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View Full Version : Xikar Cutter cleaning tips?

TripleF
06-23-2009, 08:24 PM
I have a Xi2 Xikar Cutter. Seems to be a little sluggish and the blade is kinda dirty.

Any tips to correct these problems?


Thanks! :tu
Tenor CS
06-23-2009, 08:30 PM
I'll be the first of many to say it ... send it back. That's what the warranty is for.

But on a more immediate note, I've found that a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol can help clear some debris.
dubnick
06-23-2009, 08:45 PM
I use alcohol towelettes
markem
06-23-2009, 08:50 PM
I just use dish soap. Get it wet and lathered up, rinse and dry. Mine works like new.
larryinlc
06-23-2009, 08:53 PM
I pull the handles off...they seem to only be pressure fit. If they're glued on, they're not glued very strongly. Anyway, after I remove the handles, I wash the cutter in warm water and dish soap. After dried, I install the handles and I'm good to go. Will it rust over time?? Perhaps, but it's only a tool and it'll give me an excuse to buy another one.:)

Larry
DougBushBC
06-23-2009, 09:09 PM
I heard the best way to clean a Xixar is to return it and get a Palio.
markem
06-23-2009, 09:11 PM
I heard the best way to clean a Xixar is to return it and get a Palio.

No need to start bashing people's cutters.
pnoon
06-23-2009, 09:30 PM
No need to start bashing people's cutters.

:tpd:
ChasDen
06-23-2009, 09:35 PM
I heard the best way to clean a Xixar is to return it and get a Palio.

Have to admit, I own both. I just got the Black Xikar Xi Cutter about a month or so ago. Its starting to "catch" or "stick" when you try to unlatch it about every 10th or so use. It also feels "sloppy" like its not as tight as it was when I got it. I paid full retail for it at a local B&M (trying to keep the good guys in business too). The owner said bring it back and he will swap it out and take care of the return for me, so I know it will get taken care of, but I have had the Palio for over a year and its like the day I bought it. Both are great cutters out of the box, so hopefully the new one will be better and it was just a fluke.

Chas
huero71
06-23-2009, 09:36 PM
I'll be the first of many to say it ... send it back. That's what the warranty is for.

But on a more immediate note, I've found that a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol can help clear some debris.

:tpd:
DougBushBC
06-23-2009, 09:50 PM
No need to start bashing people's cutters.

Relax, I'm just giving Scott a hard time, no one can take a joke?
Waynegro1
06-23-2009, 10:05 PM
I use alcohol towelettes

:tpd:
groogs
06-23-2009, 10:54 PM
But on a more immediate note, I've found that a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol can help clear some debris.

:tpd: I always use a Q-Tip and rubbing alcohol.
pnoon
06-23-2009, 10:57 PM
Relax, I'm just giving Scott a hard time, no one can take a joke?

And we would know you're joking how?

It is abundantly clear that folks here can take a joke. What wasn't clear is that you were joking.
NCRadioMan
06-23-2009, 11:56 PM
And we would know you're joking how?

It is abundantly clear that folks here can take a joke. What wasn't clear is that you were joking.

:tpd: Usually jokes include a :D

I also just use soap and water. Works great!
Tenor CS
06-24-2009, 04:23 AM
On another note, I have used several Xikar cutters. I myself have 2 Xi2's, one in grey, one in red. I find that the Xi2's seem to be made more cheaply than the ones with wood or metal handles. Catfish has a Xi3 in the cool "spectra" (shimmery purple metal) finish. You can tell when you hold it that it's a solidly engineered piece of work. My Xi2's definitely feel more flimsy. There seems to be more play or wiggle room on the Xi2's. That might account for debris collecting in it, or it feeling "sluggish."
marge796
06-24-2009, 05:12 AM
I heard the best way to clean a Xixar is to return it and get a Palio.

Oh snap!!!!


:D


Chris.....
TripleF
06-24-2009, 06:17 AM
That did it.....

