Hey guys, a little advice for a relative newbie, please. I've been using a Xikar cutter, but it seems to be going dull so I'm on the market for a new one. What are your thoughts on various brands and styles of cutters?

Many Thanks.

I have been using my Xikar XI for about 7-years without any problems.

If you think yours is getting dull send it to the Xikar company and they will sharpen it.

I think Xikar is the cats meow of cutters.

dude, get a Palio - good prices at www.cigamony.com - you will love the cut that thing makes!

just get 100 pieces of sh*t. that way, loose it, eh, oh well.

then again...i like my Xikar.

Zino guillotine.

Old school...lol, but the best i've ever used.

Tab

Send your Xikar back to them, and they'll sharpen it free and give you a leather case to boot. Excellent folks there. Nothing wrong with a Palio either, I have both and use both.

Mike

I always use scissors... much more versatile.

I have been using scissors for a long time now. I like the cut and, at least for me, the better precision they get. Takes some practice though, but worth the effort to learn. Here is what I use:

http://www.xikar.com/cutters_ximtx.asp#

Many thanks, and keep the comments coming, please... particularly interested in those of you using scissors or having opinions re same, just because it's different from what I've experienced. I'll be sending the Xikar in for sharpening.

Thanks again, MH

I have a Savoy. Bought it because my local shop was out of the econo Xikar. I like it, I have the stainless steel model. It is thinner than the Xicar. Don't know about Savoy customer service (if any), but no problems yet. I have seen a handle break off a Xikar. Of course, they have excellent after the sale service.

Savoy Stainless Steel Cutter

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TSF,

quote:

Originally posted by Bluesky5553:
Send your Xikar back to them, and they'll sharpen it free and give you a leather case to boot. Excellent folks there. Nothing wrong with a Palio either, I have both and use both.

Mike

Sometimes, if you soak your cutter in warm soapy water for a few minutes, it helps to make it sharper. It removes the oils and resins in tobacco and makes the cuts smoother.

Tab

I've always loved using the scissors. They work great, and I really like the feeling of control in my hand and ability to manipulate them as an instrument. I guess it goes with my inclination to surgery There's nothing like cutting flesh with a nice surgical instrument that feels comfortable in your hand

Thanks for the tip, Tab

Jmunro, just tried a firend's scissors on La Flor Dominicana Ligero and I did like the feel. Oh, and the cigar wasn't bad either!

/MH

I like using scissors on smaller gauge cigars. I don't think they cut as well for me anyway on larger gauge cigars. Perhaps I am doing something wrong though.

It almost reminds me of taking a nice pair of Metzenbaum scissors to a woman's fallopian tube on my Ob/Gyn clerkship. Precision and control is of the utmost importance

Gauge shouldn't really matter, unless the cap is really perfectly flat. you should be taking off the cap only with almost no filler when you cut. Taking off too much in diameter on a large gauge cigar will leave you with something that has a draw that might be too "loose".

quote:

Originally posted by jmunro:
I've always loved using the scissors. I guess it goes with my inclination to surgery There's nothing like cutting flesh with a nice surgical instrument that feels comfortable in your hand

I guess its a good thing you aren't a crapenter.You might use a hammer & a dull chisel.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rick B,

Lost my Xikar.
Ended up trying -- and liking -- the Credo Synchro Cutter. Very sharp. Easy to make a clean cut. Action similar to Xikar but has some kind of mechanism that makes both blades engage at the same time.

I use a Xikar cutter for most cigars, except robustos, which I find burn more evenly, slower and less hot when perforated with a hole punch cutter.

Flashman,
Now that is a compelling reason to try a punch cutter.

Teeth. Moisten the cap, don't just bit the end off, but make a nice circle around the cap. Better yet, have your wife or significant other learn how to do it...