I have had a couple punch cutters, but they normally cut well a couple times and then they get dull. They are often not very well made, and just sort of clumsy. I do like the idea and that type of cut, but never found a cutter that did what I wanted.

When I was in Ft. Wayne near the end of January, that changed. I found a black version of the Xikar 009 punch cutter. This is a serious piece of machinery with a blade that extends when you pull the body apart and then retracts with a sharp snap, back into the body when you close it. This is a way cool punch. And, it has some seriously nice weight to it. The blade is sharp, and looks like it might stay that way. So, I bought it.

I got a few nice cuts from it, loving the way the blade retracts into the body, when a plug from the head of cigar stayed in the blade and it wouldn't retract. I tried closing it and nothing. I pulled the plug out of the blade and went to close it and it snapped back into the body slick as a whistle. Whew, I dodged one there.

Well, it happened a second time.

Then a third time.

I e-mailed Xikar and a nice lady responded with a postage paid label to affix to a package to mail my cutter to them, asking me to include a note which stated the problem. I sent it out on March 2.

Today I got a brand spanking new black Xikar 009 cutter from Xikar. Friends, that's 7 total days from here to there and back again. I don't care what you say, that's seriously quick.

And, I went and cut a few cigars. A couple pulled a serious plug out of the head. None of them kept the blad from retracting back into the body of the cutter.

What was the cost for this first class, medal of honor, above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty customer service? Nada! Zip! Zilch! Nothing!

A big pat on the back to the good folks at Xikar. I have an cutter from Xikar that has served me well since I picked it up almost two years ago. Never had to deal with customer service in regard to it because it works perfectly. But, it is nice to know that if I ever need it, I will be treated like royalty.

Thanks Xikar!

Peace of the Lord be with you.
[Reply]

By the way, did I say how cool this cutter is? The way you extend the blade and then when you close it, the blade "snaps" back into the body? There are no parts to remove, it is a one-piece cutter.

This is way cool!
[Reply]

Nice!

You'll have to bring it along to a herf so I can give it a whirl :-)
[Reply]

I agree with ya Rev, my sole cutter I use now is the 009. I really like it a great deal and for the like $18 bucks off cigarmonster it's a bargin and a half. I'm waiting till they have it up there again and I'll look to snap up a few more.

I also agree about the customer service, they replaced my Xi and fixed a lighter I had. Pretty quick turnaround time too.
[Reply]

I have a multi-tool and one of the XI???? cutters and both weren't working right. This was months ago. I finally got around to sending them in. In about a week I also got two brand spanking in the box cutters in the mail. Simple as that. I wish I had sent them in sooner. Xikar really took great care of me.
[Reply]

+1 on outstanding customer service and excellent products.
[Reply]

I am not much of a Punch user, but have had great experiences with Xikar's customer service.
[Reply]

i need to pick one of these up, ive never used a punch but have been wanting to try.
[Reply]

Well luckily for you there is a group buy going on right now for these :-)
[Reply]

huh? what does that mean? enlighten me, sir.
[Reply]

He might not be able to see it yet
[Reply]