I started to clean it with rubbing alcohol, THEN I pulled on one of the sides and it came apart. Thankfully I caught the little spring before I lost it forever.

I'm leaving in one week and was hoping to take this cutter with me. Dang it.
BamBam
06-24-2009, 06:31 AM
I use alcohol towelettes

:tpd: Works like a charm.
Tenor CS
06-24-2009, 02:05 PM
I'm leaving in one week and was hoping to take this cutter with me. Dang it.

I have an extra if you want to borrow it for your trip. Just let me know.

(notice how I will sneakily get Scott's address this way hee hee)
sikk50
06-24-2009, 02:17 PM
I don't know what it does to the warrenty, but to fix that slight hang up problem when opening I tore the whole thing appart, cleaned with a qtip then put a slight bit of vasalin on the inside. seemed to help but I'll probaly have to wipe it off before sending in for sharpening
The Poet
06-24-2009, 03:13 PM
Q-tips? Towlettes? What, did I stumble into the powder room by mistake? :)


I just dump some rubbing alky on a wad of TP, and clean the blades. My Xikar has served me well this way for well over a year.

P.S. - See the :)? See the :)? That means it's a joke, or so I'm told.




:)
Thrak
06-24-2009, 05:59 PM
my Xi2 really sticks.. I have to pull it apart to open the hole all the way... Maybe I'll try the dish soap/hot water trick...
TripleF
06-24-2009, 07:19 PM
Thanks for the tips guys. :tu

After talking to Xikar, looks like I am going to send it in for a new one since it came apart when I tried to pull on one side and the whole thing kinda cam unraveled.....
DPD6030
06-24-2009, 08:17 PM
Good idea Scottie :tu My xi2 sticks as well. I have to force it open. May be sending mine in soon too.
TripleF
06-24-2009, 08:22 PM
Good idea Scottie :tu My xi2 sticks as well. I have to force it open. May be sending mine in soon too.

You'd be shocked how happy they are to exchange it for you.....It's really fantastic customer service.....kinda like the old days! :tu
Wolfgang
06-24-2009, 08:24 PM
I have taken mine apart a few times. It uses a torx style bit which is what most knife manufactures use aswell. But oh well glad you got a new one. MY TURN!
Thrak
06-25-2009, 06:56 AM
Good idea Scottie :tu My xi2 sticks as well. I have to force it open. May be sending mine in soon too.

I used some dish soap and hot water last night and now mine is like new... snaps open real quickly.

:dance:
Smoke Naked
06-25-2009, 07:12 AM
A little mineral oil and a q-tip works wonders.
Waynegro1
06-25-2009, 08:33 AM
Another option is to bring it to an authorized Xikar retailer. I had a problem with my Xi3 a year ago and my B&M just gave me a new one and sent mine into Xikar themselves.
Starscream
06-25-2009, 02:04 PM
Good idea Scottie :tu My xi2 sticks as well. I have to force it open. May be sending mine in soon too.

I've had three of these over the past two years. All of them seem to stick after a few months worth of use. I'm not knocking Xikar at all (I keep using them), but I don't see the practicality in returning it everytime one of them gets hung up.


Do you guys take it apart to clean it, or just wipe the part of the blades that you can reach w/o taking it apart?
The Poet
06-25-2009, 02:06 PM
I can't take a sandwich apart without getting mustard on my shirt, so I just wipe what I can reach. Seems to work for me.
Wolfgang
06-25-2009, 03:00 PM
Try using an air compressor.
Waynegro1
06-25-2009, 05:11 PM
I've had three of these over the past two years. All of them seem to stick after a few months worth of use. I'm not knocking Xikar at all (I keep using them), but I don't see the practicality in returning it everytime one of them gets hung up.


Do you guys take it apart to clean it, or just wipe the part of the blades that you can reach w/o taking it apart?

I just wipe the blades and metal parts that come into contact with tobacco. Q-Tip, Alcohol wipes are what I use. Air comp. sounds like a pretty good idea as well. :tu Shoot me your addy and I'll send you some 2x2 wipes that work great. :)