1. A v-cut is a top-to-bottom slice that creates a v-shaped wedge through the head of the cigar. This exposes a greater area of the filler bunch. Smokers who enjoy chewing the end of their cigars must be careful of a v-cut as it can collapse the cigar.

2. A pinhole cutter and a cigar drill are cutters that create a small hole in the head of the cigar to create an air hole through which you draw smoke. Experts advise against making the hole to deep toward the middle of the cigar as it will draw to the middle and make the smoke hotter.

3. A puncture cutter is a type of cutter that, when inserted into the head of a cigar, removes a plug approximately 1/4 inch across, creating a large air hole while still preserving the smooth, rounded head of the cigar. Similar to the pinhole, the hole depth must not be too deep as the smoke will be drawn into the center and become hotter.

4. The straight or guillotine cut is the most common of all cuts. It lops off the head of a cigar in a straight line, allowing air to be drawn through the cigar. A straight cut can be made using a cutter with one or two blades. The goal of this cut is to clip off enough end to expose the the filler leaves, but leave enough of the cap or flag to maintain the wrapper. (2mm or 1/6")

5. A scissors cutter looks like a pair of scissors but has special blades for cutting a cigar. It delivers a straight cut. Good scissors must be properly balanced between the handle & clipping edges or it will be difficult to hold the cigar steady for the clean cut.