Pocket-sized 2-in-1 Some accessories are easily forgotten until you need them. The MINIME mini cigar punch keychain is one of them: a 41 mm long matte black capsule with a 16 mm diameter, suspended from a chain and ring that attaches to your keychain without adding any bulk. It combines two tools. On one hand, a cigar punch: a 6 mm stainless steel circular drill bit that creates a clean hole in the head of the cigar without cutting through the wrapper. On the other, a three-pronged holding fork that can be inserted into the foot of the cigar to hold it until the very last puffs without bringing your fingers close to the ember. Ingeniously designed, this fork also serves as a cap: once in place, it covers and protects the drill bit. Weighing 10 grams, MINIME is the cigar accessory you can always keep on hand, as a complement to a pocket cigar cutter or as a replacement for it on impromptu outings.
Highlights
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Always on handKeychain chain and ring: the cigar punch travels with your keys, without the need for an additional case.
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6 mm punchA circular stainless steel drill bit that punches a hole in the head of the cigar in one motion, without damaging the wrapper.
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Three-pronged forkInserted into the foot, it allows you to hold the cigar until the end without burning your fingers.
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Protected drill bitThe fork serves as a cap: the drill bit remains covered in your pocket and does not become dull when coming into contact with your keys.
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Only 10 gramsA 41 mm capsule that will not deform a jacket pocket or a keychain.
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Secure gripThe cap's spiral serrated collar provides a good grip between your fingers.
Punching or cutting a cigar
The punch: another way to open the head
Before lighting a cigar, you need to open its head, the end covered by the wrapper that you hold to your lips. A guillotine cutter cuts through the entire cap and opens the cigar wide. The cigar punch, on the other hand, simply cuts a round hole in the center: the wrapper remains intact around the edges, the draw is concentrated in the middle of the head, and you will find fewer tobacco strands in your mouth.
The two methods are not mutually exclusive; they complement each other. Many enthusiasts keep a guillotine cutter at home and a cigar punch keychain in their pocket so they are never caught unprepared. The MINIME drill bit is made of stainless steel, a material chosen for its resistance to corrosion, which is particularly valuable for a tool that comes into contact with the moisture of a cigar and travels at the bottom of a pocket.
The MINIME spirit
The minimum, but the essentials
A terrace at the end of the day, a wedding that goes on, a friend who pulls two cigars out of their inside pocket. These moments do not give warning, and that is often when you lack the tool to open the cigar. MINIME was born from this simple idea: never have to improvise again.
Its matte black capsule fits between two fingers. Remove the cap, punch, and light. And when the cigar reaches its end, the same piece becomes a holding fork: insert it into the foot to enjoy the last puffs, which enthusiasts often consider the most intense.
A discreet, unostentatious object that nevertheless says a lot about the person who carries it: a taste for a well-executed ritual, even far from home.
Punching a cigar in four steps
1
Open: remove the pronged cap to expose the 6 mm circular drill bit, holding the capsule by its body.
2
Punch: place the drill bit in the center of the cigar head, push it in gently while turning it slightly, then remove it.
3
Close: remove any tobacco strands left in the drill bit, then replace the cap before lighting.
4
Finish: at the end of the cigar, insert the fork into the foot to hold it until the end, keeping your fingers away from the ember.
Punch or guillotine cutter
| Criterion |
MINIME cigar punch |
Guillotine cigar cutter |
| Opening |
6 mm round hole in the center of the head |
Complete sectioning of the cap |
| Wrapper |
Remains intact around the edges |
Cut across the entire width |
| Draw |
Concentrated in the center |
Wider and more open |
| Tobacco strands in the mouth |
Limited |
More frequent if the cut is imprecise |
| Bulkiness |
41 mm capsule, 10 g, on the keychain |
Varies depending on the model |
| Additional function |
Holding fork for finishing the cigar |
Generally none |
Good to know: the punch is suitable for cigars of standard gauge. For pointed-head formats, such as torpedos, or for very large gauges, our selection of cigar cutters and punches offers other opening options. The cigars shown in the photos are for staging purposes only: no cigars are provided.
Enthusiast's tip: punch your cigar just before lighting it, without pushing the drill bit in too deeply. If the draw still seems tight after one or two puffs, you can punch a second hole next to the first rather than enlarging the first one.
