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cutter recommendations?

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I have several cutters including Xikar and Prometheus but I prefer a punch over all others. Since I'm not a big fan of torpedoes or belicosos the punch works for me. Most of my lighters now have a punch on them, but while visiting Amsterdam a month ago I got a really good deal on a beautiful gold plated Davidoff key chain/sliding triple punch.
 

TravelingJ

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Lots of great choices: Palio, various Xikars, Swiss Army Knife (SAK)... It all depends on personal preference. I think more people prefer Palio to Xikar, but not by an overwhelming margin. They feel different in the hand, so your best bet is to try various cutters belong to friends, cigar shops, etc. Personally, I own them all, but I find that the one that I use most is the Xikar Multi-tool, which has a cigar scissors. It has a loop and is always on my keychain, so I don't have to carry a separate cutter. Have fun trying out all of the options.
VERY well stated. I personally have all of those, and my preference is the Palio. I feel that the Xikar Multi is extremely awkward to use when cutting a cigar.
Xikar Xi3 for sure! If you ever have a problem, which is unlikely, you can take it to ANY shop and exchange it. My buddies Palio broke and he had to mail it off and it took 5 weeks. Thats a long time to be using a cheap freebie cutter.
That's not entirely correct. I went to a shop in Baltimore that wouldn't touch my broken Xikars, and wanted to mail them in for repairs. Outlaw in KC has swapped out my Palio on site, and has replaced all my broken Xikars as well (and Xikars do really like to break, a lot)

I've never used a V cutter before. I have a punch and a cheapie cutter.

Any advantages to a V cut over a punch or normal cutter?
I used a V for a while, and finally found it was starting to rip a lot of my cigars. In hindsight, I might just need to clean it real well. I did really enjoy the cut of it. It was nice that you never cut too much of your cigar, and was really easy to use while driving.
 

kockroach

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The warranty for Palio is that you can trade out at any authorized Palio dealer. If the shop tells you no, show em the warranty. Almost positive the same applies to Xikar.

I prefer the Palio. All the Xikar cutters are awkward to hold IMO. Think they are better suited for smaller hands.
 

javajunkie

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I've never used a V cutter before. I have a punch and a cheapie cutter.

Any advantages to a V cut over a punch or normal cutter?
v cut can lend elegance, but i prefer straight cuts, which WILL work on ANY vitola. some smokes, going at then with a v is asking for trouble. just me, though.

another vote for palio too! finally ponied up for a real cutter this christmas, and it is great! also, being able to use it as an impromptu cigar stand is surprisingly handy. once again, just me. as long as you can reliably and safely (for yourself and the smoke) open up airflow, you are good.
 
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Depends on the xikar. The guillotine x8 I sent him is almost identical to the palio. Even has the slightly contoured middle. The xi series cutters are allot different. I really liked the xi 3 tech I tried but the guillotine seemed easier to use.
 

Craig Mac

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Xikar does not have a "swap" policy for stores. The customer is responsible for sending it back to Xikar. Some shops will handle it for you and even do an exchange, but it is up to the shop if they want to do it that way.
 

Fia

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Xikar does not have a "swap" policy for stores. The customer is responsible for sending it back to Xikar. Some shops will handle it for you and even do an exchange, but it is up to the shop if they want to do it that way.
Just wanted to clarify this a little. I copied and pasted this post for one I made here back in February in regards to this issue:

I think there may have been some misunderstandings here with the B&M owners who may have said this to you. I would like to clarify this by saying that I have been with Xikar for nearly 15 years as a rep in Hawaii. I can say first hand that XIKAR is unique among accessory makers in that we have had a lifetime, unconditional warranty since the day we were founded. That warranty can be executed in one of two ways. Send the lighter directly to XIKAR for repair or replacement, or take it to a retailer for repair or replacement. It is up to the retailer whether to send the consumer directly to XIKAR or not. (Some retailers do not offer over-the-counter service). XIKAR honors the warranty either way, through the retailer or directly from the consumer. This has never changed and never will.

An additional point, if a retailer chooses to swap it out for a customer they are reimbursed a new Xikar item so they are not out any costs. Hope this clarifies things.
 

Nemo

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Just wanted to clarify this a little. I copied and pasted this post for one I made here back in February in regards to this issue:

I think there may have been some misunderstandings here with the B&M owners who may have said this to you. I would like to clarify this by saying that I have been with Xikar for nearly 15 years as a rep in Hawaii. I can say first hand that XIKAR is unique among accessory makers in that we have had a lifetime, unconditional warranty since the day we were founded. That warranty can be executed in one of two ways. Send the lighter directly to XIKAR for repair or replacement, or take it to a retailer for repair or replacement. It is up to the retailer whether to send the consumer directly to XIKAR or not. (Some retailers do not offer over-the-counter service). XIKAR honors the warranty either way, through the retailer or directly from the consumer. This has never changed and never will.

An additional point, if a retailer chooses to swap it out for a customer they are reimbursed a new Xikar item so they are not out any costs. Hope this clarifies things.
Yes and this is why I'm going with Xikar. It's rare to see that kinda thing. Amazing customer service. Every one gets taken care of equally.
 
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I have not heard of anyone's Xikar Xi cutter breaking under normal use. I have 2, one of which I cant count how many cigars it's cut and it travels with me everywhere! Still sharp as a brisk and as tight as day 1. I saw my buddies palio dropped off a bar top and break. The only thing I would worry about if I dropped my Xikar is the floor! Though if it were my Mayan, I would cry if the enamel came off.
 

Clint

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Palio, no question.
Lifetime, no questions asked warranty from any/all authorized dealers...Can't beat that, plus it shows the confidence behind the product.
 
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I've been using a plastic Craftsman's Bench V cutter I got for free with a herf a dor combo close to three years ago. I've never damaged a smoke with it, and I really dig the V cut. I have a rosewood Xikar that I got in an auction here, but haven't used it since it fell apart in my hand quite some time ago. The thing was great until it self-destructed. I should probably get off my butt and get it exchanged.
 
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i have a palio and a xikar xi1... palio's cuts are very nice... xikar cuts very well too and has the cool factor... either way you will be happy with either, or
 
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