How to Choose an S.T. Dupont Cigar Cutter for Your Preferred Ring Gauge
The right cutter is not simply the one with the largest opening. Ring gauge, head shape and preferred draw all influence the best choice.
Start with the thickest cigar you smoke regularly, then verify the exact cutter reference. A double-blade guillotine offers the broadest versatility, a Perfect Cut favors repeatable shallow cuts, and a punch removes only a circular plug. Never assume that a cutter’s body size—or a punch diameter—is its maximum cigar capacity.
Ring Gauge in Practical Terms
Ring gauge measures cigar diameter in sixty-fourths of an inch. A 40-ring cigar is about 15.9 mm wide, a 50-ring cigar about 19.8 mm, and a 60-ring cigar about 23.8 mm. These conversions help you compare a cigar with a stated aperture, but they do not guarantee fit: the cutter needs clearance, while an irregular or box-pressed cigar may present differently.
| Usual ring gauge | Approx. diameter | Useful S.T. Dupont format | Buying consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–40 | 12.7–15.9 mm | Guillotine, Perfect Cut or punch | A large punch hole may remove too much cap |
| 42–50 | 16.7–19.8 mm | Most straight cutters; Perfect Cut | Strongest range of choices |
| 52–55 | 20.6–21.8 mm | Verified larger-capacity references | Check the stated model limit |
| 56–60+ | 22.2–23.8+ mm | Large-aperture cutter | Never force an unverified opening |
Match the Cutting System to Your Cigars
Double-blade guillotine: the cigar must pass through the opening, but the user controls how much cap is removed. It is the most adaptable choice for mixed collections and tapered figurados. Reference 003418 also adds a separate V-cut blade, although its current KingZendo listing specifies cigars up to 50 ring.
Slim Perfect Cut: S.T. Dupont lists a 23 mm diameter with 2.7 mm controlled cutting depth. That 23 mm measurement should not be converted into an automatic maximum ring-gauge claim; clearance and the published limit for the exact retail reference still matter.
Double Puncher: the official 8.6 mm and 11.6 mm figures describe the holes cut into the cap, not the cigar’s full diameter. The larger punch can open a broader draw, but punches work best on rounded parejo heads rather than pointed torpedoes.
Three References for Different Ring-Gauge Needs
Up to 50 Ring: 003418
A straight-and-V combination for smokers who want two cut styles in one substantial tool.
View 003418 →Controlled Cut: 003480
The slim precision-bar format suits regular parejos when consistent cap depth matters most.
View 003480 →Up to 55 Ring: 003488H
A larger-capacity stand cutter for thicker cigars, with added collector and display appeal.
View 003488H →Five Checks Before You Buy
- List the ring gauges you smoke most often.
- Check the thickest regular cigar, not an average.
- Consider parejo, torpedo and box-pressed shapes.
- Choose open, controlled, V-cut or punch draw.
- Verify capacity for the exact reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cigar ring gauge measure?
Ring gauge measures cigar diameter in sixty-fourths of an inch, so a 50-ring cigar has a diameter of 50/64 inch, or about 19.8 mm.
Will a 23 mm cutter automatically fit a 58-ring cigar?
Not automatically. Although the measurements are mathematically close, the cigar needs clearance and its shape matters, so use the stated capacity for the exact cutter.
What ring gauge fits the S.T. Dupont 003418 cutter?
KingZendo currently lists reference 003418 for cigars up to 50 ring. Confirm the current specification before purchasing.
Is punch diameter the same as maximum cigar diameter?
No. A punch diameter describes the circular hole removed from the cap, not the full diameter of the cigar being punched.
Which S.T. Dupont cutter is suitable for thicker cigars?
Choose a reference with a verified larger capacity. KingZendo currently lists stand cutter 003488H for cigars up to 55 ring.
Do torpedo cigars require a different cutter?
Torpedoes benefit from an open straight cutter because you can choose where to trim the tapered head. A circular punch is generally unsuitable.
Technical references: S.T. Dupont’s official 003418 Double Blade, 003480 Slim Perfect Cut and 003281P Double Puncher pages. Verify current capacity before purchase.
Give Every Ring Gauge the Right Cut.
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