Review: Xikar Cutters

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

http://www.stogiefresh.com/images/blog_images/xikar_cutters.jpg

MODELS REVIEWED: Xi Black, Xi2 Noir Black, Xi3 Zebrawood.

BACKGROUND: I have used Xikar cutters for several years now and have tried all different models. The current review will look at three representatives of the Xi, Xi2 and the Xi3 lines. Both the Xi and Xi2 used in this review were nearly new and had not cut more than a few cigars prior to the review, just enough to get them warmed up. The Xi3 was about a year old and had cut many a cigar, but has been maintained meticulously.

FORM AND FUNCTION: All Xikar cutters have the same distinctive teardrop shaped, ergonomic design. Most first-time users are a little taken aback when first handling these cutters. However, it’s an easy adjustment and in no time, one can adapt to the differences in design between the Xikar and traditional guillotine cutters.

All models have a spring-loaded, double-guillotine blade that will open to a full 54 ring gauge. The Xikar website claims that the cutter will “cut a 54 ring gauge cigar in half.” I can vouch for that. I promptly found a 54 ring gauge cigar that I was willing to sacrifice (in the name of science, of course) and used all three cutters to slice and dice that poor beast. True enough, all three cutters sliced through the cigar, several times each, in fact, without a hitch. I have to say the Xi aluminum had the best cut and the best action, in my opinion. The age of the Xi3 was probably responsible for the difference in cut, but the action has never been as solid or as precise-feeling as the Xi.

Both the Xi and the Xi3 possess the same HRC55 Stainless Steel blades, while the Xi2 has a Solingen (Germany) stainless blade. The ability of the cutter blades to hold a sharp edge is related to the hardness of the blade. Hardness, defined as resistance to penetration, is a measurable quantity. HRC refers to a particular hardness scale (Rockwell C scale), based on an instrument that presses a diamond stylus with a specific force into the material being tested. Most stainless knives are between 56 and 58 HRC. The blade on cigar cutters is a bit softer than a knife blade since it will be cutting cigars not wood, rope, plastic, etc. However, this means the edge-holding characteristics are limited. Fortunately for the Xikar customer, Xikar offers a lifetime guarantee on the blade sharpness. If you ever want your blade sharpened, just return your cutter to Xikar and they will sharpen and return it to you.

The handle materials vary across product lines. The Xi2 cutters, which are the least expensive, have a nylon fiberglass composite exterior that comes in various colors. This is also the lightest of the cutter lineup, weighing in at a svelte 1.4 ounces. I would choose this cutter as a “knock around.” The composite construction means that it should hold up to some abuse and can be tossed in a glove box, golf bag or picnic basket (what’s a picnic without cigars… and ants?), without worry of excessive damage to the exterior.

The Xi body is made of aluminum, also in a variety of colors, and has a modern, industrial look with visible body screws. I happen to like the precision feel of the cutting action on the Xi2 cutters, and their lightness (1.8 ounces). This is a slick-looking and good performing cutter.

The Xi3 has a stainless steel body and is outfitted with a variety of exotic wood handles including, Redwood, Beachwood and Zebrawood. There is also a Tech Rubber model with rubberized handles and a bead-blasted stainless finish, and a “Spectra” model that has a colorful Titanium Nitride finish. The Zebrawood model that I reviewed was the heaviest of all the models reviewed, tipping the scales at 2.2 ounces. The Xi3 models are expensive, but unique, in that they offer some rare and exotic materials for handles. (If you really want to drop down some cash on a cutter, take a look at the Fossil Mammoth Bark Ivory handles on the Xi3 “MI”.) Nevertheless, the Zebrawood, as well as the other rare woods, make great showpieces at any herf (though I always bring a “duffer” cutter to loan out to others) and are the ultimate in “Pod factor” (a measure of “coolness”).

All the Xikar cutters reviewed were able to get the job done. The job of cleanly cutting stogies, that is. I have used all the cutters to cut cigars as small as a cigarillo and as large as a 62 ring gauge monster (albeit with a slightly tapered head). They all cut the cigars cleanly and evenly, however there is a technique that I find helpful in getting a clean cut on a cigar with a flat top. While cutting a tapered cigar (i.e., figurado shaped) is usually an easy task, cigar cutters will sometimes slide off the end of a cigar with a flatter cap, producing an uneven, angled cut, or worse, pulling off the cap completely. To prevent this occurrence, set the cutter on the cap at the place you want to make the cut, then press down on the cutter (like you are pushing it toward the foot of the cigar) while you make your cut with a quick, firm motion.

