Review: Xikar Cutters

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

MODELS REVIEWED: Xi Black, Xi2 Noir Black, Xi3 Zebrawood.

BACKGROUND: I have used Xikar cutters for several years now and have tried all different models. The current review will look at three representatives of the Xi, Xi2 and the Xi3 lines. Both the Xi and Xi2 used in this review were nearly new and had not cut more than a few cigars prior to the review, just enough to get them warmed up. The Xi3 was about a year old and had cut many a cigar, but has been maintained meticulously.

FORM AND FUNCTION: All Xikar cutters have the same distinctive teardrop shaped, ergonomic design. Most first-time users are a little taken aback when first handling these cutters. However, it’s an easy adjustment and in no time, one can adapt to the differences in design between the Xikar and traditional guillotine cutters.

All models have a spring-loaded, double-guillotine blade that will open to a full 54 ring gauge. The Xikar website claims that the cutter will “cut a 54 ring gauge cigar in half.” I can vouch for that. I promptly found a 54 ring gauge cigar that I was willing to sacrifice (in the name of science, of course) and used all three cutters to slice and dice that poor beast. True enough, all three cutters sliced through the cigar, several times each, in fact, without a hitch. I have to say the Xi aluminum had the best cut and the best action, in my opinion. The age of the Xi3 was probably responsible for the difference in cut, but the action has never been as solid or as precise-feeling as the Xi.

Both the Xi and the Xi3 possess the same HRC55 Stainless Steel blades, while the Xi2 has a Solingen (Germany) stainless blade. The ability of the cutter blades to hold a sharp edge is related to the hardness of the blade. Hardness, defined as resistance to penetration, is a measurable quantity. HRC refers to a particular hardness scale (Rockwell C scale), based on an instrument that presses a diamond stylus with a specific force into the material being tested. Most stainless knives are between 56 and 58 HRC. The blade on cigar cutters is a bit softer than a knife blade since it will be cutting cigars not wood, rope, plastic, etc. However, this means the edge-holding characteristics are limited. Fortunately for the Xikar customer, Xikar offers a lifetime guarantee on the blade sharpness. If you ever want your blade sharpened, just return your cutter to Xikar and they will sharpen and return it to you.

The handle materials vary across product lines. The Xi2 cutters, which are the least expensive, have a nylon fiberglass composite exterior that comes in various colors. This is also the lightest of the cutter lineup, weighing in at a svelte 1.4 ounces. I would choose this cutter as a “knock around.” The composite construction means that it should hold up to some abuse and can be tossed in a glove box, golf bag or picnic basket (what’s a picnic without cigars… and ants?), without worry of excessive damage to the exterior.

The Xi body is made of aluminum, also in a variety of colors, and has a modern, industrial look with visible body screws. I happen to like the precision feel of the cutting action on the Xi2 cutters, and their lightness (1.8 ounces). This is a slick-looking and good performing cutter.

The Xi3 has a stainless steel body and is outfitted with a variety of exotic wood handles including, Redwood, Beachwood and Zebrawood. There is also a Tech Rubber model with rubberized handles and a bead-blasted stainless finish, and a “Spectra” model that has a colorful Titanium Nitride finish. The Zebrawood model that I reviewed was the heaviest of all the models reviewed, tipping the scales at 2.2 ounces. The Xi3 models are expensive, but unique, in that they offer some rare and exotic materials for handles. (If you really want to drop down some cash on a cutter, take a look at the Fossil Mammoth Bark Ivory handles on the Xi3 “MI”.) Nevertheless, the Zebrawood, as well as the other rare woods, make great showpieces at any herf (though I always bring a “duffer” cutter to loan out to others) and are the ultimate in “Pod factor” (a measure of “coolness”).

All the Xikar cutters reviewed were able to get the job done. The job of cleanly cutting stogies, that is. I have used all the cutters to cut cigars as small as a cigarillo and as large as a 62 ring gauge monster (albeit with a slightly tapered head). They all cut the cigars cleanly and evenly, however there is a technique that I find helpful in getting a clean cut on a cigar with a flat top. While cutting a tapered cigar (i.e., figurado shaped) is usually an easy task, cigar cutters will sometimes slide off the end of a cigar with a flatter cap, producing an uneven, angled cut, or worse, pulling off the cap completely. To prevent this occurrence, set the cutter on the cap at the place you want to make the cut, then press down on the cutter (like you are pushing it toward the foot of the cigar) while you make your cut with a quick, firm motion.

Customer service, or lack thereof, is always a consideration when purchasing products from a company. I purposely contacted customer service with requests to see how long the response time would be and to see how helpful the service agent would be. I contacted the company late on a Tuesday evening using their website contact form and received a reply the next day by noon. The customer service agent was helpful and thorough and offered to be of further assistance. Next, I called their customer support line and asked a question about their warranty and how to go about sending back cutters for repair. Again, the customer service rep was courteous, helpful and confirmed what their website had to say: they have a lifetime guarantee on the blades and they will sharpen and return immediately. Kudos for Xikar customer service.

With a little care, the Xikar cutters should last a lifetime. You can clean your cutter with a clean, soft cloth. The blade mechanism can be lubricated with a light oil (I use sewing machine oil, same as on my knives, but Xikar recommends a “graphite lubricant.”) and cigar buildup and other crud can be cleaned off the blades with rubbing alcohol. Xikar manufactures good-looking, quality cutters, with models for every price point and use. Xikar customer support is above average and their lifetime guarantee is admirable. Stogie Fresh Gold Star Rating.

[DISCLAIMER EDIT: NO, I am not on the Xikar payroll, nor was I given free or discounted products, nor compensated in any way...]

