Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0

The Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0 is the latest cigar punch introduced by is a tool that was recently introduced by Screwpop LLC. Screwpop is a company that has made small, pocket-sized tools that each have the ability to clip-on to something like a belt loop, key chain, or other things.  In 2009,introduced their first product – the Screwpop Screwdriver. A little over two years ago, the company expanded into the arena of cigar accessories introducing the first Screwpop Cigar Punch. Over the past year, the company has introduced a cutter and has also re-designed their cigar punch with the release of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0. I recently have put the Screwpop Cigar Punch to the test – using it for several weeks. Overall I found this to be a value priced product that performs quite well on a consistent basis.

Product Overview

The Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0 is a combination cigar punch and bottle opener. 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.

Components of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0
(Cigar Punch Cutter circled)

As mentioned, the clip on device is common to most tools made by Screwpop.  It also serves as a bottle opener.

Components of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0
(Bottle Opener / Clip-On Circled)

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 has the same weight and dimensions as the original Screwpop.  It weights in at  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 is unscrewed from the body of the device.  Once it is unscrewed it is ready for use.

Components of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0

The device’s aluminum exterior is black in color.  The text  “SCREWPOP” name in white font on the cutter component.

The Re-design

As mentioned the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0 is a redesign of company’s first cigar punch, the Screwpop Cigar Punch.

Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0 (Top), Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0 (Bottom)

The following enhancements were added with the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0:

  • Thinner blade
  • Improved sharpness
  • Ejector-rod (on base) to remove the cigar carcass

The big change is with the Screwpop 2.0, when you untwist the device, the cigar punch separates from the base that contains the clip.  With the Screwpop 1.0, the cigar punch is on the base containing the clip.

Components of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0 (Left) and Screwpop Cigar
Punch 2.0 (Right).  Cigar Punch Cutters Circled in Red.  The new Ejector Rod
Component for the Screwpop 2.0 in blue

One reason for the Ejector Rod is to solve a problem with the Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0.  The problem was after an incision was made with the 1.0 device, tobacco would get caught inside the chamber and it was very difficult to get out.  The ejector rod now could easy push out any excess tobacco.

The cap on the Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0 could be used to store pills or small things. These items can be placed in the cap and then when the device is re-screwed, it can store these things.

Storing a pill in the old Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0 Device

Product Use Cases

We will cover the usage scenarios for the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0.

1.Cigar Punch

As mentioned to use the cigar punch, you simply unscrew the bunch from the base. 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.

Using the punch device on the Screwpop
Cigar Punch 2.0
Resulting punch cut from Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0

The ejector rod can then be inserted into either end of the cigar punch to remove any excess tobacco from the incision.

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.  It is pretty much identical on the 2.0 version as the 1.0 version.

Using the clip on device of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0

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.  Again this is virtually identical on the 2.0 version as the 1.0 version.

Using the bottle opener of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0

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.  
  • Like the original Screwpop Cigar Punch, I found the Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0 is slightly 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 (although I am not advocating using a punch on a 60 ring gauge).  On the other hand, I did feel this device was too big for lancero, lonsdale, and some corona 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 2.0.
  • While it isn’t a common use case, the storage mechanism on the Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0 was a nice to have.  While not a showstopper with the 2.0 version, I still would have liked to have it.  The fact when I can take tiny screws from something like eyeglasses or cell phones and store them safely was actually a good thing.
  • I do like the fact that Screwpop solved the problem with tobacco getting caught in the chamber by providing the ejector rod to push it out.
  • I didn’t like the fact that the cigar punch is separate from the base.  I found that when it was attached on the base, it was a little easier to handle.
  • The bottle opener/clip on device worked rather well.  I found this to be a nice carryover to version 2.0.
Final Thoughts

The Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0 does its job and does its job well.  I found the cutter, bottle opener, and clip were durable and reliable.  The re-design does get rid of the nuisance of the Screwpop Cigar Punch 1.0 where tobacco was getting caught into the chamber.  As I mentioned, I didn’t like the fact the cigar punch was no longer part of the base. I found it a little awkward to use it.  There also was a 33% price increase to $14.95 for the 2.0 (up from $9.95).  I’m not sure the re-design justifies a 33% increase, but at the same time $14.95 is a good deal for a device that is durable and reliable.  It’s one I’d stll encourage trying and see how it works for you.
Assessment: Good

References

News: Screwpop Cigar Punch 2.0
Price: $14.99
Source: Accessory Provided by Manufacturer
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