Xikar Cutter-Not Released to Public Yet

[Katmancross]

I got this as a gift. I can't find it on the Xikar web site. It was in a 5 cigar travel humidor with a lighter.

The plastic flag acts as a back stop so your cuts are controlled and only the smallest part of the cap is removed.

8317

8318

[ATobin]

Me likey. Have you tested it yet?

[T.G]

I got this as a gift. I can't find it on the Xikar web site.

A very nice and thoughtful gift. :tu

I think those were a special B&M only holiday gift pack item. They were announced back in October (http://www.xikar.com/email/2010_10.html#feature2) and it's in the 2010 Holiday catalog (http://www.xikar.com/catalog/xikar-holiday-gift-guide.asp#) (page 16).

[Katmancross]

Me likey. Have you tested it yet?


I have. And it gives me the perfect cut every time. I usually take a regular guillotine cutter and do a 360 degree carefully around 1/32" around the cap so all that comes off is the cap wrapper. Like a little beanie.
With this, no thinking required. Stick it in and close the blades and voila!
I can't believe no one has thought of this....at least not in a major marketing environment.

[Katmancross]

A very nice and thoughtful gift. :tu

I think those were a special B&M only holiday gift pack item. They were announced back in October (http://www.xikar.com/email/2010_10.html#feature2) and it's in the 2010 Holiday catalog (http://www.xikar.com/catalog/xikar-holiday-gift-guide.asp#) (page 16).

Wow. It was an even nicer gift than I thought. And I thought it was pretty cool.
I immortalized the gentleman who gave it to me in one of my reviews at Famous.
I gave him a new nickname that I hope catches on where he works. That should drive him nuts.

[T.G]

I have. And it gives me the perfect cut every time. I usually take a regular guillotine cutter and do a 360 degree carefully around 1/32" around the cap so all that comes off is the cap wrapper. Like a little beanie.
With this, no thinking required. Stick it in and close the blades and voila!
I can't believe no one has thought of this....at least not in a major marketing environment.

Cutters with backstops have been around for quite a long time.

[Katmancross]

Cutters with backstops have been around for quite a long time.

So much for my credibility. I've never seen one.

[Darrell]

Cutters with backstops are called "noob cutters". :D

[Katmancross]

Cutters with backstops are called "noob cutters". :D

Thanks...a lot

[T.G]

So much for my credibility. I've never seen one.

Granted, they aren't all that commonly found.

[Springsman]

hmmm...i've never seen one either....

[Katmancross]

Granted, they aren't all that commonly found.

You know, it may be a cultural thing. I know lots of smokers who think you need to cut 1/2" off. And then they can't figure out why their cigar unravels.
But on the other hand, I think cigar smokers are smarter than the average bear because it's an acquired taste. Especially, once you get pulled down that dark hole of "I need more..I need more."

[Emjaysmash]

I bought one similar from Madeline Company at my local Tobacco Outlet.

But it didn't have the fancy flag on it! :tu

[justonemorestick]

Very Patriotic.

[Zeuceone]

Is the stop removable?

[T.G]

Cutters with backstops are called "noob cutters". :D

Sweet, I have a few of the all-metal Liga Privada and JdN backstop cutters from Jon Drew, how many noobs can I go out and cut with them? Is there a limit? Do you smoke your noobs band or band off? What's the best humidity for storing a noob? I know better than to ask if you should store them cello on or off.

[T.G]

Is the stop removable?

Yeah.... with a spade drill bit.

[tobii3]

(kicking the thread back on topic)

Nice cutter Katman!

[T.G]

You know, it may be a cultural thing. I know lots of smokers who think you need to cut 1/2" off. And then they can't figure out why their cigar unravels.
But on the other hand, I think cigar smokers are smarter than the average bear because it's an acquired taste. Especially, once you get pulled down that dark hole of "I need more..I need more."

I'd guess that no one ever really explained to them how a cigar was made. Next time you're smoking with them and they complain about their cigar unraveling, do them a favor and explain that it's only the pectin glue under the cap that holds the cigar together.

