XIKAR Xi1 vs XIKAR XO

[Connoisseur Kim]

For V-Cut, I decided to get Colibri V-Cut over XIKAR VX2 since Colibri V-Cut has better design, more positive reviews than XIKAR VX2. However, for straight cut, I'm thinking about getting XIKAR Xi1 or XO (or brand new Enso). Those who have Xi1 and XO, which one do you prefer?

[Lucass111]

I prefer the XO. You can't go wrong with either one though. I really like how the blades are synced together on the XO.

[Wookie]

I have both.  XO is mechanically cool but it is kinda thick, making it harder to see exactly how much you are cutting off.  The Xi1 is a classic...can't go wrong.

[Connoisseur Kim]

13 hours ago, Lucass111 said:

I prefer the XO. You can't go wrong with either one though. I really like how the blades are synced together on the XO.

 

12 hours ago, Wookie said:

I have both.  XO is mechanically cool but it is kinda thick, making it harder to see exactly how much you are cutting off.  The Xi1 is a classic...can't go wrong.

I agree that XO is thicker than Xi1 which makes it difficult to see cap of the cigar. I like the fact that Xi1 is thinner than XO which is +1 to me. These cutters are the best guillotine cutters of XIKAR but, I might consider wait until brand new Enso cutter being released in September.

Note. Enso is quite similar to XO but much thinner and using different mechanism according to XIKAR Instagram. I really like the design of Enso as well!

[targa88]

Everything is personal touch and opinion....

I would not purchase another Xikar product.

You can refer to my commentary

But I digress.

Furthermore, in discussion with Xikar reps - about an alternative to my aforementioned problems - they did not recommend the XO. There were comments about too many moving parts, higher repair ratios...

The Enso has not been released so who knows what that will be like.

Colibri does have the option of the SV-Cut ( which offers both "V" and "straight" cut.

[Connoisseur Kim]

24 minutes ago, targa88 said:

Everything is personal touch and opinion....

I would not purchase another Xikar product.

You can refer to my commentary

But I digress.

Furthermore, in discussion with Xikar reps - about an alternative to my aforementioned problems - they did not recommend the XO. There were comments about too many moving parts, higher repair ratios...

The Enso has not been released so who knows what that will be like.

Colibri does have the option of the SV-Cut ( which offers both "V" and "straight" cut.

Personally I don't like XO that much due to its thick design and too many moving parts (too $$$ as well). I might only buy Colibri V-Cut instead of having straight cuts (SV-Cut seems too $$$ and thick for my taste).

[Lotusguy]

Palio cutter is my favorite straight cutter.  less than $15 on Ebay and lifetime warranty. Xikar and Palio are owned by the same company. super thin blades for the sliver-est of cuts

Try getting warranty service from Palio or Xikar now that they are both owned by “Quality” Importers....

[BeerPimp]

I have a really old Xikar cutter which I think is the original version.   It is getting really dull and I will go through the process of sending it in for sharpening next week.   I bought a Palio to have as a second cutter will be interesting to see how well cuts when it gets here.

[Connoisseur Kim]

15 hours ago, Psiman said:

Palio cutter is my favorite straight cutter.  less than $15 on Ebay and lifetime warranty. Xikar and Palio are owned by the same company. super thin blades for the sliver-est of cuts

 

7 hours ago, Lotusguy said:

Try getting warranty service from Palio or Xikar now that they are both owned by “Quality” Importers....

 

5 hours ago, BeerPimp said:

I have a really old Xikar cutter which I think is the original version.   It is getting really dull and I will go through the process of sending it in for sharpening next week.   I bought a Palio to have as a second cutter will be interesting to see how well cuts when it gets here.

Hmmm, I might just go with Colibri V-Cut for cutting all cigars instead of having straight cuts, since Colibri V-Cut is cheaper and more reliable than recent XIKAR QC/Warranty (Palio has the same problem btw). Besides, I found that many folks praise Colibri V-Cut for working really well as reliable straight cut which is +1 for me.

[Connoisseur Kim]

1 hour ago, Psiman said:

I've heard nothing but bad things about Quality Importers since buying Xikar and Palio. I heard rumors of no more lifetime warranty on cutters after next year unless you have receipt before cut off date. I paid less than $12 for my Palio with free shipping for a cutter that retails for around $35. I bought the Forest Camo version and it's nicer than the older Palio but none are as nice as when they were made in Spain in the 90's. it almost seems like conflict of interest to own both companies but oh well. For what I paid it's a no brainer and the thing is nice. It is also a nice cigar rest. I'm not a Palio fanboy like so many have been but you can't fault the price. If I was a V-Cut guy I would be getting a Colibri because they seem to be the best from all that I've heard. I use my Swiss Army punch cutter or my Palio and that's it for what I need. I know Ken loves his Swiss Army punch cutter and I agree if you can believe someone agreeing with him. Super high quality as expected from Victorinox that is nothing but a classy company who sticks buy lifetime warranty for over a century.The scissors on it work great for Pyramides type cigars too.

Thanks! Many BOTL lament about the demise of XIKAR and Palio after being purchased by Quality Importers. I also found that Quality Importers have been notorious for bad QC and Warranty for long time.

The bad reviews of XIKAR and Palio make me to stick with Colibri V-Cut, which is the super reliable best V-Cut. The price of Colibri V-Cut on Amazon is cheaper compare to XIKAR Xi1 too. Thanks to our folks for recommending Colibri V-Cut to me (inspired from V-Cut users like JohnS)!

[Winoheel]

I’ve never looked back since starting with the Colibri V cut 6 months ago!


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[Connoisseur Kim]

3 hours ago, Winoheel said:

I’ve never looked back since starting with the Colibri V cut 6 months ago!

Thanks! It is time to buy Colibri V-Cut soon! ?

[pure_lunatic]

I have had excellent results from my Lotus Jaws. Used daily for 6 months now and it’s still as sharp and action as smooth as it was on day one. Can’t comment on warranty service but I think it’s worth checking out, for those moving on from Xikar and others under new ownership. 

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/lotus-jaws-cutter-review-a-cut-above-the-rest-18490

[BeerPimp]

Got my palio cutter and it is crazy sharp compared to my Xikar.   I have been reading about the CS/Warranty issues recently so it will be interesting to see how it goes but I am starting the warranty process for my Xikar cutter this week.  It is starting to crush cigars instead of cutting them.

[Connoisseur Kim]

12 hours ago, pure_lunatic said:

I have had excellent results from my Lotus Jaws. Used daily for 6 months now and it’s still as sharp and action as smooth as it was on day one. Can’t comment on warranty service but I think it’s worth checking out, for those moving on from Xikar and others under new ownership. 

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/lotus-jaws-cutter-review-a-cut-above-the-rest-18490

Thanks! I'll look into it!

3 hours ago, BeerPimp said:

Got my palio cutter and it is crazy sharp compared to my Xikar.   I have been reading about the CS/Warranty issues recently so it will be interesting to see how it goes but I am starting the warranty process for my Xikar cutter this week.  It is starting to crush cigars instead of cutting them.

Many BOTLs say Palio also went the same path of XIKAR after being purchased by Quality Importers. Please share XIKAR and Palio Warranty reports to us

[Connoisseur Kim]

2 hours ago, Psiman said:

Palio is a much thinner blade and better overall cutter. The good Xikars are the models that look like Palio’s and are also cigar rests. Palio can be had at better price 

Thanks! I didn't know that Palio has better blade than XIKAR! I don't know why many folks angry about Palio's QC and Warranty problem..

Those who have Palio and Lotus Jaws Cutter? Which one do you prefer?