[The owners are my parents though..... NO, just kidding. BruHaaaa Haaa]

[TypeO-]

Dr. Fresh,

This is a very nice, detailed review. I have an Xi, Xi3, and a Xi2 (from Cohiba gift box). I've been impressed with them thus far.

I was impressed with their lifetime warranty. As you stated, they will sharpen the blade for you at any time. You just have to pay to send the cutter to them.

Additionally, if you register your cutter on Xikar's web site, they'll send you a leather case free of charge.

[Shaggy17sc]

Great detailed reviews on the Xikars. I started out with a Xi2. it broke about two days after i got it. Im sure the Xi2 biting the dust was nothing but a fluke, and it was handled very quickly and efficently. Because of that, and because I did not like the lighter materials used. (the Xi2 felt "cheap" to me) i contacted customer service to see what i could do to get a different one.
Customer service at Xikar is great. Period. The first email i sent was responded to in about 15-30 min. every email since was also handled very quickly.
In the end I ended up with a Xi3 spectra. Its a little more pink than i thought it would be, but im happy with it. it cuts clean, and i really like the heavier feel to it. Its always seemed to me that the heavier something is, the better it is. (just my opinion, very well could be wrong)

Just wanted to put my in and agree with your statements about Xikars. They are a great cutter, that (at least with the warranty) last forever.

[illuminatus]

Nice review Doc! I'm lovin the Xi2 I got from my secret santa.. so much better than using cheap freebies that tear caps... Also, as an aside. Even though the blades appear to retract completely into the body when open, it is NOT, I repeat, NOT advisable to put your finger through the hole, and then spin the cutter around your finger. The blades are so sharp that I didn't even feel it, until I looked down and realized I'd cut a nice ring right around my middle finger... I won't live that one down for awhile...

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by TypeO-

Additionally, if you register your cutter on Xikar's web site, they'll send you a leather case free of charge.

THanks for the info. I have an Xi2 that I like so far. It makes a nice cut. I will have to register it for the case now!!!

[Shaggy17sc]

Originally Posted by illuminatus

Nice review Doc! I'm lovin the Xi2 I got from my secret santa.. so much better than using cheap freebies that tear caps... Also, as an aside. Even though the blades appear to retract completely into the body when open, it is NOT, I repeat, NOT advisable to put your finger through the hole, and then spin the cutter around your finger. The blades are so sharp that I didn't even feel it, until I looked down and realized I'd cut a nice ring right around my middle finger... I won't live that one down for awhile...

I know this is one of those cases where i should just keep my mouth shut, point and laugh, and be done with it...but...........
I did that with my old double bladed cutter shortly after i got it. I have thankfully learned my lesson, and have not gotten blood all over my nice new Xikar.

[Mindflux]

I just registered my Xikar, thanks for the info on the leather sheath.

[Warhorse545]

I have a Xi2 that so far as done quite well for me. I also like the fact that this company started in a garage and grew bigger. Tells me the product works




Stacey

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by TypeO-

Additionally, if you register your cutter on Xikar's web site, they'll send you a leather case free of charge.

Yes, good point. I did register my products and received the sheath. Very nice. Thanks for the reminder.

Doc

[SilverBullet]

Very nice review, I should be recieving my first Xi2 from the devil site. It is comming with 3 Graycliffs so I am looking forward to this shipment!

[Dogwatch Dale]

I've used a Xi2 two to five times a day for over a year now and it still cuts clean and is solid as a rock. Great products!

Thanks Doc for the excellent review!

[VoteKinky06]

I got one of the Cohiba Xi2s and i love it, but the plastic seems kind of loose, i think ill have to upgrade..

[Herbie]

Wow, this is a great review! Thanks for all of the details and effort, such as testing the customer service!

I've had the Xi2 for about a year now and I really like it. Like you said, the body of this model will take more abuse and that's what I liked about it. When I first got mine, one side stuck a bit when opening, but never caused a problem when cutting. It eventually went away and I'm guessing that one blade was catching on the plastic body and just wore a "path" through until it no longer stuck.

Also, a great tip on the "sliding off" problem. I have had that happen on occasion with larger ring-guage cigars. I'll give that a try next time I have a big cigar.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by Shaggy17sc

Im sure the Xi2 biting the dust was nothing but a fluke, and it was handled very quickly and efficently. Because of that, and because I did not like the lighter materials used. (the Xi2 felt "cheap" to me) i contacted customer service to see what i could do to get a different one. ... i really like the heavier feel to it. Its always seemed to me that the heavier something is, the better it is. (just my opinion, very well could be wrong)

In most cases I agree with you. I like things to have a "heft" about them. Whether cigars, lighters, or cutters, I normally like a solid feel and construction. And, don't get me wrong, I love my Xi3, it has performed faithfully and I use it often. However, there is something about the "action" on the Xi that is so... "technically perfect." It opens and shuts with so much precision.

Originally Posted by Shaggy17sc

Customer service at Xikar is great. Period. The first email i sent was responded to in about 15-30 min. every email since was also handled very quickly. Just wanted to put my in and agree with your statements about Xikars. They are a great cutter, that (at least with the warranty) last forever.

Great testimonial for the customer service. I really do think that good customer service, though not able to make up for a bad product, can shore up our faith in good products and make us lifetime users.

Doc

[MikeP]

Originally Posted by illuminatus

Nice review Doc! I'm lovin the Xi2 I got from my secret santa.. so much better than using cheap freebies that tear caps... Also, as an aside. Even though the blades appear to retract completely into the body when open, it is NOT, I repeat, NOT advisable to put your finger through the hole, and then spin the cutter around your finger. The blades are so sharp that I didn't even feel it, until I looked down and realized I'd cut a nice ring right around my middle finger... I won't live that one down for awhile...

That's a positive endorsement if I've every heard one:

Xikar - sharp enough to perform circumcisions. Call the mohel.