Customer service, or lack thereof, is always a consideration when purchasing products from a company. I purposely contacted customer service with requests to see how long the response time would be and to see how helpful the service agent would be. I contacted the company late on a Tuesday evening using their website contact form and received a reply the next day by noon. The customer service agent was helpful and thorough and offered to be of further assistance. Next, I called their customer support line and asked a question about their warranty and how to go about sending back cutters for repair. Again, the customer service rep was courteous, helpful and confirmed what their website had to say: they have a lifetime guarantee on the blades and they will sharpen and return immediately. Kudos for Xikar customer service.

With a little care, the Xikar cutters should last a lifetime. You can clean your cutter with a clean, soft cloth. The blade mechanism can be lubricated with a light oil (I use sewing machine oil, same as on my knives, but Xikar recommends a “graphite lubricant.”) and cigar buildup and other crud can be cleaned off the blades with rubbing alcohol. Xikar manufactures good-looking, quality cutters, with models for every price point and use. Xikar customer support is above average and their lifetime guarantee is admirable. Stogie Fresh Gold Star Rating.

[DISCLAIMER EDIT: NO, I am not on the Xikar payroll, nor was I given free or discounted products, nor compensated in any way...]

[The owners are my parents though..... NO, just kidding. BruHaaaa Haaa]

[TypeO-]

Dr. Fresh,

This is a very nice, detailed review. I have an Xi, Xi3, and a Xi2 (from Cohiba gift box). I've been impressed with them thus far.

I was impressed with their lifetime warranty. As you stated, they will sharpen the blade for you at any time. You just have to pay to send the cutter to them.

Additionally, if you register your cutter on Xikar's web site, they'll send you a leather case free of charge.

[Shaggy17sc]

Great detailed reviews on the Xikars. I started out with a Xi2. it broke about two days after i got it. Im sure the Xi2 biting the dust was nothing but a fluke, and it was handled very quickly and efficently. Because of that, and because I did not like the lighter materials used. (the Xi2 felt "cheap" to me) i contacted customer service to see what i could do to get a different one.
Customer service at Xikar is great. Period. The first email i sent was responded to in about 15-30 min. every email since was also handled very quickly.
In the end I ended up with a Xi3 spectra. Its a little more pink than i thought it would be, but im happy with it. it cuts clean, and i really like the heavier feel to it. Its always seemed to me that the heavier something is, the better it is. (just my opinion, very well could be wrong)

Just wanted to put my :2 in and agree with your statements about Xikars. They are a great cutter, that (at least with the warranty) last forever.

[illuminatus]

Nice review Doc! I'm lovin the Xi2 I got from my secret santa.. so much better than using cheap freebies that tear caps... Also, as an aside. Even though the blades appear to retract completely into the body when open, it is NOT, I repeat, NOT advisable to put your finger through the hole, and then spin the cutter around your finger. The blades are so sharp that I didn't even feel it, until I looked down and realized I'd cut a nice ring right around my middle finger... I won't live that one down for awhile... :r :r

[Alpedhuez55]

Additionally, if you register your cutter on Xikar's web site, they'll send you a leather case free of charge.
THanks for the info. I have an Xi2 that I like so far. It makes a nice cut. I will have to register it for the case now!!!

[Shaggy17sc]

Nice review Doc! I'm lovin the Xi2 I got from my secret santa.. so much better than using cheap freebies that tear caps... Also, as an aside. Even though the blades appear to retract completely into the body when open, it is NOT, I repeat, NOT advisable to put your finger through the hole, and then spin the cutter around your finger. The blades are so sharp that I didn't even feel it, until I looked down and realized I'd cut a nice ring right around my middle finger... I won't live that one down for awhile... :r :r

I know this is one of those cases where i should just keep my mouth shut, point and laugh, and be done with it...but...........
I did that with my old double bladed cutter shortly after i got it. I have thankfully learned my lesson, and have not gotten blood all over my nice new Xikar.

[Mindflux]

I just registered my Xikar, thanks for the info on the leather sheath.

[Warhorse545]

I have a Xi2 that so far as done quite well for me. I also like the fact that this company started in a garage and grew bigger. Tells me the product works :)




Stacey

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Additionally, if you register your cutter on Xikar's web site, they'll send you a leather case free of charge.

Yes, good point. I did register my products and received the sheath. Very nice. Thanks for the reminder.

