Cigar Punches - I want a better one

[SilverFox]

Ok so the Xikar vs Palio debate has raged on and one and is far from resolution there will always be both sides of the fence but invariably when one asks for a cutter recommendation they get either one of these.

Now cigar punches are less utilized it seems but lately I have found myself using my punch more and more, but here is my regret/issue/consternation over the hole thing (notice the nice use of pun).

The one I have is an Xikar 008 and while the design and construction is great I find I have to spend too much time fussing with it to get a good cut, if it was sharper a simple twist and light push would surely do.

I have looked online and nothing jumps out at me.

Punches are great for short filler smokes and in general I have been finding I prefer a punch or a sharp knife to a cutter.

So gents help me out, what is the best punch out there and how do I find it?

Or, why doesn't Palio make a punch?

[Old Sailor]

I got mine from Holts.....spring loaded, rubber grip, one piece!:tu

[Smokin Gator]

I know what you mean. I have also found myself enjoying the punch more and more. I also have a 008 and it was great at first. Now it seems like it is not so sharp. I will monitor this thread.

One thing I did hear but haven't tried is to get a cone shaped Dremel tool and lightly work it on the inside of the punch to sharpen it.

[Bear]

I use the cheapies you can pick up at a B&M for a few bucks. When it gets dull, I toss it and get an other one. :2

[thetpi825]

Ive been using the one on my Xikar lighter and it works great.

[awsmith4]

I use the one on the bottom of Vector lighter and it has been trouble free so far...

[tzaddi]

This is the one that I have and use.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/wolfmagcut.html a plastic shell with 2 sizes of cutters, one on each end. I paid $16 buy for $30 you can get the same thing with a metal shell.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/womagcufme.html

Here is an example of what it can do with a larger RG, in this case a 52rg

http://web.mac.com/tzaddi/iWeb/Cordero/Punch%20Santa%20Rita_files/DSC04343.jpg

I don't always punch but when I do this is the one I use.

[TripleF]

I use the punch attached to my cheapo lighter....it's money - works everytime! :tu

[leasingthisspace]

tzaddi that's the coolest punch I have ever seen.

[TXRebel]

I don't own one, but for the price, it better cut steel and stay sharp. :D

LINK. (http://www.famous-smoke.com/cigars/search/accstats.cfm/inum/16190/kws/KEYCODE?cm_mmc=ENGINE-_-accessory-_-Avo+Double+Blade+Twist+Cutter+Deluxe-_-CU-AVO-TB2BLK)

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:KXNH_wNtWGo0iM:http://www.ecigardepot.com/Misc%2520Pics/pics/084516_avo_cutter.jpg

[SmokeyJoe]

Pretty impressive!

I use a cheap one that hangs on my keychain... yours looks MUCH nicer. :tu

This is the one that I have and use.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/wolfmagcut.html a plastic shell with 2 sizes of cutters, one on each end. I paid $16 buy for $30 you can get the same thing with a metal shell.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/womagcufme.html

Here is an example of what it can do with a larger RG, in this case a 52rg

http://web.mac.com/tzaddi/iWeb/Cordero/Punch%20Santa%20Rita_files/DSC04343.jpg

I don't always punch but when I do this is the one I use.

[Smokin Gator]

I don't own one, but for the price, it better cut steel and stay sharp. :D

I'd say... and make love to me after it punched my cigar!!!

[AD720]

I got a two pack of these -

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/lot.cfm?lotID=713285

Working A-OK! :tu

[XTRazzer]

I've been happy with the punch selection (3 sizes) on my Victorinox Cigar Knife. It's a nice looking knife too. Got mine at Amazon.

[Ragin Cajun]

I've got one that cost me about 9 bucks, it works every time. But since some of you have a Xikar, maybe somebody could look into whether or not they have a lifetime warranty.

[RGD.]