Specifications
| Type |
2-in-1 mini cigar punch keychain |
| Functions |
Punch and holding fork |
| Length |
41 mm |
| Capsule diameter |
16 mm |
| Drill bit diameter |
6 mm |
| Holding fork |
3 prongs, 19 mm |
| Net weight |
10 g |
| Drill bit |
Stainless steel |
| Body |
Metal, stated as stainless steel by the manufacturer |
| Color |
Matte black |
| Cap |
Pronged cap serving as a cap, spiral serrated collar |
| Attachment |
Keychain chain and ring |
Precautions: the drill bit is sharp and the prongs of the fork are pointed. Always replace the cap after use and keep the accessory out of reach of children. For air travel, check the airline's rules regarding pointed objects in the cabin. After using the fork, let it cool before replacing it.
A gift for a cigar enthusiast
The little gift that is useful every day
Some gifts remain in a drawer; this one accompanies its recipient everywhere. MINIME is a thoughtful choice for a cigar enthusiast gift: a birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, or simply to thank a friend with whom you share evenings by the fire.
For a more complete gift, pair it with one of our torch lighters or one of our cigar cases: everything you need to carry, open, and light your cigars wherever you are, with free delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cigar punch and what is it used for?
A cigar punch, also called a cigar puncher or cigar perforator, is used to open the head of the cigar before lighting it. Instead of cutting through the entire cap like a guillotine, it cuts a round hole in the center of the head. The wrapper remains intact around the edges, which limits the risk of the cigar falling apart, and the draw is concentrated in the middle. You will also find fewer tobacco strands in your mouth. MINIME adds a holding fork to this 6 mm punch, which allows you to hold the cigar until the end. It is a simple tool that is quick to use and easy to take anywhere.
Is it better to punch or cut a cigar?
There is no right or wrong answer: it all depends on the cigar and your preferences. Punching provides a more concentrated draw, preserves the wrapper, and reduces tobacco strands in the mouth; it is a method appreciated for standard-gauge cigars with a rounded head. Cutting with a guillotine opens the head more, which is suitable for pointed formats such as torpedos or very large gauges. Many enthusiasts use both depending on the occasion. With MINIME on your keychain and a pocket cigar cutter at home, you will always have the right solution at hand.
Which cigars is the 6 mm punch compatible with?
The 6 mm circular drill bit is suitable for cigars of standard gauge with a rounded head. It opens a measured hole, leaving a good portion of the wrapper intact. The manufacturer does not provide a numbered compatibility list; therefore, we prefer not to invent one. For cigars with a pointed head, such as torpedos or pyramids, a punch is less suitable and a guillotine cutter remains the most practical solution. If you mainly smoke very large gauges, you can also punch two holes side by side to widen the draw.
What is the three-pronged fork used for?
The holding fork measures 19 mm and has three prongs. It can be inserted into the foot of the cigar, on the lit side, when it becomes too short to be held comfortably between the fingers. It thus allows you to smoke it until the end without burning your fingers or wasting the last puffs. It has a second equally useful role: it serves as a cap and covers the drill bit when MINIME is stored. The punch thus remains protected in your pocket or on your keychain. Remove the fork before throwing away the butt and let it cool before replacing it.
How do you use a cigar punch keychain?
First, remove the pronged cap to expose the drill bit. Then place the drill bit at the center of the head of the cigar, perpendicular to it, and push it in gently while turning it slightly. A few millimeters are enough: there is no need to go any deeper. Remove the punch, remove any tobacco strands left in the drill bit, then replace the cap. Your cigar is ready to be lit. This action can be done in a few seconds, standing up, on a terrace, or while out for a walk, without a table or support. That is the whole point of a pocket cigar punch: it requires no preparation.
How do you maintain MINIME?
Maintenance is minimal. After each use, remove any tobacco strands that may remain in the drill bit, for example with a toothpick or a small brush. Wipe the capsule with a dry cloth to remove fingerprints and ash. As the drill bit is made of stainless steel, it resists the moisture of the cigar well; however, avoid leaving the accessory wet. Remember to replace the cap after each use: it protects the drill bit from impacts with your keys and preserves its sharpness. Avoid abrasive products that could mark the matte black finish.
Is MINIME a good gift idea for a cigar enthusiast?
It is a
cigar enthusiast gift that is both useful and easy to slip into a card or package. Unlike a collectible item, it is used every day and accompanies its recipient everywhere, attached to their keys. It is suitable for both a casual smoker, who is discovering the
cigar punch, and a seasoned enthusiast, who appreciates always having a backup tool on hand. For a more substantial gift, pair it with a torch lighter or one of our
cigar cases: a cohesive set for outings, travel, and evenings with friends. Delivery is free.