I think the culture and economics are tied together. Look at what style of cutters are typically sold in B&Ms, especially at the lower price points, due to the higher demand and production volumes, they can get the cheap non-backstop cutters for much less, so they can sell them at a more attractive price, so that's what people buy and don't move away from as they graduate to better cutters. Or don't graduate, and just keep buying the same open cheap cutters and just toss & replace them every now and then.

[Zeuceone]

QUOTE=T.G;1115951]Yeah.... with a spade drill bit.[/QUOTE]

well that works.

[kelmac07]

Cutters with backstops are called "noob cutters". :D

:r :r :r

[tobii3]

damnedest thing.

EVERY double guillotine cutter has a "noob" backstop.

Or did everyone forget laying the cutter flat on the table? Did you forget WHY every double guillotine cutter is so thin?

[Bill86]

Yeah.... with a spade drill bit.

:r :tu

The cutter looks kinda cheap and the backstop is lame. I don't know if you could call me a noob for it but I've never seen a cutter with a backstop :confused:

[T.G]

:r :tu

The cutter looks kinda cheap and the backstop is lame. I don't know if you could call me a noob for it but I've never seen a cutter with a backstop :confused:

They have their uses. I keep a Liga Privada No. 9 metal cutter w/ backstop in my glovebox for cutting cigars while driving. If you have to cut a cigar in low light or have to cut a bunch of cigars in a hurry - like at my brothers wedding, I brought only the LP9 cutter for that reason, I was cutting and handing out cigars pretty quickly, and, being California, we had to be outside the hotel, which wasn't all that well lit at night. Also nice when you're bobbing around on a boat or something, no worries about miscutting due to a pitch or roll right when you squeeze. etc...

[icehog3]

Cutters with backstops are called "noob cutters". :D

So did you get yours yet? ;)

[CigarNut]

Cutters with backstops are called "noob cutters". :DI like my noob cutters and use them all the time :D

[whodeeni]

Nice! Congrats Katmann!

[Katmancross]

Is the stop removable?

No

[Katmancross]

QUOTE=T.G;1115951]Yeah.... with a spade drill bit.

well that works.[/QUOTE]

I can't hear you.....the Sawzall is making too much noise.

[Bill86]

They have their uses. I keep a Liga Privada No. 9 metal cutter w/ backstop in my glovebox for cutting cigars while driving. If you have to cut a cigar in low light or have to cut a bunch of cigars in a hurry - like at my brothers wedding, I brought only the LP9 cutter for that reason, I was cutting and handing out cigars pretty quickly, and, being California, we had to be outside the hotel, which wasn't all that well lit at night. Also nice when you're bobbing around on a boat or something, no worries about miscutting due to a pitch or roll right when you squeeze. etc...

Never would have thought about that. Great points, I usually smoke on the deck so I got nothing but time :D

[Lucky_Hippo]

Cuban Crafters has sold metal versions of these for years called Perfect Cutters. They actually have a small round hole in the middle of the back stop so you can cut torpedos and such as well. I bought one a few years ago for a really cheap price at the time and used it on and off for several years when it crossed my path. It's nice to use when you um maybe have had one or ten too many to drink and keeps the cap from falling to the floor in a friends car as well.

[Krish the Fish]

It's nice to use when you um maybe have had one or ten too many to drink and keeps the cap from falling to the floor in a friends car as well.

:r

I've never used a cutter with a backstop, but I imagine if it's got the Xikar name on it, it can't be so bad.

[ajacobs]

So no torepedos with this thing

[weak_link]

Sweet, I have a few of the all-metal Liga Privada and JdN backstop cutters from Jon Drew, how many noobs can I go out and cut with them? Is there a limit? Do you smoke your noobs band or band off? What's the best humidity for storing a noob? I know better than to ask if you should store them cello on or off.

I've actually been using the one you gave me quite a bit. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as I have been. Thx broham. :banger

[SNKBYT]

Cuban Crafters has sold metal versions of these for years called Perfect Cutters. They actually have a small round hole in the middle of the back stop so you can cut torpedos and such as well. I bought one a few years ago for a really cheap price at the time and used it on and off for several years when it crossed my path. It's nice to use when you um maybe have had one or ten too many to drink and keeps the cap from falling to the floor in a friends car as well.

http://www.cubancrafters.com/products.php/item_id/5013

[T.G]

So no torepedos with this thing

You most certainly can cut torpedoes, belicosos and other figurados with pointy heads with these cutters, you just have to do it a few times to work your way up the cigar.

