Got 1967 this week and just punched and bagged the counters. Even after wiping down each sheet with a paper towel I still ended up with black stained fingers.
When I have punched any laser cut counters (AP and VPG), I wipe the face down, then I wipe the sides of each counter. I use a paper towel, as I've found tissues and even napkins to tear too easily. I also try to use a clean spot in each counter - yea, that means I go through several paper towels in the process.
And yes, at the end my hands are filthy... but I still like the way the laser cut counters look! I prefer that look (once de-sooted) to clipping the corners.