Over time I seem to have built up quite a collection of cutters. Random thoughts;
- Xikar teardrop cutter. Got one of the Titanium versions, pretty colors. Great blades, used regularly.
- Palio cutter. One of the "wood" cutters, really made from some type of epoxy material. Great blades, it and the Xikar are the most used cutters I have. My Palio is one of the "OG" cutters, had it and the Xikar a very long time.
- Xikar punch. Very sharp, very nice. I've had a couple rough draws with it, but I can't blame the punch. It's sharp, cuts very well.
- Colibri V-cutter. Very sharp, cuts great. My only complaint is that it takes a helluva 'bite' out of the end of the cigar. With island smokes, it tends to cut right through the triple cap, which then come off while smoking. Not desirable but not a reflection on the cutter quality....just the cut geometry.
- Xikar V-cutter. Much shallower cut, very nice. More useful than the Colibri with most smokes. One man's opinion.
- Victorinox cigar knife. Three punches, cool little scissors perfect for slipping under a label and making a cut, and a razor sharp single blade. Oh, and a nail file...;-) Really like this tool.
Common to all is that over time, cigar oils will build up on the blade and make them seem 'dull'. Guess what....they aren't dull. A few wipes with an alcohol wipe clean the blades nicely, and you're back in business.
The Xikar is amazing for "score and lift" cuts, the Palio seems to excel at a straight, flat cut. Sorta. Both are solid tools. I could live with either.
Have fun - B.B.S.