[T.G]

I've actually been using the one you gave me quite a bit. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as I have been. Thx broham. :banger

Cool deal, you're welcome bro. I really like those LP9 cutters myself. Out of the half-dozen or so different styles/brands I own, it's by far the fastest cutting cutter I own and ties the Zino for cleanness of cuts. The Zino can't cut over 47-49 RG though....

[waffle]

I actually won a JdN cutter and enjoy using it like TG in dimly light times and when I have a bunch of people over and we've imbibed a bit excessively... it really does a nice job.

[Frodo]

I've got one like that by Madaline (sp) who was bought out by Xikar. Coincidence?

[Katmancross]

You most certainly can cut torpedoes, belicosos and other figurados with pointy heads with these cutters, you just have to do it a few times to work your way up the cigar.


That's how I do it. two clips for a torpedo

[Katmancross]

Why are the Palio cutters sort of a cult cutter? Are they that much better than a Xikar?
Because they ain't cheap.

[Katmancross]

:r

I've never used a cutter with a backstop, but I imagine if it's got the Xikar name on it, it can't be so bad.

For some reason, I've had not much luck with the Xikar Xi2.
The more expensive ones are much better

[Katmancross]

damnedest thing.

EVERY double guillotine cutter has a "noob" backstop.

Or did everyone forget laying the cutter flat on the table? Did you forget WHY every double guillotine cutter is so thin?

Yes, but finding a table or counter in the car is troublesome

[Katmancross]

:r :tu

The cutter looks kinda cheap and the backstop is lame. I don't know if you could call me a noob for it but I've never seen a cutter with a backstop :confused:


Time will tell. Everyone claims that their cutters are self sharpening. But it takes several months before that claim is found to be true or not

[T.G]

Why are the Palio cutters sort of a cult cutter? Are they that much better than a Xikar?
Because they ain't cheap.

"Better" is relative to one's preferences. They are both quality cutters, but they are different.

The Xikar is basically a set of encapsulated cigar scissors. It's apparent by your earlier comment that you have used them, so I don't need to go on about them.

The Palio is a bit more innovative in the design. It's a dual guillotine, but it only has two parts (two blades that move against each other), as opposed to the typical three (two blades which move inside a body). It's slim, it's lightweight, it makes very precise, clean, sharp cut, it includes a built in cigar rest, the owner of the company, Mark ("OpusEx") is a very personable, stand up guy who interfaces often with the other S/BOTLs on the boards and elsewhere.

[Katmancross]

"Better" is relative to one's preferences. They are both quality cutters, but they are different.

The Xikar is basically a set of encapsulated cigar scissors. It's apparent by your earlier comment that you have used them, so I don't need to go on about them.

The Palio is a bit more innovative in the design. It's a dual guillotine, but it only has two parts (two blades that move against each other), as opposed to the typical three (two blades which move inside a body). It's slim, it's lightweight, it makes very precise, clean, sharp cut, it includes a built in cigar rest, the owner of the company, Mark ("OpusEx") is a very personable, stand up guy who interfaces often with the other S/BOTLs on the boards and elsewhere.


Thank you, Adam.

But you don't say if you own a Palio? Obviously, you've used one. Do you think they are worth the dough?
In any case, described succinctly and easy enough for my tiny little brain to absorb.
You are a genius!
Do you do windows?

The Kat

[pnoon]

Thank you, Adam.

But you don't say if you own a Palio? Obviously, you've used one. Do you think they are worth the dough?
In any case, described succinctly and easy enough for my tiny little brain to absorb.
You are a genius!
Do you do windows?

The Kat

I can't speak for Adam.

I think the basic black ones are most definitely worth the dough. The value of the special finishes really depends on how much it's worth to you. That is just cosmetic. I own multiple Palios and I can't say enough good things about them. Xikar makes a great cutter but I don't care for the ergonomics. Palio is a top quality cutter backed by an outstanding warranty and the owners are great guys (and personal friends). Those here that have met Marc, Jack and Mike would agree.

