8 mm punch Integrated needle The SCEPTRE cigar punch combines everything needed to prepare a cigar without slicing it in an elegant, keel-shaped design. Its unscrewing base houses a cigar punch: an 8 mm stainless steel circular drill bit that creates a clean round hole in the cap while leaving the wrapper intact. On the ring side, a fine, pointed needle can be used to pierce or aerate the cigar if the draw is too tight. A holding fork completes the set, allowing you to hold the cigar until the very end without burning your fingers. Measuring 96 mm long with its ring, this cigar punch keychain weighs 40 g and rests on a 28 mm diameter base: when placed on a desk, it stands upright. Ends and ring with a gold finish, central handle available in a carbon-effect pattern or marbled green: a retro-style cigar accessory that accompanies the smoker everywhere, like a pocket cigar cutter.
CARBON PATTERN
Carbon patternCentral handle with a black and gold carbon-effect checkerboard pattern, framed by gold ends
MARBLED GREEN
Marbled greenCentral handle marbled in green, ochre and black, framed by gold ends
Why choose this cigar punch
✦
8 mm punchA stainless steel circular drill bit pierces a clean round hole in the cap without opening the entire wrapper.
◆
Integrated needleFine and pointed, housed on the ring side, it is used to pierce or aerate a cigar with a tight draw.
➤
Holding forkIts 17 mm length allows you to hold the cigar until the very last puffs, without bringing your fingers close to the ember.
★
It stands uprightIts 28 mm diameter base allows it to stand straight on a desk, coffee table or shelf.
❖
Keychain format96 mm with the ring, weighing 40 g: it fits in a pocket or attaches to your keyring.
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Two handle optionsCarbon-effect pattern or marbled green, always framed by ends and a ring with a gold finish.
Punch rather than cut
The punch: open the cigar without slicing it
To smoke a cigar, you must first open its cap, the closed part you hold to your lips. A guillotine cutter slices this cap across its entire width. The punch, on the other hand, simply pierces a round hole in it. The wrapper, the thin leaf that envelops the cigar, thus remains intact around the opening: the cigar retains its shape, the draw is concentrated, and you find fewer tobacco strands in your mouth. The two methods are not mutually exclusive: many enthusiasts keep a guillotine for certain sizes and a punch for others.
On the SCEPTRE, the drill bit is made of stainless steel, a metal prized for its corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. The body, stated to be made of stainless steel by the manufacturer, features a gold finish on the ends and ring, while the central handle carries the design of the chosen version.
An object with character
A sceptre for the cigar ritual
Some accessories disappear at the bottom of a pocket; SCEPTRE, on the other hand, likes to be seen. Its keel-shaped silhouette, flared at the base and tapered towards the ring, recalls the desk objects of yesteryear, those left within easy reach next to the paper knife and inkwell.
Placed upright near the cigar box, it announces the time for a break. You pick it up, unscrew the base, and the punching motion replaces that of the blade: more discreet, more precise, almost ceremonial.
The reflections of the gold finish complement the handle's design, whether you prefer the understated carbon-effect pattern or the warmer marbled green. A small object, but a true tasting companion.
How to punch a cigar
The four-step ritual
1
Expose the drill bit: unscrew the base of the cigar punch to reveal the 8 mm circular drill bit, then hold the cigar perfectly straight between your fingers.
2
Punch the cap: place the drill bit in the center of the cap, press down without forcing, and turn it gently to the desired depth.
3
Remove and check: remove the drill bit, take out the cut tobacco plug, and test the draw while cold; if necessary, aerate it with the needle.
4
Smoke until the end: when the cigar gets shorter, gently prick it with the holding fork to hold it without bringing your fingers close.
Punch or cut a cigar?
| Criterion |
SCEPTRE punch |
Guillotine cigar cutter |
| Opening |
8 mm round hole in the center of the cap |
Cap sliced across its entire width |
| Wrapper |
Remains intact around the opening |
Sliced cleanly with the cap |
| Draw |
Concentrated |
More open |
| Strands in the mouth |
Less frequent |
Possible if the cut is imperfect |
| Pointed caps |
Less suitable |
Recommended |
| Additional functions |
Needle and holding fork |
Depending on the model |
| Portability |
40 g keychain |
In a pocket or case |
The two tools complement each other: many enthusiasts keep a punch for round-capped cigars and a guillotine for others. Discover our selection of cigar cutters and punches.
Good to know
In the box: a 2-in-1 keychain cigar punch with needle, in the chosen handle version. The cigars visible in the lifestyle photos are for illustration purposes only: no cigars are included.
Enthusiast's tip: punch with small rotations rather than pressing hard. If the draw still seems tight, you can punch a second time slightly off-center or aerate the cigar with the needle. Remember to remove the tobacco plug left in the drill bit after each use.
