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Ciseaux à cigares SLYKE et BLADE : quand la coupe devient un geste d'artiste

SLYKE and BLADE Cigar Cutters: When Cutting Becomes an Art Form

SLYKE and BLADE Cigar Scissors: The Art of Controlled Cutting
Two cutting philosophies — classic scissors and a three-blade system — for a preparation ritual worthy of your cigars

There's something inherently elegant about the act of cutting a cigar with scissors. Where a guillotine delivers a swift, decisive cut—an efficient, emotionless gesture—scissors offer a controlled slowness, a meticulously precise movement reminiscent of a surgeon or a tailor. It's a different cutting philosophy, one that aligns with a certain idea of ritual: where the act of preparation is as important as the act of smoking.

Atelier Atypique offers two references in its range of cigar cutters that embody this philosophy: the SLYKE and the BLADE. Two different approaches, yet united by the same high standards of manufacturing quality and cutting performance.

The SLYKE: The Classic Reference in Cigar Scissors

The SLYKE is the classic cigar scissor model in the Atelier Atypique range. Its design incorporates the codes of traditional large cigar scissors: two short, sharp blades articulated by a central pivot, ergonomics designed for a natural grip, and refined finishes that make it as much a care object as a tool.

The SLYKE's blades are made of quality steel, chosen to maintain their sharpness over time and allow for a clean cut without compressing the wrapper. The geometry of the blades is designed so that closing them creates a section perfectly perpendicular to the cigar's axis — a straight, clean cut, without tearing.

To know — What distinguishes the SLYKE from ordinary sewing or office scissors: its blades are sufficiently short and rigid to exert uniform pressure across the entire section of the cigar when cutting. A blade that is too long will flex slightly and create a beveled cut — an imperceptible flaw on paper, but noticeable in the draw of a delicate cigar.

The BLADE: Three Blades for Absolute Precision Cutting

The BLADE is a bolder proposition — and rarer in the world of cigar accessories. Its three metal blades, available in three finishes (gold, silver, black), create a cutting system with a unique geometry that deserves closer attention.

The principle of the three-blade BLADE is simple: where classic scissors exert pressure at two points of contact, the BLADE's three-blade system distributes the cutting force over a wider, more symmetrical section. The result is an absolutely clean cut, without the slightest lateral displacement of the wrapper during incision — one of the common flaws of single or double-bladed cutters.

The BLADE's dimensions — 13.6 × 5.8 cm — provide a natural grip for average-sized hands. It is designed to accommodate cigars with a maximum diameter of 22 mm, which covers the vast majority of common formats. Its availability in three finishes (gold, silver, black) allows each connoisseur to choose the version that best matches their style and equipment.

Scissors vs. Guillotine: The Right Choice for Your Profile

The question many enthusiasts ask: scissors or guillotine? There's no universal answer — both cutting types have their specific strengths and ideal user profiles.

Opt for scissors if: you appreciate the slowness and precision of the gesture, you smoke cigars of various sizes including very large formats, you collect your accessories like valuable objects, or if you seek to impress with the elegance of your preparation ritual.

Opt for a guillotine if: you seek speed and reproducibility of the gesture, you primarily smoke standard formats (Robusto, Corona), you regularly carry your cutter and need compactness.

Tip — The ideal for a serious enthusiast? Own both — scissors for special occasions and formal tastings, a compact guillotine for everyday use and outings. Combined with a quality lighter and a travel case, they form a complete kit worthy of a true connoisseur.

Maintenance of Cigar Scissors

A quality pair of scissors, properly maintained, can last for generations. Good practices include:

  • Clean the blades after each use with a soft cloth to remove tobacco and resin residues that accumulate on the cutting edges.
  • Lubricate the pivot with a tiny drop of fine mechanical oil every three months to maintain smooth articulation.
  • Resharpening on a fine-grit stone (1000 then 3000) restores the original sharpness to quality steel blades — an operation to perform when the cut starts to drag slightly.
  • Store your scissors in their protective case to prevent the blades from clashing with other objects and becoming dull prematurely.
Caution — Never run the blades under water and do not use abrasive products to clean them. Moisture promotes steel oxidation and abrasives damage the cutting edge. A dry or very lightly oiled cloth is sufficient for effective cleaning after each session.

Complete your ritual

Cigar Cutters
Guillotine, scissors, punch, and V-cut for a clean cut
Lighters
Torch lighters and flint lighters for the perfect light
Cigar Cases
Voyageur collection in genuine customizable leather
Cigar Humidors
Cedar humidors to store your cigars at home
Cigar Accessories
Ashtrays, cigar stands, Draw tools, and more
Cigar Universe
All the equipment for the discerning enthusiast

Conclusion

The SLYKE and the BLADE are two different expressions of the same philosophy: cutting is a gesture that deserves a tool of equal caliber. Whether you prefer the tradition of classic scissors or the innovation of the three-blade system, these two accessories promise to transform your preparation ritual into a moment of pure satisfaction.

Discover the SLYKE, the BLADE, and the entire range of cigar cutters

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the SLYKE and the BLADE?
The SLYKE is a classic scissor with two short, rigid blades, ideal for a traditional, precise, and controlled cut. The BLADE uses an innovative three-blade system that distributes cutting pressure more symmetrically, eliminating lateral wrapper movement. The SLYKE favors tradition, the BLADE technical innovation.
Are scissors suitable for all cigar sizes?
Scissors are particularly well-suited for various formats, including large ones (Churchill, Double Corona) that some compact guillotines struggle to accommodate. The BLADE accepts cigars up to 22 mm in diameter, covering the vast majority of common sizes: Robusto, Corona, Toro, and Churchill.
Do scissors cut better than a guillotine?
It's not a question of superiority but of cutting style. Scissors offer precise, progressive control, ideal for smokers who appreciate the precision of the gesture. A guillotine is faster and more reproducible. A complete enthusiast often owns both: scissors for tastings, a guillotine for daily use.
How do I maintain the blades of my cigar scissors?
After each use, wipe the blades with a soft, dry cloth to remove tobacco residue. Every three months, apply a drop of fine mechanical oil to the pivot. When the cut starts to drag, resharpening on a fine-grit stone (1000 then 3000) restores the original sharpness. Never run the blades under water.
Is the BLADE available in multiple finishes?
Yes. The BLADE is available in three finishes: gold, silver, and black. Each finish is applied to the three blades and mechanical details, allowing you to match the cigar cutter to your personal style or other accessories (lighter, case, humidor).
Can ordinary scissors be used to cut a cigar?
It is strongly discouraged. Office or sewing scissors have blades that are too long and too flexible, which creates a beveled cut and crushes the wrapper instead of slicing it. Cigar scissors like the SLYKE are designed with short, rigid blades that exert uniform pressure across the entire section, ensuring a straight, clean cut.
Which cigar cutter should a beginner choose?
For a beginner, the guillotine remains the most accessible choice: simple gesture, consistent result, compact format. Scissors are a second investment for smokers who wish to refine their ritual and explore a more controlled cutting style. The three-blade BLADE offers an excellent compromise between ease of use and cutting precision.
Rédigé par Benjamin B. — Fondateur d'Atelier Atypique

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