I wonder if I will ever cut again with the exception of torpedoes, so much neater, easier, cleaner to punch. And I have the right on my lighter, so it cuts back on what I have got to carry around with me.
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I punch everything except the torpedos. It works very nice and clean.
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:-)

Doesn't take long to get to that point does it?

I'm even to the point where I ALMOST won't buy belicosos or pyramides because I cannot punch them. Not quite there yet but I won't be surprised if that happens.

I certainly prefer a non torpedo'd cap.
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