Is it really just personal preference? [Archive] - BOTL Cigar Forums

Larry

08-11-2006, 06:25 AM

Cutters, cutters, cutters!

I've used a straight G cutter; I currently own a bad $1.50 cutter from the PX. It works okay I guess. I've heard good things about the palio cutter. But what about V cutters, or cigar punch cutters?

Is it just personal preference or are there rational reasons for all the different methods? I mean some of the stuff out there looks like man-jewlery.

Thoughts?

cvm4

08-11-2006, 06:47 AM

I have a Palio cutter and love it. I've only tried the Xikar scissors once so I can't give a full reivew on them. I've never used a V cutter or cigar punch.

pdonlin

08-11-2006, 06:50 AM

I've got a Palio and now is the only thing I use. I have a punch but have never tried it.

rpb67

08-11-2006, 07:16 AM

Palio is my go to cutter now.

I also have the Havana Cutter, I keep this one in the car. My Xikar has sat since I bought my Palio.

tubaman

08-11-2006, 07:44 AM

I used a Xikar for a few years and liked it alot until I got my Swiss Army Knife cutter. It gives a MUCH better cut imo. I have many friends that swear by the Palio, and they do give a great cut, I just like the scissor type cutter. It's a matter of personal preference.

Don't like punches, that's just me.

Jwrussell

08-11-2006, 08:01 AM

It really is personal preference. To a degree. Once you find a good cutter, and I mean a GOOD cutter (Xikar, Palio, SAK, etc.) you will never go back to the cheapies.

Cutters are one of the fun, sometimes inexpensive accessories that go with cigars. It can be fun trying out new ones, but ever since I got my first Xikar I've never really switched. I have the SAK and it's great for when I'm out on the golf course or some such, but when I'm home, I always reach for the Xikar. Don't have a Palio so I can't comment. As for punches? They are easy to carry and they get the job done, but I just don't use mine anymore. Some folks will tell you it causes an unecessary build up of tars and such which will affect the flavors of the cigar as you smoke it.

My neigbhor across the street swears by his v-cutter. I don't see the benefit, but that's just me. Different strokes.

smokem94

08-11-2006, 08:32 AM

Palio and Xikar.....love em both.

vperlman

08-11-2006, 08:49 AM

To a great extent, it's personal preference. E.g., sometimes I like the feel of a notch-cut cigar in my mouth, sometimes a straight cut, etc. However, some vitolas dictate the cutter: You need a guillotine or scissors for a torpedo or other figurado with a pointed head; a punch is best for narrow ring gauge cigars, especially if they have squared-off heads, etc. That's why I carry a punch on my keychain, a Palio in my pocket, and a lighter with a built-in notch cutter. :agreeclen

As to specific brands, IMHO Palios are the best guillotines out there. Frankly, the $2 disposables from Holt's are pretty damned good, but not up to the Palio level. JMO, YMMV.

N2Advnture

08-11-2006, 09:19 AM

It really is personal preference. To a degree. Once you find a good cutter, and I mean a GOOD cutter (Xikar, Palio, SAK, etc.) you will never go back to the cheapies.

100% true! :thumbsup:

Ratbert

08-11-2006, 09:52 AM

[QUOTE=Jwrussell;129531]Some folks will tell you it causes an unecessary build up of tars and such which will affect the flavors of the cigar as you smoke it./QUOTE]

This is what I have heard as well, although I can't say that I've really noticed it. I have a Xikar punch that I use very rarely, and as Vperlman pointed out, they seem better for the smaller ring gauges.

I routinely use my Palio or my Xikar blade cutters about 50/50 and like them both equally, although I've had my Xikar for many years so it's more of an old friend!

Never tried a V-notch cutter.

indyrob

08-11-2006, 10:02 AM

For me it depends on the ring size that determines what I use to cut.

(up to 30) I use a small v-cutter for cheroots.
(up to 38) I use a punch
(over 40) I use my Xikar

It's not cast in concrete, but that's pretty much a standard for me.

Wasch_24

08-11-2006, 10:16 AM

djs134

08-11-2006, 11:37 AM

I have to aggree that it is a mixture of personal preference and function.

I used a punch for a few years because I smoked some cigars that unraveled when I used a guillotine on them. I stopped because I found that the smaller hole seemed to make the smoke harsher somehow. I could have been smoking the cigars too fast, but I chose to blame it on the punch.

The same for the V cut. Found that if I bit on the cigar much, the cut would collapse.

Go strictly for the full cut now. I use my Xikar and Palio equally. Tend to use the Xikar when out more often. Recently lost it and didn’t waste anytime replacing it. I also use the Xikar Multi-tool, it’s lighter and smaller in the pocket.