[weak_link]

Thank you, Adam.

But you don't say if you own a Palio? Obviously, you've used one. Do you think they are worth the dough?
In any case, described succinctly and easy enough for my tiny little brain to absorb.
You are a genius!
Do you do windows?

The Kat

I love my Palio, more so than the Xicar, but the one T.G. gave me is a good distraction.

[T.G]

Thank you, Adam.

But you don't say if you own a Palio? Obviously, you've used one. Do you think they are worth the dough?
In any case, described succinctly and easy enough for my tiny little brain to absorb.
You are a genius!
Do you do windows?

The Kat

Thanks.

Yes, I do own a Palio - one of the original Amyx & Christy models.

I agree with Peter. The basic black one is worth the dough. The upgraded finishes are just personal touches for extra cost, if you like them, great, but it's the exact same cutter, body and allunder that finish as the base black one.

I do windows, but I charge extra for 3.0, 3.1, 3.11/WFWG, 95, 98, ME, NT3.5, NT3.5 and NT4.0 because they are so archaic and after dealing with them since they were first released, I'm sick of them. And, no, just because xwindows is GNU and free, doesn't mean my time is to fix it after someone breaks it.:D

[Katmancross]

Thanks.

Yes, I do own a Palio - one of the original Amyx & Christy models.

I do windows, but I charge extra for 3.0, 3.1, 3.11/WFWG, 95, 98, ME, NT3.5, NT3.5 and NT4.0 because they are so archaic and after dealing with them since they were first released, I'm sick of them.

I am directing you to go outside, strip down to your socks, find a nearby duck, hold a pine cone between your teeth, lift the duck to your cheek(face), walk slowly to a a bar that opens at 6am, and sit at the end of the bar and cry like the call of the Southern Right Whale Dolphin. If the phone rings, answer it by saying, "Guido here." If they ask which Guido?, hang up.

[Katmancross]

I can't speak for Adam.

I think the basic black ones are most definitely worth the dough. The value of the special finishes really depends on how much it's worth to you. That is just cosmetic. I own multiple Palios and I can't say enough good things about them. Xikar makes a great cutter but I don't care for the ergonomics. Palio is a top quality cutter backed by an outstanding warranty and the owners are great guys (and personal friends). Those here that have met Marc, Jack and Mike would agree.


If I only had a job....If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.

[T.G]

I am directing you to go outside, strip down to your socks, find a nearby duck, hold a pine cone between your teeth, lift the duck to your cheek(face), walk slowly to a a bar that opens at 6am, and sit at the end of the bar and cry like the call of the Southern Right Whale Dolphin. If the phone rings, answer it by saying, "Guido here." If they ask which Guido?, hang up.

What happens if they call and ask for Luigi?

[Katmancross]

What happens if they call and ask for Luigi?

You're in the wrong bar. I can't believe you asked that.

[T.G]

You're in the wrong bar. I can't believe you asked that.

You didn't say WHICH bar that opens at 6am. Sheez. I'll go over to the other one.

What do you want me to tell the bartender when they ask about your tab, and why I'm sitting there with your duck?

[big a]

I got a cutter just like that from smoke-inn as a gift when i got my anarchy's along with a hand written thank you letter. Feels kinda cheap but still a very nice gesture.

[montecristo#2]

The Tatuaje buzz cutter (the one you get as an extra at events) also has the backstop and looks and feels a little cheap compared to the Xikars and Palios. With that said, it cuts perfectly fine and I like the backstop. Straight cut and you can re-cut more times if you want to take more off.

I use it more than my Palio these days.

[Katmancross]

You didn't say WHICH bar that opens at 6am. Sheez. I'll go over to the other one.

What do you want me to tell the bartender when they ask about your tab, and why I'm sitting there with your duck?


A man with your intelligence must ask me this?
First, pay my tab, fool.
Second, that duck was passed down to me over 3 generations. It is sacred and I find it offensive that you are cavalier about it. There is no friend like a duck that is 80 years old. That's a loyal friend.
Of course, the downside is that he goes, "quaiirrkkk" instead of quack! He's a little verkakte (Yiddish for falling apart).
I now take your leave.