Palio Cutters Acquired By Other Company

[smokin5]

Apparently this is 'old' news from November, but I just learned about it
from a post on stogieguys.com today. Palio Cutters has been sold by
Mark (BOTL, LLC) to Quality Importers. The new company will still honor
the lifetime warranty, but they are shifting production from USA to China.
Here's an article from Cigar Journal:

"Quality Importers Trading Company, a procurement company best known for its humidor and cigar accessory distribution, has acquired Palió. The acquisition will increase product inventory, improve pricing flexibility and introduce new customization options for Palió products, including its signature guillotine-style cigar cutter.

“Palió is known for its high-quality products and is a well-known name in the industry,” said Michael Giordano, president of Quality Importers. “As industry experts, we have exciting plans that will make the brand available to more consumers and introduce it to new markets.”

The acquisition will enable Quality Importers to produce customized Palió products for cigar companies. In addition, Quality Importers plans to manufacture new varieties of the signature cutter including a metal body version and a version to better handle large ring gauge cigars. Despite the acquisition, Quality Importers will uphold Palió’s “No Questions Asked” warranty and replacement policy.

Palió’s signature cutter, which utilizes one moving blade and one fixed blade, was issued a patent in 2000. In 2010, Cigar Journal (then known as European Cigar Journal) awarded Palio Cutters the Cigar Trophy in the category Best Accessory. In 2012, the company announced a single flame torch lighter. Palió was owned by Mark Aub through Brothers of the Leaf, L.L.C. prior to the acquisition in August 2015.

This marks Quality Importers’ 11th acquisition. The company performed similar acquisitions of Cigar Caddy® and Stinky CigarTM and recently acquired the exclusive distribution rights of Ortega Premium Cigars in July 2015."

According to an article on Halfwheel, the acquisition did not include
Esencia cigars, which remains owned by BOTL. Best of luck to Mark in
whatever his next venture/adventure will be.

[markem]

In talking to Marc in October, he was pleased with the sale but less pleased with the offshoring. He built a stellar accessories line and his personal touch will be missed.

[icehog3]

Bought another Palio cutter before the sale went through, hoping 4 USA built Palios will get me through the next 60 years. :)

[stearns]

I haven't inspected my Palio too closely, but I don't know if it says "made in the USA" on it. I wonder if it will be easy to differentiate between the old ones and the new ones. Regardless I'm happy for Mark, hope he gets some time to relax a little

[AdamJoshua]

Love Mark, great guy and always have a good time when I see him (even if he is a Yankees fan), that being said I'm bummed they will be mass produced in China and I doubt that the price will be adjusted to match that move. Time to pick up another one or two and hope that it's from current USA stock, maybe one and see what I get then if it's USA I'll grab another.

[czerbe]

Happy for Mark said to see it leave the USA

[Weelok]

It appears he was about to lose his patent so the writing was on the wall to sell or get replaced by a cheaper Chinese product. I love my Palio and it's just as good now after 8 years of use as when new.

I do need to clean it though and get the tobacco oils knocked back a bit. Maybe these old crusty oils add flavor though?

[shilala]

I could not be more happy for Marc. It's great to see an awesome guy rewarded for all he's done for our brotherhood. He's certainly one of the best.

I always fell on the Xikar side of the Palio vs. Xikar conversations, although I've owned a number of Palios. My hands are really big and stupid, and Palios always pinched the web of my thumb and made me bleed and b1tch. :D

I've been doing business with Quality Importers for a lot of years now, and they are a "cut above" company. Granted, they sell a lot of humidors that don't work so well, but a good humidor costs a lot more than what they charge for them.
They have many, many offerings that are beyond reproach.
Point being, they do have some sense about them.
It'd be silly for them to acquire Palio and let the quality or service slip. There's already a margin there for them to make some coin, and the move will allow a larger margin.

I'm also upset the production has gone to China, but it happens.
I honestly don't know how much Xikar stuff is made in the USA, I've always assumed the cutters were, but never imagined the lighters were.