Doc

[SilverBullet]

Very nice review, I should be recieving my first Xi2 from the devil site. It is comming with 3 Graycliffs so I am looking forward to this shipment!

[Dogwatch Dale]

I've used a Xi2 two to five times a day for over a year now and it still cuts clean and is solid as a rock. Great products!

Thanks Doc for the excellent review!

[VoteKinky06]

I got one of the Cohiba Xi2s and i love it, but the plastic seems kind of loose, i think ill have to upgrade..

[Herbie]

Wow, this is a great review! Thanks for all of the details and effort, such as testing the customer service!

I've had the Xi2 for about a year now and I really like it. Like you said, the body of this model will take more abuse and that's what I liked about it. When I first got mine, one side stuck a bit when opening, but never caused a problem when cutting. It eventually went away and I'm guessing that one blade was catching on the plastic body and just wore a "path" through until it no longer stuck.

Also, a great tip on the "sliding off" problem. I have had that happen on occasion with larger ring-guage cigars. I'll give that a try next time I have a big cigar.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Im sure the Xi2 biting the dust was nothing but a fluke, and it was handled very quickly and efficently. Because of that, and because I did not like the lighter materials used. (the Xi2 felt "cheap" to me) i contacted customer service to see what i could do to get a different one. ... i really like the heavier feel to it. Its always seemed to me that the heavier something is, the better it is. (just my opinion, very well could be wrong)

In most cases I agree with you. I like things to have a "heft" about them. Whether cigars, lighters, or cutters, I normally like a solid feel and construction. And, don't get me wrong, I love my Xi3, it has performed faithfully and I use it often. However, there is something about the "action" on the Xi that is so... "technically perfect." It opens and shuts with so much precision.

Customer service at Xikar is great. Period. The first email i sent was responded to in about 15-30 min. every email since was also handled very quickly. Just wanted to put my :2 in and agree with your statements about Xikars. They are a great cutter, that (at least with the warranty) last forever.
Great testimonial for the customer service. I really do think that good customer service, though not able to make up for a bad product, can shore up our faith in good products and make us lifetime users.

Doc

[MikeP]

Nice review Doc! I'm lovin the Xi2 I got from my secret santa.. so much better than using cheap freebies that tear caps... Also, as an aside. Even though the blades appear to retract completely into the body when open, it is NOT, I repeat, NOT advisable to put your finger through the hole, and then spin the cutter around your finger. The blades are so sharp that I didn't even feel it, until I looked down and realized I'd cut a nice ring right around my middle finger... I won't live that one down for awhile... :r :r

That's a positive endorsement if I've every heard one:

Xikar - sharp enough to perform circumcisions. Call the mohel.

[illuminatus]

That's a positive endorsement if I've every heard one:

Xikar - sharp enough to perform circumcisions. Call the mohel.

Hahaha.. wondered if anyone would pick up on my statement and make fun of me... Mohel called! :r

[Da Klugs]

Yes, good point. I did register my products and received the sheath. Very nice. Thanks for the reminder.

Doc

:r

Remember to only unsheath your tool for the right reason.

:r On the disclaimer.

[Shaggy17sc]

In most cases I agree with you. I like things to have a "heft" about them. Whether cigars, lighters, or cutters, I normally like a solid feel and construction. And, don't get me wrong, I love my Xi3, it has performed faithfully and I use it often. However, there is something about the "action" on the Xi that is so... "technically perfect." It opens and shuts with so much precision.


I have never used an Xi1, only the 2 and 3. to be honest i think the xi1 would prob. cut the best, being the original, and with it being a very simple tool, there aint a whole lot of modifing that can be done to it.

I'll agree with you on the customer service thing. There are an awful lot of cutters out there that do just as good of a job, with similar price tags. The customer service, at least for me, will make me a Xikar fan for life, and look in their inventory for whatever i'm looking for first.

David

[TypeO-]

Anybody know how the Palio rates compared to Xikar?

[croatan]

Anybody know how the Palio rates compared to Xikar?
I've got them both and prefer the Palio. The Palio feels so precise that it makes the Xikar feel almost clumsy to me. YMMV, of course.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Anybody know how the Palio rates compared to Xikar?
I have tried a lot of cutters, scissors and punches, but have not tried the Palio. I may have to buy one and put it through the paces.

Doc

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

:r

Remember to only unsheath your tool for the right reason.

:r On the disclaimer.
Unsheath my tool??? It's a scary thought.

