One thing for sure if you band and don't cut the slit it if far worse than a knife. Just straight band is horrible  they go days from the pain and then it turns into infection for a month or more,. I have seen guys put the bands on to tight and that was a mess to.  I am convinced on the cut and make a good slit deep into the nut I have the nut pops right out some times but it sure works . I am not kidding in a hour they are on feed I bet they gain weight that day.