That concludes my blah, except that the new Xikar xi3 Phantom (https://www.xikar.com/products/cutters/xi3/300bkcf/) is totally freakin SICK!!! :tu

https://www.xikar.com/images/gallery/300bkcf-detail.jpg

[mahtofire14]

Hopefully the quality doesn't change. I love my Palio and while I've heard stories that you can send it in and get a replacement for dull blades, I've never felt my blades have dulled. Absolutely quality product. Hoping that stays the same.

[badbriar]

I bought my Palio because it was made in the US. It sucks that replacements will now be from China. At least was fortunate enough to get a made in US model. Personally, I prefer items that are made in the US. I enjoy collecting Kershaw knives - US made only. Don't really want any made offshore.

[T.G]

I haven't inspected my Palio too closely, but I don't know if it says "made in the USA" on it. I wonder if it will be easy to differentiate between the old ones and the new ones. Regardless I'm happy for Mark, hope he gets some time to relax a little

Shouldn't be hard; aside from clothing and automotive vehicles, there is no requirement for US made products to be marked as "Made in the USA". However, virtually all imported products, regardless of type or origin, must be marked with the country of manufacture. Any future Chinese manufactured Palio cutters will have to be marked with "China" or the equivalent. Depending on laws governing that general type of item, if required, it must be noted on the packaging, the item, or both.

[MarkinAZ]

^^^ as I remember, during the original Palio years on CS during some of those great group buys, my basic black Palio came in its black leather case, and included a "blue card" with the initials(?) of the person who made the Palio. I'm not sure if the card mentioned where it was made. Maybe someone here that still keeps the original blue card that came (or maybe still comes with a Palio) can chip in here...:2

[hammondc]

Speaking of cutters, I need to send my Xikar in for repair.

[T.G]

^^^ as I remember, during the original Palio years on CS during some of those great group buys, my basic black Palio came in its black leather case, and included a "blue card" with the initials(?) of the person who made the Palio. I'm not sure if the card mentioned where it was made. Maybe someone here that still keeps the original blue card that came (or maybe still comes with a Palio) can chip in here...:2


Mine is from the Amyx & Christie days and it didn't come with a blue card, just the paper pictured below which states "Made in the USA" in the last sentence. But mine was also a gift, so I can't say whether they did or did not have the cards when this one was made or if the card was lost before Slimboli gave me the cutter. The cutter and pouch are not marked with an origin.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=16355&stc=1&d=1449929302

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=16354&stc=1&d=1449929294

[MarkinAZ]

Cool! Thanks for the post Adam...

[smokin5]

They were still inserting the cards to which MarkinCA refers as late as mid-2015.
I had one replaced directly by BOTL this summer, & it came with a card bearing
the initials of the person who assembled it and the date made (Jan 16 2014).
Last line of the card reads: "Made in the USA"

[markem]

My two original Palio cutters were made by Marc Aub. The second one was handed to me at SoCal (the last year at Zippy's) by him and was the first of the new model that was in the burl skin. Damn raven stole is 3 years ago in Palm Springs.

As long as the new ones are made to the same standard that Marc and his company set, then I have no problems recommending the cutter. I recall talking to him about how hard it could be to find really good sources for things like the blades. You don't really think about how hard it can be to get right until you find some brand that does it poorly. Palio has always set the standard in my mind.

Love my Palio lighter, too!

[T.G]

They were still inserting the cards to which MarkinCA refers as late as mid-2015.
I had one replaced directly by BOTL this summer, & it came with a card bearing
the initials of the person who assembled it and the date made (Jan 16 2014).
Last line of the card reads: "Made in the USA"

My Palio is from sometime around 1999-2000, this was long before Marc / BOTL acquired the company and rights. Not sure if they were doing the blue cards back then. Marc/BOTL is the third owner of the brand; 1998 or 99-ish there was Amyx & Christie who patented & founded it, then IIRC 2003-ish it transferred to someone who made all the ones with the crappy blades, then Marc acquired it 2005 (again, IIRC - I might be off a year one way or the other) and fixed it.

[kelmac07]

Have been waiting two years for the stainless steel Palio cutter to be released (to match the lighter). Guess that's not gonna happen now.

[Tio Gato]

Seeing this post made me realize it's time to buy a Palio. I got it from http://holts.com for 29.95, a good deal. Yes it does have the CAO initials on it, but it's American made. Card said Dec. '09.

