PSA clean your cutters

[Rhinoww]

I have had a Xikar v cutter for a while. It’s done yeoman duty. Getting a ton of work. Maybe 400 cuts between my use and guests since I got it. Maybe more. 
Lately it has been tearing the last part of the cut. I was thinking it might need to be sharpened. 
Nope. 
Upon taking a closer look there was residue on the blade and on the surface the V pushed against. 
I cleaned it w a q tip and alcohol. Back to an excellent crisp cut. 
Perhaps I’m late to the (duh) idea that cleaning a cutter will help it work better. But I’m betting I’m not the only one. 
so here is you public service announcement.  Quick. Cheap. Easy. Great ROI. 

[NSXCIGAR]

I had a Xikar classic for about 13 years. Thousands of cuts. The rivets were starting to loosen and I think the locking switch wasn't working so I sent it in to Xikar. They replaced it with a new unit for free. 

Xikar cutters do tend to accumulate gunk but I've also used rubbing alcohol and swabs and it's good to go. 

And as I pointed out they have a lifetime warranty. 

[Meklown]

I always try to make sure there isn't anything left on the blades after each cut

[Rhinoww]

I should have taken some pictures. The accumulated gunk wasn’t particularly noticeable on the blades except in the same spot on each side of the blade. To @Meklown point I always clear the cutter when done (open blow it out and close) but noticed a firm ridge of the gunk on the surface the cigar is pressed against. Not leaf, more like dirty oils. Lesson learned. 
And yes, cigars kept 65/65 in storage and 65/house conditioned temp when in the “upstairs humi”. I don’t think they have ever been too wet. 
For those using cutters and noticing some deteriorated cuts, I highly encourage a look at the surfaces and cleaning w rubbing alcohol. 

[Fuzz]

I just throw my Palio cutter in some hot water and dish soap. Leave it in for a few minutes, slide the cutter open and closed a few times under water, to clear the action. Rinse and then dry. If the action still feels a little stiff, use a little food grade oil lubricant. I've never needed it, though.

[CaptainQuintero]

*gives side eyes to that quad table cutter that's been sat on the table for 10 years without a clean"