A v cut (also called a cat’s eye) cuts a wedge out of the cap instead of slicing it flat. The opening is smaller than a full guillotine cut and can concentrate the smoke. Some people prefer it for smaller ring gauges and for pointed belicosos. Others dislike it because the notch can collect tar or split a dry cap.
It is still a cut of the cap; it does not change the cigar. If the V is off-center or too deep, the wrapper can unravel, just as with a bad straight cut.
See punch for a round hole instead of a wedge, and cutter for the other types.