Screwpop Cigar Punch

The Screwpop Cigar Punch is a tool that was recently introduced by Screwpop LLC.  As the name indicates, it is a cigar punch.  Screwpop’s value proposition is that each of their tools use “clip on devices”.  This allows the tool to be clipped to a belt loop, a key chain, and other things.  In 2009, Screwpop introduced their first product – the Screwpop Screwdriver .  Since then several other tools have been introduced with the same clip-on device device – the Screwpop Cigar Punch being among one of them.  I recently have put the Screwpop Cigar Punch to the test – using it for several weeks and found this to be a nice accessory for the cigar enthusiast to have.

Product Overview

The Screwpop Cigar Punch is actually a three in one product: a cigar punch, a bottle opener, and a little storage compartment   The main primary usage of the tool is a cigar punch.   The cigar punch is a bullet style punch.  A bullet style punch has a circular blade which can be twisted to make a manual incision into a cigar cap.  This is as opposed to a Havana punch which makes an incision by pushing a button using a loaded spring-like device.

Bullet cut portion of the Screwpop Cigar Punch

As mentioned, the clip on device is standard to all of the Screwpop tools made by the company.  It also serves as a bottle opener.

Clip-on device/bottle opener to the Screwpop Cigar Punch

Finally the shaft of the Screwpop Cigar Punch has enough depth to serve for potential storage of (very small) things such as medication or loose screws.

Open shaft of the Screwpop Cigar Punch

Device Specifications/Packaging

The Screwpop Cigar Punch is made of aluminum and stainless steel.   The company says the cutter is rust resistant, so theoretically it can be stored outdoors.

The device itself is lightweight – weighing 0.75 ounces.  The device dimensions are listed as 1/2″ x 1” x 3 1/8″(with 3 1/8 being the length). The cigar punch has a twist off cap revealing the cigar cutter blade.

Screwpop Cigar Punch – cap removed on cutting device

The device is a silver stainless steel color with the “SCREWPOP” name in white font along one of the sides.  The company offers options to put your own logo/name on it as well as other color options.

Product Usage

We will cover the usage scenarios for the Screwpop Cigar Punch.

1.Cigar Punch

To use the cigar punch, the cap is unscrewed.  The circular blade is then put perpindicular just enough for the blade to touch into the wrapper on the cap.  A gentle twisting motion is applied and then a circular incision is made.

Placing the Screwpop Cigar Punch for a Cut

Punch cigar cut – via Screwpop Cigar Punch

2.Clip on Device

Using the clip-on device is rather straight forward.  The clasp is pushed down and then the Screwpop is hooked on to a keychain, belt loop, or some other appropriate gadget.

Clip on usage of the Screwpop Cigar Punch

3.Bottle Opener

The clip-on device serves as a bottle opener.  The hook is put on the center of the bottle cap while there is a tooth that rests justs under the cap.  A upward pulling motion is then used to remove the cap.

Bottle opener of the Screwpop Cigar Punch

4.Storage Mechanism

As mentioned the shaft of the cigar punch is deep – and technically can be used to store very small things.  In this case we put a couple of acetaminophen pills into the shaft.

Using the Screwpop Cigar Punch for Storage

Assessment Notes

• Normally for assessments on Cigar Coop, a straight cut is the cut of choice.  This allows us for consistency in our cigar reviews by using a common cut.  However, from a personal standpoint, I have no issue with a punch cut style and will use them from time to time.  

• The diameter to the Screwpop Cigar Punch is actually larger than most bullet punches.  This allows for a larger cut to be made.  This also allows more smoke to be drawn and makes the cigar less prone to clogging.  In fact, I used the Screwpop Cigar Punch on a 60 ring gauge and it worked great.  On the other hand, I did feel this device was too big for lancero, lonsdale, and coronas vitolas.

• In general I recommend a punch cut be used on parejo shaped cigars only.  I don’t recommend trying to get creative and use a punch cut on such artesian vitolas as torpedoes or perfectos.  This is especially true with the Screwpop Cigar Punch.

• The deep shaft did pose an issue when it came to using the Cigar Punch.  This is because it is difficult to remove excess tobacco and keep the inside clean.  This became somewhat of a pet peeve on my part.

• The bottle opener/clip on device worked rather well.

• The storage device is not going to be used for anything major.  I was able to get two acetaminophen pills in it.  However, one great use I identified was the ability to store tiny screws or hardware that can easily dissappear when handling  The difficulty in cleaning inside of the shaft did make me think twice about popping medication into the storage device.