[St0ney]

There are some sculpted pumpkins that, due to the design, benefit from a bottom cut since you need the top intact.
I'll be doing one just like that here in a day or two.

When doing a classic jack, though, I'm a top cut guy for the many practical reasons listed already - plus bottom cuts hinder evaporation, and mold grows quickly in them, in my experience.

Agree !

Each week I carve one of these (sorry photo a little blurred)


Where the Stem is the Nose - People love these things.

Also if I have to do a Wide Carve - I normally will cut the bottom.

Like this Beatles Logo:


Just looks better with the Top still attached.

[Crystal]

I like to cut the top as well.. The stem of a pumpkin is a HUGE deal for me and I get really angry if someone picks up a pumpkin by the stem. Lord help one of my kids if they break a stem.

I have cut out the bottm before on pumpkins that had no stem. BUT as I display on straw bales I prefer the wet pumpkin flesh between the straw and my candle..