Flake and cigar cutter

[madox07]

Have any of you guys tried cutting cubes, when smoking flake, using a cigar cutter?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I cut my twists and ropes with one, but I had to go buy a nice one to use, because they broke my Decatur cigar cutter.

I find that it is easiest to just use my razor sharp pocket knife.
Cortez mentioned using a cheese grater to cut up his plugs, but I'd like to see that in action first.

 

[madox07]

I have started experimenting with flake only recently. While I have managed to fold and pack, I think, properly - meaning not too many relights, I have smoked on a flake and a half for almost a full hour. That is a bit too long for one sitting, for me at leas. Is it common for flake to be smoked longer? I usually get 1/2 hour with your regular ribbon loose packed tobacco. I like the taste of flake, but I figured that cube cutting would yield a shorter smoke. This is the true reason behind my question. Pocked knife ... sure, I have a few sharp ones but I find that a bit messy. Any other ideas?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I don't notice cubes smoking any shorter in time than flakes that are folded. YMMV
Just cutting teh flakes with a knife is messy? ...messier than trying to do it with a cigar cutter? I may just not be picturing this in my mind correctly. I just lay the flakes out on a cutting board and cut them against the grain, easy-peasy.

But, if it works for you, then do it.

 

[jabo]

I use a cigar cutter on ropes. To cube cut flakes or further process ropes I use a pair of scissors. Helps me keep my fingertips and it's accurate !

 

[madox07]

Cosmic you may be right, what I am picturing in my mind might not work in practice. I have pulled out my lab coat and am starting to cut away, will provide feedback :lol:

 

[clickklick]

I just use a scissors for flakes.

 

[jabo]

Ah, I think we've found a new tool. THE PIPE SCISSORS. Gotta check the FDA regs. On that now ! ;-)

 

[cosmicfolklore]

When I cube cut, I cut the entire tin at one time. I think my strongest scissors would have an issue with that.

 

[cortezattic]

I use scissors to cube cut flakes. With plugs, the cheese grater shreds the block into pieces that, after all is said and done, resemble separated crumble cake. The grater is a messy way to go, but for me it produces a better result than hacking at the plug with a knife.

 

[instymp]

+1 cosmic

That's what I do.

I think that if you used a cigar cutter it would gum the cutter up.

My cutter gets jammed up at times cutting cigars.

 

[unkleyoda]

 

[mcitinner1]

Cut the whole tin a half inch long with scissors, then give it a short ride in my tobacco dedicated food processor.

Makes a nice fluffy texture.

 

[weezell]

Cigar scissors to cut thin coins of rope. Flake I fold length wise and use the scissors to cube cut. For plug, always a sharp knife...

 

[mawnansmiff]

I tend to find that a flake that has been cube cut gives a longer (and more intense flavoured) smoke than a rubbed out flake.
As a general rule, the finer the 'cut', the quicker the burn.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[papipeguy]

I've using an Ulu knife for slicing my plugs and it works great for dicing flakes too. I think I paid a total of US$35.00 for the knife and contoured bowl from Alaskan Cutlery.

 

[shaintiques]

I like the cheese grater for plugs idea. Gonna have to try that

 

[crashthegrey]

Uncle Yoda has the idea. If you crazy bastards are using cheese graters, may as well jump right up to a salad shooter. If you are hacking away with your knife, it is time to buy a new one and learn how to keep it sharp in the future.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

+1 Crash on the second part of your post. Don't use obscenities.

Yes, if you have to put a lot of pressure or saw at the flake to cut it, maybe find a youtube on how to sharpen your knife. It should just cut through the flake like butter.

 

[cortezattic]

Crash, I don't think you have to call me a crazy bastard because I'm not doing something "your way".

Cosmic, giving that post a +1 seems like an inappropriate response from a mod.