Xikar Desktop Humidor

[benjamin831]

Over the years, Xikar has established itself as a signature for both quality and value. Specializing in cutlery, it is the maker of the Xi line of guillotine cutters we know and love. The Kansas based company also features hand knives, cigar cases, lighters, and now humidors. Xikar has developed two different boxes for the discerning cigarist; one for the carry-on suitcase and the other for the office desk. And as a tradition, you would expect Xikar's humidors to be nothing less than solid quality.

You would be right.

The desktop humidor sports a very sleek design. The curvy sides, slanted edges, and polished hardware remind me of an old school roadster straight from a Dunhill poster. The rounded silver press-button compliments the matted finish beautifully. The whole thing is aesthetically astonishing! My only complaint is the tacky and rather comical Xikar logo emblazoned on the front.

Once you open the lid of this humidor, you will discover its party piece. Xikar has cleverly fused a desktop humidor with a dresser organizer, allowing you to store your Rolex along with your prized Habanos. The organizer is essentially a felt lined tray balanced on two ledges from the side of the humidor; creating a small cigar compartment underneath. The tray is trimmed with leather and sectioned into four areas of different sizes. The largest section fits your wallet, and the other three would fit a watch, lighter, and spare change. Two leather tabs are placed on either side of the tray, so it could be lifted out with little effort. Oh, and I forgot to mention that is interior is lined with spanish cedar.

One thing I really like about this humidor is its hinges. These stainless steel quadrant hinges have holes punched into them; giving it a retro sporty feel. As a person who is quite keen on aesthetical beauty, this humidor does not disappoint. However, I am rather ticked off by the joineries. As a Xikar product, I would expect them to be seamless. Sadly, that is not the case. Nevertheless, the humidor redeemed itself by its secure and tight seal.

The humidor comes with a short rectangular humidifier with a synthetic canvas that covers the openings.I think it is a great idea, since I don't like being reminded that my cigars are humidified by plant sponge. Unfortunately, the real problem with this seemingly perfect box is its storage capacity. With the organizer tray down, it can hold no more than ten 50 gauge cigars.

Fortunately for me, I have no use for another desktop humidor and no use for an organizer tray. This means what I have is a sleek wooden traveldor with a superb seal. With the tray tossed, I can store up to 25 cigars. The humidor also comes with a velvet bag that protects the beautiful box finish. Perfect.

Why not just buy the original travel humidor made by Xikar then? Well you see, the design of Xikar's leather traveldor is quite possibly flawed. Instead of using a box lid closure, the cigar compartment of the traveldor is sealed by a flappy piece of leather with a sheet of cedar over it. Even though Xikar claims that it will offer a tight seal, I surely have my doubts.

Both Xikar humidors come at a retail price of $79.99, though there are places where you can get them for less.

Pictures on:
http://theperfecto.blogspot.com/2006...umidor_23.html

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

An excellent review benjamin. Very detailed and helpful.

Doc

[akatora]

Very nice! The design reminds me of the Porsche humidor, although there just might be a "slight" cost difference between Xikar and Porsche

http://www.elighters.com/054100.html

[SUOrangeGuy]

Looks pretty great! I already have a desktop humidor that I love but I hope you enjoy.

[zamco17]

Thats a pretty sweet looking humi, thanks for the link

[n2advnture]

Awesome review bro!

I just signed up with Xikar and plan on carrying these beauties!

~Mark