This, I think, is the absolute best punch made - Dottatus Solingen.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/csphoto/dspunch/01.jpg

This punch has two sizes - simply twist the barrel to bring out the size that you want. Looks two different colors in the photo - but it's not true - just the lighting, flash or some deal.

http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/csphoto/dspunch/02.jpg


http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/csphoto/dspunch/03.jpg


http://www.dgdesigns.com/humidor/csphoto/dspunch/04.jpg


Not sure where you would buy one - I've had this one forever it seems (10 to 12 years at least, I honestly can't remember) - and I know it ran me well over $100 at the time.

As you can see from the residue around it - it's had it's fair share of use over the years.


Ron

[SeanGAR]

Use this blade, cut a circle. Bigger cigar, bigger circle. Torp, cut a V. You can sharpen it easily. I've never had a punch worth beans.


http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/swissarmyexpress_2050_61583176

[leasingthisspace]

RGD that's cool looking.

[troutbreath]

I have the Xikar, and like it. I've only had it for a few months, though. Previously, I used some cheapies from JR that I would pick up on occasion, and they were great, too. When they got dull, they went in the trash.

I have been punching more and more lately. Any robusto gets a punch.

[SilverFox]

Seems I just cant get what I want.

Perhaps I am too spoiled, hmmm my brother is a cnc lathe operator, maybe its time to get a custom one. Not that he would do it.

Is there such a thing as a conical honing stone that i can use to sharpen it, a simple grind wheel would make a mess of it I would think?

[lightning9191]

Seems I just cant get what I want.

Perhaps I am too spoiled, hmmm my brother is a cnc lathe operator, maybe its time to get a custom one. Not that he would do it.

Is there such a thing as a conical honing stone that i can use to sharpen it, a simple grind wheel would make a mess of it I would think?


I think Dremel makes them.

[ahc4353]

Seems I just cant get what I want.

Perhaps I am too spoiled, hmmm my brother is a cnc lathe operator, maybe its time to get a custom one. Not that he would do it.

Is there such a thing as a conical honing stone that i can use to sharpen it, a simple grind wheel would make a mess of it I would think?

It sounds like your only requirement is that it's sharp. Is this it or do you have other things rattling around in that head of yours that might help us help you?

[md4958]

Am I mistaken that Xikar will replace it if ever needs sharpening Shawn? I know they do so with the cutters. If sharpness is your only issue, why not just exchange it at the b&m?

[DPD6030]

Seems I just cant get what I want.

Perhaps I am too spoiled, hmmm my brother is a cnc lathe operator, maybe its time to get a custom one. Not that he would do it.

Is there such a thing as a conical honing stone that i can use to sharpen it, a simple grind wheel would make a mess of it I would think?

Lifetime warranty, exchange it at a B&M that sells them or send it back for a new one Shawn. :2 Oh I have the 009 Xikar punch and it works great IMO.

[icantbejon]

I have the Xikar 007, and I wish mine was sharper as well. I love the convenience of carrying around on my keychain so I don't want to lose it. Mine came to me in this fashion, so I don't know if sending it back to Xikar is going to make that great of a deal. RGDs punch looks fantastic. I don't see myself spending $100 on a punch any time soon though.

[SilverFox]

I think my issue is it wasn't sharp enough out of the gate, I find I have to push way to hard even with twisting to get it to cut. I have actually peeled the wrapper off of an El Principe from pushing too hard.

[fissure]

This is the dremmel bit to look for. Tapered from 5-9 mm

http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=952

[SixPackSunday]

here are your options for high end punchs...

two from atoll:
$57
http://www.onthefly.com/ipp/f/180/tobacconist/atoll/SHAT-PC-r.jpg

$105 and very nice for a table piece
http://www.onthefly.com/ipp/f/180/tobacconist/atoll/SHAT-EYECUTTER-cb.jpg

my favorite:
the Davidoff 3 punch piece
$250
http://www.milantobacco.com/MilanGraphics/Davidoff/Cutters/RoundCigarCutterSapphireGlassRuthenium.jpg

let it be known I dont own any of those, but they all have solid reviews where you can find any and are made by companies known for quality products.