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

There's something inherently elegant about the act of cutting a cigar with scissors. Where a guillotine strikes with a sharp, decisive blow—an efficient, unemotional gesture—scissors display controlled slowness, a precise control of the movement reminiscent of a surgeon or tailor. It's a different philosophy of cutting, one that corresponds to a certain idea of ritual: where the act of preparation is as important as the act of smoking.

Atelier Atypique offers two scissor models in its cigar cutter range that embody this philosophy: the SLYKE and the BLADE. Two objects different in their approach, but united by the same level of demanding standards in terms of manufacturing quality and cutting performance.

The SLYKE: The Classic Reference for Cigar Scissors

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

The SLYKE 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.

What distinguishes the SLYKE from simple fabric scissors or adapted office scissors: the blades are short and rigid enough to exert uniform pressure across the entire section of the cigar at the moment of cutting. Scissors that are too long will flex slightly and create a beveled cut—a flaw imperceptible on paper, but noticeable on the draw of a delicate cigar.

The BLADE: Three Blades for Absolute Precision Cutting

The BLADE is a more daring 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 unique geometry that deserves closer attention.

The principle of the three-bladed BLADE is simple: where classic scissors exert pressure at two contact points, the BLADE's three-blade system distributes the cutting force over a wider and 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 one or two-bladed cutters.

The BLADE's dimensions—13.6 x 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 every enthusiast 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 types of cuts 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 formats including very large ones, you collect your accessories as valuable objects, or if you want 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 transport your cutter and need compactness.

The ideal for a serious enthusiast? Own both—scissors for special occasions and formal tastings, a guillotine for daily use and outings. It is this instrumental versatility that characterizes the true connoisseur.

Cigar Scissor Maintenance

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

• Clean the blades after each use with a soft cloth to remove tobacco and resin residues that accumulate on the sharp edges.
• Lubricate the pivot with a tiny drop of fine machine oil every three months to maintain the fluidity of the joint.
• Resharpening on a fine-grit stone (1000 then 3000) restores the original sharpness to quality steel blades—an operation to be done when the cut starts to drag slightly.
• Store your scissors in their protective case to prevent the blades from clashing with other objects and dulling prematurely.

Find the SLYKE, the BLADE, and the entire range of cigar cutters on Atelier Atypique. For all your tasting equipment, explore the available cigar accessories and lighters.

Conclusion

The SLYKE and the BLADE are two different expressions of the same philosophy: cutting is a gesture that deserves a tool worthy of it. 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 complete satisfaction.