Is there really a difference?

[coastietech]

I have been looking at the Palio and Xikar guillotines and have been thinking about getting one. Before I drop the money on one I just want to know why it's better than the $5 dollar one I got off Cbid.

What is the benefit? I understand quality cost money, but it doesn't always mean the more expensive one is better. If it is though I'll drop the coin. Just want to make sure it's worth it.

So what's the consensus?

[poker]

For me, its Palio.
Reasons? The cut, the customer service, the comfort, the lightness when in my pocket, etc etc.

I have Palios, an ST Dupont, Xikar, and a Zino. The Palio is the only one I ever use anymore. The one I've got from over 6 years ago cuts as clean as the one I got last year.

[massphatness]

A cheap cutter is going to give you a cheap cut. Beyond that Palio vs Xikar is a matter of personal preferance. I started out with the Xikar and it worked fine but I like the Palio better because I feel it makes a more uniform cut.
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[AD720]

The Pailo and Xikar are on the same level cut and quality wise I think. Which one just boils down to personal preference. I grab my Palio maybe 60-70% of the time over my Xikar. But I also use a punch quite a bit.

A cheap cutter might work great for a little while but they start to get dull and start to just squeeze the cap instead of clean cutting it.

Think about how much you spend on cigars. Spending $25 (that's how cheap I got my xikar on cbid) to $40 on a Palio is not much in grand scheme of things for something you are going to get so much use out of.

[BORIStheBLADE]

Comparing my Palio to my Xikar when they were both new the palio made a better cut.

From what I have heard, Palio has a life time warranty on their blades. I haven't looked into this though.

[acarr]

I picked the $5.00 but really, I pick them up for about $3.50. It has dual self sharpening blades and if I lose it, well who cares.

[AD720]

Comparing my Palio to my Xikar when they were both new the palio made a better cut.

From what I have heard, Palio has a life time warranty on their blades. I haven't looked into this though.

I think they both have lifetime warranties on everything. If you are unhappy I believe all you have to do is take it to a shop that sells them and they should exchange it no questions asked. Or you can send them back and the company will do it.

[N2Advnture]

I have been looking at the Palio and Xikar guillotines and have been thinking about getting one. Before I drop the money on one I just want to know why it's better than the $5 dollar one I got off Cbid.

What is the benefit? I understand quality cost money, but it doesn't always mean the more expensive one is better. If it is though I'll drop the coin. Just want to make sure it's worth it.

So what's the consensus?

You have to use one once and you'll understand why people love them so much.

As far as how they are constructed, they are a polymer and not a cheap plastic. Also, the blades are made of surgical steel and sharp as S!

[SilverFox]

If I use a cutter its a Palio.

[shilala]

I have a bunch of Xikars. I just can't dig the Palio. It pinches me.
$5.00 cutters make a $5.00 cut for about ten cigars, then they make a $2.00 cut for awhile, then they pretty much just mash the cap off.
I'd just as soon use my teeth and save the five bucks.
When I invest in Palio or Xikar, I'm good for life. If they go dull, they'll take care of it. If they break, they take care of it.
It's the same with tools. I don't buy a $1.00 hammer, either. If I buy the best, I'm always happy. If I buy junk, I tend to get what I paid for, with an added bonus of frustration. :)

[RJK18]

Ad has a point. What you spend on a cutter depends on what you smoke. If you smoke premium cigars you should invest in a premium cutter. If you only smoke while out golfing or when someone gives you a cigar than don't bother. The difference is big one. Ask to try one at a B&M and see for yourself. I happen to love the way my palio cuts

[BlackDog]

I've owned both the Xikar and the Palio. Frankly, I can't say one is better than the other. Both are very sharp. The Xikar seemed better at cutting large ring gauge sticks.

[floydp]

Palio is the best cutter I've used to this point. By the same token since I got one I haven't even thought about using any other brand.

[coastietech]

Damn looks like the Palio is murdering the competition in the poll. LOL

Thank you for your opinions. They make sense, and I often say the same thing to others about stuff. Like why would you spend $600 on a gun and then buy a $5 holster. :r Same principle.

Looks like I'm gonna have to go through the penny jar and buy one. :tu

[fishstix]

palio for me as well.

I have both and IMHO I've never had an issue with my palio. really when looking at a straight cutter this thing just rocks.

The xicar does look nice though, and does feel good in the hand - but the Palio feels just as good.

with the rumors that Palio is coming out with more colors its a win-win.

[kelmac07]

I own both a Palio and a Xikar...both are great cutters. I just prefer my Palio...but can't go wrong with either.

[bobarian]

Still have a Xikar sitting in one of my accessory boxes, gave another one away. I have two Palio's which get daily use. I like the clean cut the give. I used a cheap cutter for a few months and began to notice them pinching my cigars before cutting. Bought a Palio and its been going great for the past 2 years. Check out the new Camo patterns!:tu

[Doctorossi]

More than the radical slant toward Palio in here, I'm just surprised by the percentage of folks who have both a Palio and a Xikar.

[coastietech]

More than the radical slant toward Palio in here, I'm just surprised by the percentage of folks who have both a Palio and a Xikar.