Headbanger

08-11-2006, 12:15 PM

You all covered what I have in mind. Have a Xikar and love it in my limited experience. I want a Palio but not want to spend the money right now. I hear there GRRRRRRRREAT !

Ironman

08-11-2006, 12:19 PM

I have an Xikar, Sak, multiple punches and a Palio, but hands down the Palio gives me the most consistent cut!!! It's all I use now.

Rich

tedski

08-11-2006, 12:42 PM

I agree that quality cutters blow away the cheapies ... but even then some have their quirks. Personal preference definately comes into play though.

I used a Xicar when they first came out but found that while the design is very cool, the ergonomics are not. I found it heavy, clunky and it occasionally pinched my palm. Cuts were also not always clean.

I've had a SAK for a few years now. While I find it can give the most precise cut of any device I have, it is also somewhat clunky in size, takes more time to use and can be a bit rough on the fingers.

My Palio gets used mostly on belicoso / pyramide shaped cigars, but it's fine for anything I smoke. It's light, easy to use and cuts clean.

I mostly use a punch as it's the smallest, most efficient and easiest to use. Cuts clean and I never have a problem with the wrapper unraveling.

CWS

08-11-2006, 01:08 PM

I use the Xicar scissors. Attaches to the key chain and goes everywhere. great cut. At home Swiss Army Knife.

seriesV

08-11-2006, 01:23 PM

i got an xicar xi2, and i love it. i dont use anything else. a while ago i made the switch from cheapies to the xicar and i havent looked back since

AZsteelman

08-11-2006, 06:43 PM

I have several of the Xikar cutters, love them all. HOWEVER, I just got my first Palio cutter from Mark and now I'm spoiled! I love the feel and the cut...

Black Dog

08-11-2006, 06:56 PM

The first good cutter I had was a Xikar and I got so used it that when I first got my Palio it didn't feel right so I kept going back to the Xikar. Now I use both equally. The only problem is I tend to forgot where I left them last. The other night I just didn't feel like looking for them so I just bit the end off my RASS. Barbaric!
It smoked just fine though.:smokingbo

joshua

08-11-2006, 07:05 PM

Its personal preference till you get a Palio and then you are like "damn, I never will need another cutter again (unless I lose this one)"

caudio51

08-11-2006, 07:59 PM

It really is personal preference. To a degree. Once you find a good cutter, and I mean a GOOD cutter (Xikar, Palio, SAK, etc.) you will never go back to the cheapies.

He said it right there. I love my palio

michaelbrehm

08-11-2006, 10:36 PM

I use a Xikar Xi2. I got this after loosing my cheap guillotine. I like it so much that I have not looked for another, yet.

ezrider

08-11-2006, 11:02 PM

I use the Xikar ...goood cut

caudio51

08-11-2006, 11:06 PM

I used to use the xikar. Palio is definitely superior

CWS

08-13-2006, 08:07 AM

I used to use the xikar. Palio is definitely superior

Gonna need some proof on that one my friend. What makes it superior?

tubaman

08-13-2006, 08:17 AM

I feel that the palio holds it's edge better than the xikar, and the mechanism inside tends to bind up on the xikar. Of the xikar products, I much prefer the multi tool I had to the regular cutters they make.

cvm4

08-13-2006, 08:45 AM

I never preferred the Xikar scissors really. Just a wierd angle to cut with.

Jwrussell

08-13-2006, 01:14 PM

Gonna need some proof on that one my friend. What makes it superior?

Proof's in the pudding, so to speak, when it comes to cutters. You'd need to test one out yourself. Once again, it's personal pref though. Some like the design of the Xikar, some don't.

DocLogic77

08-13-2006, 01:53 PM

I haven't really gotten into the whole expensive lighter/cutter thing.

Wasch_24

08-13-2006, 01:55 PM

Expensive isn't really the key...look at the little $4 havana cutters.

DocLogic77

08-13-2006, 03:54 PM

I do have one of them. I like how it cuts.

CWS

08-13-2006, 05:35 PM

I do have one of them. I like how it cuts.

:thumbsup: There ya go! I used a $2.50 cutter for years. Bought four of em to have in all my cars until I got my XiKar and my daughter gave me a SWK for Christmas. Now, I guess I'll have to breakdown and find a Palio just to compare. I think the reality hits when you have to buy an emergency cheapo and gives you a bad cut that you really learn to appreaciate good cutters. 2 cents

caudio51

08-13-2006, 08:13 PM

Chuck, like all said above, it's personal preference but you'd really have to cut a cigar with it to tell.

Fly on out for an NYC herf and I'll let ya give mine a test drive!

CWS

08-13-2006, 10:43 PM

Chuck, like all said above, it's personal preference but you'd really have to cut a cigar with it to tell.

Fly on out for an NYC herf and I'll let ya give mine a test drive!