[themoneycollector]

I had switched over to an X8 which I'm on #2 after losing 2 palios as well.

But I'm thinking I'll have to see if I can pick up a USA-made palio before they are all gone.

[shilala]

If any of you guys want me to bleed on your Palios, just remind me to use it when you see me.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Just got my first Palio from CanadaHumidor.com (the normal black one)

How do I verify that it's from the old US-made stock?? I was a bit saddened that mine didn't come in the little snazzy leather pouch. :(

[MarkinAZ]

Back in 2012, I had donated my original Palio. In 2015, I purchased a Xikar Xi2 Granite Silver, which cuts like a hot edge through butter. In early 2016, I developed a soft spot to bring a Palio into the fold, and won a black Palio from the Devils site.

I test drove it on the head of 3 cigars, in which it totally destroyed the head of those cigars. It told me right then and there that the QC of this once wonderful jewel had gone downhill. The tolerances, feel, and design did not look or feel like the original.

So, I took the box and Palio and simply tossed it in to the garbage where it belonged.

I'll stick with my Xi2:2

[smokin5]

Hey Mark, I know where you can obtain a really good Made-in-the-USA
black Palio cutter - just ask me & it's yours.:)

[MarkinAZ]

Hey Mark, I know where you can obtain a really good Made-in-the-USA black Palio cutter - just ask me & it's yours.:)

:DThank you for the very kind offer Eric, but no. The Xi2 is working just fine:tu

[mahtofire14]

My Palio has been cutting smooth since 2011. One of the best cutters I've ever had. Now that the QC has gone down the tubes I'm using it less to preserve the blades.

[markem]

Some things to note.

1. The person that we all associate with the Palio name bought the company from others.
2. He turned the company into something amazing and expanded the Palio name through sheer will and skill.
3. That the current owners are not, at this time, able to meet the standard isn't a surprise.
4. The new owners have a chance to recapture the market and only time will tell.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

So even though my Palio did come in just a tiny little Ziploc bag thingie, it did come with this...

http://i65.tinypic.com/6r2cuv.jpg

So my cutter I guess was indeed made in the USA right??

[AdamJoshua]

Another reason I enjoy the old spring loaded (or not) straight cutters.



http://i.imgur.com/1DOza8F.jpg

[icehog3]

Another reason I enjoy the old spring loaded (or not) straight cutters.





Another reason? I missed the first reason!

[AdamJoshua]

Another reason? I missed the first reason!

You must still have some damage to the noggin.

[icehog3]

You must still have some damage to the noggin.

Do we know each other?

[Tio Gato]

Just received two from the Devil Site. Made in China. Poor quality is the most polite thing I can say as a gentleman. Avoid these. Find a USA made one or pass.

[PeteSB75]

This makes me sad - My cutter from 2009 is still in good shape, but my burlwood from the first batch that Marc made no longer has a sharp edge. I was just looking them up to see about getting it replaced/sharpened. Guess I'll use it until it dies and then need to find something else.

[CigarNut]

This makes me sad - My cutter from 2009 is still in good shape, but my burlwood from the first batch that Marc made no longer has a sharp edge. I was just looking them up to see about getting it replaced/sharpened. Guess I'll use it until it dies and then need to find something else.

I would still pursue this -- you don't have anything to lose, and you may end up with another good cutter.

I would at least give them the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Just my :2

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Yeah my cutter got a knick in the blade from a stem Id assume and now they are charging to even look at it.. So there is no guarantee that they will fix it or replace it. Ive had mine since 08.

[icehog3]

Yeah my cutter got a knick in the blade from a stem Id assume and now they are charging to even look at it.. So there is no guarantee that they will fix it or replace it. Ive had mine since 08.

Did you try going back to the place of purchase? They should replace it free of charge as far as I know.

[AdamJoshua]

This is all a shame, a childhood friend asked what to get her boss as he is a cigar smoker and I recommended a Palio. Eh oh well. :lv

[markem]

Did you try going back to the place of purchase? They should replace it free of charge as far as I know.

The warranty has changed a bit. Looks like it needs to be returned for inspection first.

http://www.paliocutters.com/index.php/warranty/

[PeteSB75]

I would still pursue this -- you don't have anything to lose, and you may end up with another good cutter.