I've noticed that too. I guess it's like Pokemon you have to collect them all. :r

[shilala]

More than the radical slant toward Palio in here, I'm just surprised by the percentage of folks who have both a Palio and a Xikar.
Yeah, it's been this way since day one. :)
I think I'm the one guy on the planet that digs my xikars. The only real reason is because the Palio made me bleed. Plus I think it's an infinately more interesting design, and looks 1000 times cooler.

[DMK]

Yeah, it's been this way since day one. :)
I think I'm the one guy on the planet that digs my xikars. The only real reason is because the Palio made me bleed. Plus I think it's an infinately more interesting design, and looks 1000 times cooler.

:tpd: I own a Xikar and use it pretty much all the time. I've tried a palio a few times and it just dosen't 'feel' right :confused: and like scott said the xikar looks cool!

[chippewastud79]

Have them both, keep the Palio in the car, Xikar at the house. They both work well, both have a lifetime warranty, but the Palio makes a better cut. :tu

[Starscream]

Never used a Palio here. Nothing against it, I've just never bought one. I have had plenty of Xikars and love them, although I've had two that have broken on me already (those were the cheap $25 ones). They do come with lifetime warranties though.

[TheTraveler]

I voted without reading the Title of the Poll. :bh

I thought we were voting for the cutter we use now which for me is an el cheapo. I'll be getting another cutter at some point (hello, Christmas!). :)

I have had some success with my razor sharp pocket knife - except on torpedos that is. Cutting a torpedo with my knife didn't work out so well. :(

[GHC_Hambone]

I've had a Xikar for about two years now and I love it. Never had a Palio but I have no reason to switch. The Xikar just does the job. I keep a few cheapos around for bringing places, etc.

[dubnick]

I have the Palio and Xikar... but then again, I love gadgets, and soft of collect them.

Besides that, the cut of these premium cutters is far superior to the cheap ones. Personally, I vote for Palio, simply because I like the style of the old-school cutter. The Xikar doesn't exactly feel natural or comfortable in my hand.

[Wolfgang]

I often forget my cutter at home, however I NEVER leave the house without my knife and ill just run that around the cap and POP off it comes no unraveling or anyhting. Definitely my favorite way to cut a cigar.

It is usually one of these I carry around :r :r :r

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/wolfgang8810/knife1.jpg

[prophetnoir]

I think that they are both the standards by which all other guillotine cutters are measured. I have a Xikar Xi3 myself and I love it. I could have gone either way based on the reviews I read. The Palio seems to win in the opinion poll based on the cut, but I think that the difference may be hair thin. The Xikar definitely wins on style points IMHO. Either one is a sound investment.

[Doctorossi]

Maybe I'm the only one who disagrees on the styling front. Personally, I think the Xikars look clunky, overly fashion-conscious and anti-ergonomic, while the Palios appear sleek and functional. Taste is taste, I guess.

[TheRiddick]

Although not a specific choice in the poll, Xicar Multi-tool is by far the best cutter out there, main reason I voted for Xikar.

I've used Palios and Xikars ever since they showed up on the market, gifted some away, and only recently was talked into buying a Multi-tool. There is no substitute: compact, as sharp as anything out there, much better and precise control of just how much to slice off and also comes with a number of really useful tools including one that allows you to nub a cigar down to nothing. Folds flat and takes up less room than either the "regular" Xikar or Palio. All of this for less money than Palio.

[big a]

I have had my Xikar since may and I don't really like it. I can't seem to get a good even cut and often times it seems to break the wrapper. Might just be the user, however I have tried every little trick that i can find and still have the same issue. I havn't tried the palio yet, but I sure want to.

[coastietech]

Thank you again for all the advice and opinions... Definitely gives me something to mull over. :tu

[the nub]

If you're $5 cutter is sharp and working fine, I'd use that. I have a single blade 'Havana' cutter with the spring lock. It was free but sells for about $1. I've perfectly cut a few thousand cigars with that over the last 8 or 9 years. IMHO, the Xicar is a poor design. The blade thickness and chamfer almost guarantees a bad cut. It creates a 'step' across the cutting area. I've yet to see someone cut cleanly through a cigar with that- most of my smoking buddies have one and they (used to) swear that it was a great cutter. I can't understand why. I used to laugh at them (jokingly) with the ragged cuts they'd get from it. And it would be a crappy cut nearly all the time from different guys with their own Xicar. I'd let them use my cheapo cutter and they'd be amazed at how well it cut.

If you're $5 isn't working for you, then I'd recommend the Palio. Super sharp blade that cuts great.

[nozero]

In kaelaria's Illusione 4/2g Video Review, he referred to this Cuban Crafters cutter http://www.cubancrafters.com/products.php/item_id/78. I liked the perfect cut promise and the fact that it catches the piece it cuts off, so I bought one.

I've only had it for about a month, but I'm very happy with it thus far and it was only $14.95 plus shipping. It's heavy in your hand and has a very tight feel to it, I swear I can feel it self sharpening with each cut.