:thumbsup: Now how can I pass on a deal like that! :thumbsup:

lambing

08-15-2006, 01:17 PM

Bought a Palio and sold my Xikar

caudio51

08-15-2006, 01:18 PM

Bought a Palio and sold my Xikar

Now that is a true convert!

Black Dog

08-15-2006, 01:27 PM

It all boils down to what you like. If really pressed I have to say I probably like my Xikar a little better than my Palio.
Same is true of lighters. I just haven't been able to bring myself to plunk down over $100 for a lighter when I have a Zippo insert that works just fine. It's all in what you like.

caudio51

08-15-2006, 07:41 PM

I like the look of my Xikar better than my Palio. However, with the new carbon fiber & wood grain coming out from Palio that could change.

NYLaw

08-25-2006, 11:48 AM

I gotta find a Palio... Since this is thread-related, here's a funny story happened to me yesterday:

So a few of my work buddies and I went to Havana Dreams, a smoke/scotch shop nearby in Queens. We walk in and I see a typical jar of misc. cutters for about $5, any cutter in the jar. Sitting on top of the pile I see what looks like a brand new Palio. I say out loud, "Oh Great! A Palio! I've been trying to find these, and this looks perfect."

The guys I was with definately LIKE cigars, like most guys. But they know very little about different brands of cigars, much less cutters. (Strike that: I know very little about all this stuff- the friends I was with know less than me.

So I go into the walk-in humidor to pick out a cigar. I come out to grab the cutter and pay for both, and one of the guys I was with is ALREADY paying for the friggin Palio! I didn't say anything, but the other guys heard me say I was going to get that one (of course, the LAST ONE!!!) Everyone looked at him, and they were like, Dude, WTF? Ben was going to get that! He said nothing, pocketed the gem that he didn't even knew he had.

Whatever- we all had a fantastic smoke, some sat outside in the covered patio area, some inside watching football... It's an excellent place.

I'm puttin' that behind me, and now I'm on the hunt for a new Palio of my own... (And when those new ones come out, I'm sure I'll search for one of those too.)

caudio51

08-25-2006, 11:55 AM

Ben, you sure there was a Palio in the $5 dollar bin? If so someone screwed up

Go to cigarmony.com for all your Palio needs. I would say get a black one and then go with the carbon fiber or wood when they come out next month.

NYLaw

08-25-2006, 12:33 PM

Tom- Yeah, I was very surprised too... That's why I said I think it LOOKED new, because you gotta assume that it was used or more likely left there by someone by accident, and now the shop is trying to get some cash for a left-over cutter!!!

(I just send a PM to Mark, I think his name is, at Cigarmony- I want a Palio, a stinky ash tray, maybe a stand, and maybe the fifteen stick cigar caddy if he has the newer 3500... to see what kind of price he could give me with shipping.... I imagine shipping the stand is probably more than most of his items.)

tubaman

08-26-2006, 08:56 AM

(I just send a PM to Mark, I think his name is, at Cigarmony- I want a Palio, a stinky ash tray, maybe a stand, and maybe the fifteen stick cigar caddy if he has the newer 3500... to see what kind of price he could give me with shipping.... I imagine shipping the stand is probably more than most of his items.)

I see the obsession has started for you now Ben!! :waving:

N2Advnture

08-26-2006, 08:58 AM

I see the obsession has started for you now Ben!! :waving:

:rolling: Very true indeed!

~Mark

NYLaw

08-26-2006, 08:23 PM

Oh yes... I'm definately hooked... I have two humidors, although one is currently EMPTY!!! I'm thinking of throwing a few cigs inside and bringing it to work, but I really have no opportunity or much interest for that matter, in smoking during my work day...

Maybe for after work?

Whatever- but yes, I'm definately obsessed with this. My 150 humi already has a beads tube & an alumunum beads humidifier because it fits nicely in the space in the lid... It's a nice jobby with glass windows on top and two in the front, with a PURELY Decorative hydrometer on the front (I of course have a digital hydrometer visible through the top window! and another digital in the smaller 50 humi, which, as I said, is empty)...

I got a Colibri double-flame lighter with the punch cutter in the bottom, which I like... I'm SO hooked, it's not even funny.

To quote that old NBA slogan, I LOVE THIS GAME!

NYLaw

08-26-2006, 08:25 PM

Oh, and for some reason I also have a "spare" half-pound of beads in a heartfelt ziplock just sitting on my shelf. I guess if I ever fill the 50 humi, I'll put the beads in there??? (I have TWO "Cigar" colibri lighters and one "Cigar II" Colibri lighter, I got all for free and they're good to give to pals when lighting up at a party or get-together in my yard...) I just can't stop.

Maybe someone should start a thread for "What should I get next?" ideas.