Cigar Cutters: The Complete Buying Guide
In the world of cigar accessories, multi-blade cigar scissors hold a special place: they combine the precision of a specialized instrument with an undeniable aesthetic dimension through their finish—gold, silver, or black. Unlike the classic guillotine cutter, this multi-blade format is as polarizing as it is appealing: some embrace it for its distinctive motion, while others remain loyal to the traditional guillotine. This guide breaks down what you need to know before choosing.
This article explores how multi-blade cigar scissors work, the technical criteria to check (number of blades, compatible diameter, steel quality), the question of aesthetic finish (gold, silver, black) and its symbolic significance, compatibility with major cigar brands, and maintenance precautions to preserve the performance and shine of this accessory over time.
What are multi-blade cigar scissors?
Unlike the two-blade guillotine, which slices with a single closing motion, multi-blade cigar scissors (usually 3 blades) operate with an articulated system that cuts the cigar head at multiple simultaneous contact points. The motion is similar to traditional scissors, with increased precision due to the multiplication of cutting points.
Finish as an aesthetic language
The color of an accessory carries symbolic weight. For cigar scissors, three finishes dominate the market—each corresponding to a different personality and use context.
To know: the finish has no impact on cutting performance. The surface treatment (gilding, black PVD coating, silver polishing) is applied after blade manufacturing and does not alter their geometry, steel quality, or sharpness. The color choice is therefore purely aesthetic—to be made according to your personality and intended use context.
The 4 technical criteria to check before purchase
Beyond aesthetics, a good pair of cigar scissors must meet precise performance criteria. Here are the points to systematically examine.
✅ Clean and symmetrical cut across the entire circumference
✅ Compact format that remains manageable with one hand
✅ Most common standard on the cigar scissor market
❌ More complex mechanism = more potential friction points
✅ Compatible with most common Cuban and Dominican cigars
✅ Always check this dimension before purchase
✅ Format suitable for regular tastings
❌ Fixed format, not adjustable like a guillotine
✅ Lightweight and portable for mobile use
✅ Design that remains discreet even in colored finish
✅ Good compromise between robustness and lightness
❌ Check the solidity of the mechanism despite compactness
✅ Sharpness maintained over several hundred cuts
✅ Resistant to wear despite finishing treatments (gilding, PVD)
✅ Check for explicit mention of steel type on the product sheet
❌ A beautiful finish never compensates for mediocre steel
Compatibility with major cigar brands
Cigar scissors with a maximum diameter of 22 mm cover most formats sold by major Cuban and Dominican houses—Cohiba Robusto, Montecristo N°2, Partagas Serie D N°4, Romeo y Julieta Churchill, Davidoff Nicaragua Robusto. For exceptional formats like Gordo cepo 60 (Cohiba Behike 60, some Padrón Family Reserve), verify that a model with a larger diameter exists in the chosen range.
Practical tip: before buying, measure the diameter of the cigars you smoke most regularly—most brands indicate the cepo (ring gauge) on the box or band. A cepo 50 corresponds to approximately 19.8 mm, a cepo 55 to 22 mm, a cepo 60 to 23.8 mm. This simple check avoids the disappointment of an accessory incompatible with your favorite formats.
Maintenance and longevity of the finish
Gold, silver, or black finishes require special attention to maintain their luster over time—unlike raw steel, which is more resistant to repeated rubbing.
✅ Remove tobacco residue before it sets
✅ Avoid any prolonged contact with moisture
✅ More thorough weekly cleaning if used frequently
❌ Scouring sponge: irrevocably scratches the plating
✅ Avoid direct contact with keys or metal objects
✅ Store flat rather than loose in a pocket
✅ Preserves the finish in the long term
❌ Avoid prolonged contact with other metal objects
Beware of gilding wear: a gilded finish (electroplating) is a thin layer applied to the base steel—it can wear out over time in areas of intense friction (handles, repeated contact points). Careful maintenance significantly extends its lifespan, but very intensive daily use may justify preferring a silver or black finish, which are more resistant to visible wear.
Discover our selection of cigar scissors
Atelier Atypique offers multi-blade cigar scissors in gold, silver, and black finishes—same technical performance, three personalities to choose from.
View all cigar cutters →Explore Atelier Atypique collections
Frequently asked questions
How do multi-blade cigar scissors work?
Unlike the two-blade guillotine, which slices with a single closing motion, multi-blade scissors (usually 3 blades) operate with an articulated system that cuts the cigar head at multiple simultaneous contact points. The motion is similar to traditional scissors, with the cutting force distributed over several blades rather than two, which can provide a particularly clean and symmetrical cut.
Does the finish (gold, silver, black) affect cutting quality?
No, not at all. The surface treatment (gilding by electroplating, black PVD coating, silver polishing) is applied after blade manufacturing and does not alter their geometry, steel quality, or sharpness. A model with a gold, silver, or black finish will exhibit the exact same cutting performance if it is the same base model. The color choice is therefore purely aesthetic.
What maximum diameter should I choose for cigar scissors?
A maximum diameter of 22 mm (cepo 55) covers most common formats—Cohiba Robusto, Montecristo N°2, Partagas Serie D N°4, Romeo y Julieta Churchill. For exceptional formats like Gordo cepo 60 (23.8 mm, Cohiba Behike 60 type), you need to check that a model with a larger diameter exists. Measure the cepo of your usual cigars before purchasing to avoid any incompatibility.
How do I preserve the gold finish of cigar scissors over time?
Three essential precautions. One: clean with a dry microfiber cloth after each use, never use abrasive products or scouring sponges. Two: store in a dedicated case or pouch to avoid any rubbing with keys or other metal objects. Three: avoid prolonged contact with moisture. A gilded finish can gradually wear off in areas of intense friction—very frequent use may justify preferring a silver or black finish, which is visually more resistant.
Multi-blade scissors or classic guillotine—which one to choose?
Both offer quality cutting; the choice mainly depends on gestural and aesthetic preference. The classic guillotine remains the most versatile and simplest to use. Multi-blade scissors appeal with their distinctive motion and more pronounced visual dimension, particularly appreciated for colored finishes (gold, silver, black) that make them both a functional and decorative item. For a first purchase without strong preference, the guillotine remains the safest choice; for an accessory that expresses personal style, multi-blade scissors are a relevant option.
Are gold cigar scissors a good gift for an aficionado?
Yes, especially for festive occasions—weddings, significant anniversaries, professional celebrations. The gold finish carries a symbolic charge of prestige and celebration that enhances the impact of the gift. For an aficionado who enjoys showcasing their taste for visual refinement, it's an excellent choice. For a more discreet individual, opt for a silver or black finish, which is just as effective but less ostentatious. The budget for this type of accessory is generally accessible, often under €50.