I wondered when you'd pick up on the disclaimer. :r Still on vacation?

Doc

[icehog3]

My XiKAR Xi2 recetly broke, and I had thrown it in the garbage and figured on buying a new one. Then I saw on a site that they had a lifetime guarantee, so I contacted their customer service, who gave me an address and instructions for returning it. (It was about 6 months old). I sent it back on Monday, and will report back when I hear back from them (they said about 2 weeks). The messages from the customer service came in less than 24 hours and were very nice and professional.

[Aaron]

Hahaha.. wondered if anyone would pick up on my statement and make fun of me... Mohel called! :r

Well... it won't work on the president of Iran and all the cartoon rioters...

There's no end to those pricks.

[Aaron]

My XiKAR Xi2 recetly broke, and I had thrown it in the garbage and figured on buying a new one. Then I saw on a site that they had a lifetime guarantee, so I contacted their customer service, who gave me an address and instructions for returning it. (It was about 6 months old). I sent it back on Monday, and will report back when I hear back from them (they said about 2 weeks). The messages from the customer service came in less than 24 hours and were very nice and professional.If you get good service, this thread will ensure my getting one.

Thanks Dr. StogieFresh and all who have contributed so far.

[Danimal]

My Xikar always seems to pinch my cigars. Any advice on how to use it properly? I'm not sure whether to close the ends to hold onto the cigar before clipping or to just line up and clip without laying the blades against the cigar first.

[carbonbased_al]

Anybody know how the Palio rates compared to Xikar?

Palio is a far better cutter. Doesn't pinch like the Xikars, and a betterm cleaner cut.

[txmatt]

Palio is a far better cutter. Doesn't pinch like the Xikars, and a betterm cleaner cut.

Gotta Agree with Smitty here (he's totally wrong about MATASA though)

I had a Xikar and sold it to a bud. The Xikar can pinch; what is worse, because of its single pivoting axis design, you get vertical movement on the other end. This "slop" or blade deflection frequently results in a step in the center of the cut, where the blades meet up further apart than they should be.

The Palio cutter doesn't look as pretty, and lacks the heft of Xikar, but it does the job better IMO.

-Matt-

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

My Xikar always seems to pinch my cigars. Any advice on how to use it properly? I'm not sure whether to close the ends to hold onto the cigar before clipping or to just line up and clip without laying the blades against the cigar first.
Try this: First, close the cutters enough to insure that the blades are in contact with the cigar, then push down on the cutter (toward the foot of the smoke). Since only one blade moves toward the cigar at a time, there is the illusion that one blade will do more of the cutting. This is not true, both blades will cut the same amount. So, go ahead and lay the blade against the cigar.

Doc

[OpusEx]

The Palio cutter doesn't look as pretty, and lacks the heft of Xikar
-Matt-

soon, very soon................ shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ;)

[pnoon]

Palio is a far better cutter. Doesn't pinch like the Xikars, and a betterm cleaner cut.
:tpd:
I have a Palio and I'm convinced. It's terrific.

[Roger Miller"]

I agree with VS and txM here, Palio is a far better cutter imo. I'll add, that more than a few times i have pinched myself with the xikars because of the weird-ass shape of them. Ergonomic?? I find them damned awkward. In fact, i'd pick up my cheap Havana cutter over an xikar any day.

The best thing about the xikar is the ability to cut larger ring gauge cigars when cutting below the cap (removing a plug, extinguishing a partially smoked cigar) is required. I keep one around for that reason only.

I used one for a year or so until i found a replacement -- first the Havana and then the Palio. I always complained about it, but it was better than the cheapo's at the B&M, so i put up with it.

Just my experience.
_____
rm

[thebiglebowski]

hey, Doc - as always, great, detailed review. but one thing bothers me; spring-loaded, double-guillotine blade - how confident do we feel about the "spring-loaded" mechanism holding out for a prolonged period of time? this seems like the weak link...

[txmatt]

soon, very soon................ shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ;)


Say What!!!!???!!!


-Matt-

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

hey, Doc - as always, great, detailed review. but one thing bothers me; spring-loaded, double-guillotine blade - how confident do we feel about the "spring-loaded" mechanism holding out for a prolonged period of time? this seems like the weak link...
Yo big,

It should be covered under their lifetime 100% Total Satisfaction Guarantee. Their website says their guarantee covers "fit, finish and function."

On my part, I've had a Xikar for 2 years and have given it some heavy usage without a problem with the spring. Yet.