Precautions: the drill bit is sharp and the needle pointed. Always screw the base back on after use, handle the needle with care, and keep the cigar punch out of reach of children.
Specifications
| Type |
2-in-1 keychain cigar punch with needle |
| Functions |
Punch, needle, holding fork |
| Drill bit diameter |
8 mm |
| Drill bit material |
Stainless steel |
| Body |
Stainless steel (according to the manufacturer), gold finish |
| Length with ring |
96 mm |
| Base diameter |
28 mm |
| Handle diameter |
13 mm |
| Holding fork |
17 mm |
| Net weight |
40 g (50 g packaged) |
| Versions |
Carbon-effect pattern · Marbled green |
| Feature |
Stands upright on its base |
A gift idea
A gift for a cigar enthusiast
Birthday, Father's Day, Christmas or just a small gesture: SCEPTRE is one of those small objects you can give to a cigar enthusiast without hesitation. It fits in a pocket, attaches to a keyring, and naturally finds its place on a desk, standing next to the cigar box.
For a more complete gift, pair it with a cigar lighter or case, and make the cigar break a true ritual.
Frequently asked questions
How do you punch a cigar with the SCEPTRE punch?
Start by unscrewing the base of the cigar punch to reveal the 8 mm circular drill bit. Hold the cigar perfectly straight, place the drill bit in the center of the cap, then press down lightly while turning it gently: the drill bit cuts out a small tobacco plug. Remove the tool, take out the plug, and test the draw while cold by inhaling without lighting. If the air flows well, the cigar is ready. If it still seems tight, you can punch a second time, slightly off-center from the first hole, or use the needle to aerate it. Finally, remember to screw the base back on to protect the drill bit.
Punching or cutting a cigar: what's the difference?
The guillotine cutter slices the cap of the cigar across its entire width: the opening is wide and the draw generous. The cigar punch simply pierces a round hole in the center of the cap. The wrapper remains intact around the opening, the cigar retains its shape, and the draw is concentrated, with fewer tobacco strands in the mouth. Many enthusiasts appreciate the consistency of the smoke obtained with a cigar punch. The two methods complement each other: the punch is well suited to round-capped cigars, while a guillotine remains preferable for pointed caps. Having both on hand allows you to choose according to the cigar of the day.
What is the cigar punch needle used for?
The fine, pointed needle, placed on the ring side, is used to pierce or aerate the cigar. Sometimes a cigar has a tight draw because the tobacco leaves are rolled a little too densely: the air flows poorly and the tasting becomes laborious. By delicately inserting the needle into the cigar, you create a passage that facilitates air circulation. The needle also allows you to complete the work of the punch when the opening seems insufficient. Use it gently, without forcing, so as not to damage the wrapper, and handle it with care: its point is fine.
How does the holding fork work?
The holding fork, measuring 17 mm, is used to hold the cigar when it gets short. At the end of the tasting, the ember gets close to the fingers and you tend to give up a cigar that is still enjoyable. By delicately pricking the fork into the cigar, you can hold it with the cigar punch and enjoy the last puffs without bringing your fingers close to the heat. It's a practical detail for enthusiasts who like to smoke their cigar until the end. After use, let it cool and wipe the fork before putting the cigar punch in your pocket.
Is the 8 mm punch suitable for all cigars?
The 8 mm drill bit is suitable for cigars of standard module with rounded caps, which represent the majority of formats enjoyed on a daily basis. On a very thin cigar, the opening will occupy a large part of the cap; on a large-diameter cigar, you can punch two holes side by side to open the draw further. For cigars with a pointed cap, a guillotine cut remains preferable, as the punch does not find a flat surface there. The manufacturer does not provide a list of compatible diameters: in case of doubt, do a careful test by punching shallowly.
How do you maintain this cigar punch keychain?
After each use, remove the tobacco plug left in the drill bit, using the needle for example, then screw the base back on. From time to time, wipe the drill bit and body with a soft, dry cloth to remove residue. The stainless steel drill bit resists corrosion well, but avoid leaving it damp. To preserve the gold finish of the ends and the ring, avoid abrasive products and scouring sponges. If you carry it on your keyring, keep in mind that repeated rubbing with keys can mark the surface over time.
Is SCEPTRE a good gift for a cigar enthusiast?
Yes, it is a cigar enthusiast gift that is both useful and decorative. Useful, because it combines a punch, a needle, and a holding fork in a single 40 g object. Decorative, because its keel-shaped silhouette and gold finish allow it to stand upright on a desk. It is suitable for a birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, or a retirement. Choose the carbon-effect pattern for an understated style, or marbled green for a more retro touch. To round out the gift, pair it with a cigar lighter or a cigar case.
