Same as others, I slice it off in nickel-thick slices with a sharp knife, the rub out and let dry. I pack plug quite a bit looser than flakes or especially ribbons , and the loose pack seems to really help it light and burn.
Noice! There are some very nice ones on Amazon. I would actually recommend this over the antique cutters (unless you can find one in great condition for a good price).
I just use an Opinel #9 to shave off thin ribbons, and then dry as necessary before packing.
A bit of drying time is essential for plugs and ropes. They have much less surface area compared to the same weight in flakes. Since the tobacco dries from the outside-in, there's a lot more moisture in the core of the plug.