I would at least give them the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. Just my :2

What I'm worried is they take my cutter and give me a crappy one in return. I'd rather keep the one I have, clean it myself and see if it works better and just buy a xikar for my next one.

[RevSmoke]

What I'm worried is they take my cutter and give me a crappy one in return. I'd rather keep the one I have, clean it myself and see if it works better and just buy a xikar for my next one.

A knife steel in you kitchen set works to sharpen a cutter. Do it gently though. Yes, cleaning it helps too, a little rubbing alcohol works wonders if there is oil build-up.

[icehog3]

The warranty has changed a bit. Looks like it needs to be returned for inspection first.

http://www.paliocutters.com/index.php/warranty/

:gary

[AdamJoshua]

Wow that's really ****ed up.

[HailTheBrownLeaf]

Wow that's really ****ed up.

Agreed.

Xikar all the way.

And I say this as someone whom has a Palio.

[dijit]

Agreed.

Xikar all the way.

And I say this as someone whom has a Palio.

I have 2 Palios and 2 Xikars. Would swear by either one till the recent Palio changes.

I agree now Xikar all the way. My oldest Xikar I have had since before they made lighters. Way back when they were a knife company.

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Did you try going back to the place of purchase? They should replace it free of charge as far as I know.

It was through Cigar Mony... Which is gone now.

[icehog3]

I'll still use my original Palios as my go to, but I'm unlikely to buy another. :(

[Zane]

I went through this exercise with them months ago. I returned 2 palio cutters in June 2015. Let's just say I didn't get anything back until May 2016. And I had to pay for them to "inspect them" And they 100% sent me back the new "Chinese" version of the cutters. While I haven't had issues with the new cutters it's still frustrating.

[drjammer]

I'll still use my original Palios as my go to, but I'm unlikely to buy another. :(

I'm with you Tom!

[markem]

I stocked up while Marc still had the company. They should last me 3-4 lifetimes.

[T.G]

Since my Palio (an original A&C model) was a gift from Slim, I've taken to carying the Moretti Profile cutter (http://www.cigarsinternational.com/cutters/75656/moretti-profile-guillotine-cutter/)when I fly for fear that I might lose the palio.

I've found them to be quite comparable, not as sturdy, but about the same size, they work the same and the ones I bought have very good / sharp edges. I also have a Xikar Xi8 which is also good and operates on the same principle, but is kind of bulky.

[Tio Gato]

I just wanted to update my review from December. I brought one of the imported Palios to the Saratoga Race Track for a week. We cut about a dozen cigars. Now the two blades are heavily dinged up and jagged.:sl Get a Xikar.:2

[Doctorossi]

I'll still use my original Palios as my go to, but I'm unlikely to buy another. :(

Sadly, this is the way forward for me, too.

[Alpedhuez55]

I just won a Palio Cutter with the Kentucky Fire Cured on Cigar Bid for $7 last night. I have used the American ones before but never owned them. My Zikar started to stick. I was going to send it back, but ended up losing it. The palio will probably be a back up.

I ended up getting a Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter Large Ring in stainless steel a few months back. It is solid, heavy and takes just a sliver off the foot.

http://cigarobsession.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/170408ccp80002-Edit.jpg

[Buckeye Jack]

It is solid, heavy and takes just a sliver off the foot.

Never needed to cut a foot of a cigar...Shaggy's and closed foot cigars I usually just light and let it correct themselves.

I assume you mean head though ;)

[hikari]

Wow I love my palio's
Think I got mine before their official release. Ie pre-order/Kickstarter

Wow shocking to think they're made in china now. Mine is still holding strong.

[markem]

I talk to Marc Aub frequently. He isn't sad about selling the company.

[hikari]

So pretty much what you guys are saying is that "Quality Importers" is a monopoly in the Cigar accessory industry.

What american made companies are left?

[Weelok]

So pretty much what you guys are saying is that "Quality Importers" is a monopoly in the Cigar accessory industry.

What american made companies are left?

A few micro breweries hah

[The Poet]

Tom's hoping Harley-Davidson will start making cutters, of at least 1000 cc.

[icehog3]

Tom's hoping Harley-Davidson will start making cutters, of at least 1000 cc.

1500 or go home! :D