Doc

[Aaron]

Try this: First, close the cutters enough to insure that the blades are in contact with the cigar, then push down on the cutter (toward the foot of the smoke). Since only one blade moves toward the cigar at a time, there is the illusion that one blade will do more of the cutting. This is not true, both blades will cut the same amount. So, go ahead and lay the blade against the cigar.

DocAny plans on reviewing the Palio in the near future? Loved your detailed Xikar review and would trust your judgement on the Palio.

[carbonbased_al]

soon, very soon................ shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ;)

Holy shinto! An improved palio!?

[catfishm2]

I have Xikar Xi, a Palio, and a Vector punch. I rotate through all of them depending on my mood and the cigar I'm smoking. I use the Xi more for torpedoes, the Palio more for parejos, and the punch more on smaller ring gauge cigars. But the one cutter that never fails me and is still as sharp as the day I got it, is the little $2 Havana Cutter. Frank gave me one almost a year ago and it cuts a cigar as clean and effortlessly now as it did the first time. I haven't used any of the CS cutters from Dave yet, but if they're as good as the first, and I expect them to be, I'm set for life.

[Aaron]

Everything is on EBAY... except Palio cutters. Is there an explanation?

OK, one might argue that Palio are reluctant to part with their cutters. However, vendors of NEW cutters ought to be selling there, no?

[carbonbased_al]

Everything is on EBAY... except Palio cutters. Is there an explanation?

OK, one might argue that Palio are reluctant to part with their cutters. However, vendors of NEW cutters ought to be selling there, no?

Not that many vendors carry them as of yet. I can think of only 3 off the top of my head. Also as you said, few botls are willing to part with them.

[SeanGAR]

I think the slop and thickness of the Xikar blades contribute to poor cuts. Palios are better, and they would be awesome with an all metal case, instead of nylon or whatever they use. But I normally use the Havana cutters, seems to always produce a much sharper cut for me that either Palios or Xikars. This is a case where the cheapest cutter wins.

[thebiglebowski]

at the risk of showing my... ignorance, i suppose - but, have the Zino guillotine cutters fallen out of favor? again, i'm just back into enjoying cigars for the past 9 months or so after a 5 or 6 year hiatus, but my Zino, purchased just about 9 years ago is still a damn fine cutter! no issues with it at all.

again, i'm just curious, cuz back in the day - when i bought the zino, it was all the rage and now, whenever discussions around cutters come up, i never hear it mentioned...

[txmatt]

A test (ages ago) in a magazine had Xikar's original cutter, the MeanSardine outcutting the Zino Double blade that cost 4X its price.

The Zino single blade guillotine cutters are beautiful and cut very well, but the $60 price tag is a bit steep for many. Additionally, a large percentage of the cigar smoking population is convinced all single blade cutters are inferior to all double blade cutters. Those of us that LOVE the $2 Havana cigar cutters will surely start trying out other single blade designs down the road I am sure.

DAMNIT OPUSEX spill it on the new Palio!! :)

-Matt-

at the risk of showing my... ignorance, i suppose - but, have the Zino guillotine cutters fallen out of favor? again, i'm just back into enjoying cigars for the past 9 months or so after a 5 or 6 year hiatus, but my Zino, purchased just about 9 years ago is still a damn fine cutter! no issues with it at all.

again, i'm just curious, cuz back in the day - when i bought the zino, it was all the rage and now, whenever discussions around cutters come up, i never hear it mentioned...

[Jeff]

But I normally use the Havana cutters, seems to always produce a much sharper cut for me that either Palios or Xikars. This is a case where the cheapest cutter wins.

I've only used my Xikar a few time now, but I can say that the Havana cutter performs nearly as well. Amazing when you consider the price.

[palm55]

Woops!

Maybe I moved to quickly on the Xikar I... Ordered one this week, and it should arrive next week. I've resisted dropping the cabbage simply because I'm CHEAP! The "two-fer" double guillotines have sufficed when I'm away from home.

At home? I know this may be blasphemy... But I keep a package of 50 single-edge razor blades handy... And I rather enjoy the ritual of hand-carving the cap. I doubt that the Xikar will change that!

[palm55]

Doc,

Of course, we all have to test stuff out... Right!?

Got my Xikar I today! Registed it on their website!

Tested it!

It took the last leg of my left indext finger off cleanly and smoothly!

In fact the surgeon who did the reattachment was quite complimentary of the "quality-of-cut!"