[poker]

If not wanting to spend a lot of money, I agree that the Havana single blade cutter is one of the best out there. Its small, cuts clean, spring loaded, and simply works. I also remember they are a were about a buck or so.

http://www.cigarextras.com/ProductImages/cutters/havanna_cuttter-ce.jpg

I cant find anyplace that has them anymore except for these guys but its about 5 bucks each unless you buy in quantity:

http://www.cigarextras.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=270&iorb=4764&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=pi&utm_campaign=broi

[kaelaria]

I have my Xikar that works well, the cheapies have only lasted so long before starting to pinch. I have not used a Palio yet. I use my Cuban Crafters 99% of the time now. It cuts through easier than the Xikar with less pressure needed.

NOTE: There is no such thing as a self-sharpening cutter. It's pure marketing BS. At best, some are self-honing - completely different but most people don't know what honing is so they say sharpening.

[dentonparrots]

I find that I can do a better job of getting an exact cut every time with a punch, other than on torpedo cigars (even then they still do the job!).

If the hole is too small off the initial punched hole I just widen it by nibbling away with the punch to make the circle bigger. For a larger ring gauges I make a kind of 4 leaf clover shape adding "petals" to the initial hole.
I get the benefit of getting as close to my ideal of a draw each time, and I still get the neat shoulder feel of the cap on my lips compared to a cutter. I'm yet to damage a cigar that way, no little bits hanging off and my chocie of hole size.
http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp183/dentonparrots/gispertcappunchedonce.jpg
http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp183/dentonparrots/gispertcapwide.jpg

[Doctorossi]

At best, some are self-honing - completely different but most people don't know what honing is so they say sharpening.

So, are you going to enlighten us?

[nozero]

So, are you going to enlighten us?

I was wondering the same thing.


From their text...
The self-sharpening double blades are made with surgical grade stainless steel and cut cigar ring gauges of up 54. Each is packed in an elegant gift box and is Lifetime Guaranteed. A perfect cut is guaranteed every time or you get a free replacement.


If "they" dont know the difference, should I?

Wiki says:Honing is a manufacturing process that produces a precision surface on a workpiece by scrubbing an abrasive stone against it along a controlled path.

I don't know of anything that is "self honing"... But hey, what do I know.

I forgot to mention the lifetime guarantee, I like those.

[coastietech]

Well after looking now my inner debate is whether to get a Palio or a Xikar Multi-tool. The poll is pushing me towards the Palio.

[poker]

According to Wikipedia:





Im just the messenger :)

Honing: Honing is classified as an abrasive machining manufacturing process. As with all abrasive machining processes, material is cut away from the workpiece using abrasive grains.

Sharpening: Sharpening is the process of creating or refining a sharp edge of appropriate shape on a tool or implement designed for cutting.

[captain53]

I have a xicar and am very dissapointed in it. Dulled very very fast and it pinches me every time I cut with it. While it is under warranty and they will replace it I am not so sure the next one will work any better.

[streetglide]

I bought a palio after I saw a friend lay his cigar on it and it held perfect. No ashtray needed. I was sold. It cuts great too. :ss

[dubnick]

I bought a palio after I saw a friend lay his cigar on it and it held perfect. No ashtray needed. I was sold. It cuts great too. :ss

Definitely a plus... I use this feature all the time

[lightning9191]

I look at sharpening and honing as two different processes, but sharpening can be used as a blanket term. Sharpening is the removal of metal to produce a sharp edge and honing is the shaping of the edge without the removal of metal. Slapping a razor across leather is honing, but dragging it across a stone is sharpening. I'd be okay with calling both processes sharpening though.:tu

[Kreth]

I picked up a Palio when we herfed at an authorized dealer a few months ago. Probably half the guys in the lounge had them. I keep a cheap cutter in my golf bag so I don't have to worry about losing my Palio on the course.

[Skywalker]

Another vote for Palio!!!

I have a Xicar pocket knife/cigar cutter and cut myself in the first week!!! Could just be I need something fool proof like a Palio!!!:D

[ucla695]

I've used my Zino double G for years now. I picked up a Palio last fall and I have been neglecting my Zino ever since. The Palio gives a clean cut every time. My Zino, well, not so much. I rarely do straight clips on my parejos, but instead, I score the cap where I would like to cut it and then flip the cap off. Works like a charm every time. I used an old Palio (at least several year old) a couple of weekends ago and it still held up. :tu

[NCRadioMan]

If not wanting to spend a lot of money, I agree that the Havana single blade cutter is one of the best out there. Its small, cuts clean, spring loaded, and simply works. I also remember they are a were about a buck or so.

http://www.cigarextras.com/ProductImages/cutters/havanna_cuttter-ce.jpg

I cant find anyplace that has them anymore except for these guys but its about 5 bucks each unless you buy in quantity:

http://www.cigarextras.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=270&iorb=4764&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=pi&utm_campaign=broi
:tpd:I've used mine for three years and it still makes a perfect cut! :tu

I use the havana cutter 99% of the time but if I had to choose between Palio and Xikar, I would go with the Palio. Both are great cutters.