[qwerty1500]

Received an Xi for Father's Day from my wife ... what a wonderful woman! That is all I've used since then. Love the feel and the always perfect cut.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Doc,

Of course, we all have to test stuff out... Right!?

Got my Xikar I today! Registed it on their website!

Tested it!

It took the last leg of my left indext finger off cleanly and smoothly!

In fact the surgeon who did the reattachment was quite complimentary of the "quality-of-cut!"
Now THAT'S going the extra mile for a review! :r Unless, of course, this really happened, in which case I apologize and say, "Chin up, could have happened to anyone."






:r :r
Doc

[caudio51]

Nice review, I used my Xi for a while. That is until I got my palio

[palm55]

Actaully, Doc, I'm very happy with it!

I was tempted to test it out on some half-inch PVC, but resisted the impulse!

I have the plain ole' Xi... Brushed aluminim body... I like the heft, I like the cut, and I appreciate your review!

[Simplified]

I got one with wooden ends that has not functioned that well. The wood does not hold to the steel over a long period of time. It cuts awesome and Xikar is great with customer service. I sent it back two times and received new ones each time. I would recommend getting one with the handle attached with hardware.

I have switched to using Havana Cutters, Da Klugs leaves about three in my car a week.:D

[TypeO-]

I have switched to using Havana Cutters, Da Klugs leaves about three in my car a week.:D

I love these cutters. Klugs, need a ride?

Sucks to hear about the wood handled Xikar. I bought one not too long ago. I hope you had a lemon, though that's unlikely seeing as how you sent yours back twice. I'm not going to be happy if I have to send it in for repair/replacement. It's Xikar's most expensive model.

[Puffy69]

I havent used my Xikar since ive aquired my CS Havana Cutters:D

[palm55]

I got one with wooden ends that has not functioned that well. The wood does not hold to the steel over a long period of time. It cuts awesome and Xikar is great with customer service. I sent it back two times and received new ones each time. I would recommend getting one with the handle attached with hardware.

I have switched to using Havana Cutters, Da Klugs leaves about three in my car a week.:D


ALAS...Wood and metal mix like oil and water. Aetsthetics and function do not make good companions...

Ahh well... The Xikar does its job in its place. I much favor hand-carving my caps with a single-edge razor blade at home. It takes a few minutes, but allows me to inspect and savor the stick as I go about my task.

[Aaron]

ALAS...Wood and metal mix like oil and water. Aetsthetics and function do not make good companions...

Ahh well... The Xikar does its job in its place. I much favor hand-carving my caps with a single-edge razor blade at home. It takes a few minutes, but allows me to inspect and savor the stick as I go about my task.Gee... my hatchet, axe, shovel, rake, ... seem to do fine. :p

[Aaron]

Now THAT'S going the extra mile for a review! :r Unless, of course, this really happened, in which case I apologize and say, "Chin up, could have happened to anyone.":r :r
DocAny chance of a Palio review?

[palm55]

One thing that I've noticed about the Xiker is that the spring in one blade is slightly stronger than in the other... It seems that they designed it this way to allow alignment of the cut before actually making the clip.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Any chance of a Palio review?
Yes, I eventually will get my hands on a Palio to review. I am curious, having never used one before.

Doc

[cquon]

Nice reveiw, Doc. I've gotta quit reading these things though, because everytime I do I end up buying something new. Sounds a lot more efficient than my 4.95 dbl bladed guillotine.

[PuffDaddy]

Gee... my hatchet, axe, shovel, rake, ... seem to do fine. :p

Drill was using PRUNING SHEARS on some AWESOME vintsge sticks at the Louisville herf!!
BTW I like my Xi1 pretty well. I only use it on larger RG sticks though. Otherwise I end up using my Havana CS single blade cutters :D Thanks again Dave!

[ca21455]

Thanks for the great review Dr. Stogie. I had an Xi for several months and it would stick when it opened. I cleaned it several times but that did not seem to help. I took your advice and lubricated it and now it works great!

Also thanks to Type O. I just registered my cutter and am looking forward to the free case, it looks nice.

[beezer]

I need one of these cutters. Where's the best deal?

[illuminatus]

I need one of these cutters. Where's the best deal?

cigarbid..

[KASR]

An excellent review - one that gives me piece of mind as my wife just purchased one for me! Thank you!

KASR

[niterider56]

Nice Review Doc, appreciate the info on registering for the free case. Really like my X1, only had it about a month but works much better than the guillotine cutters that I have used in the past.:D