I'm looking into getting a Palio cutter for myself and was wondering if anyone has any problems with the finish of the burlwood Palio. I know its a faux finish, but will it wear off, chip, or scratch? I know they fully warranty their products, but I don't want to have to replace it for cosmetic reasons. If I pay the extra money for the burlwood finish I want it to be worth the extra cost over a cheaper model.

Thanks in advance for any input :-)
[Reply]

Have had mine for almost two years and no issues at all. It is one of the older, "thinner" versions. I have seen and used the newer, "thicker" Burlwood and maybe it is just me, but the new Palios don't cut anything like the older versions. Made me try out a Xikar X8 ($ 24.99) and I have been using it nonstop for almost 6 months. Plus it cuts a 64 ring gauge stick.

If you can find you the older Burlwood...grab it. I just wouldn't waste your coin on the newer ones. And to boot...the newer version looks more like "paneling" that it does burlwood. :-)
[Reply]

I've had mine for a few years now and have had no issues with the finish, the one I had previous had a track issue but I turned it in for the one I have now. The warranty is great you just hand it in and they give you a new one.
[Reply]

I respectfully disagree Mac. I have one of the new ones, and one of the old. The old is still hella sharp, but the new one is like a razor.

I just found my old Xikar (its been buried for 2.5 years since I purchased my Palio) and used it a couple times just to test it. Not only do the blades stick, but the cut is $hitty. Xikar cuts in a way that it always leaves a "lip" on the cut, or cuts it kinda bi-level.

Brian, take the plunge on the Palio. Ive never seen a finish chip or flake on any models Ive seen, but they have a lifetime guarantee.
[Reply]

I have one of the first burls made of the new design. It's been a workhorse and maybe cuts 10-15 cigars a week since SoCal 2009. No issues with cut quality or finish.
[Reply]

It must be me then Moe. :-) And the fact that I have used Tbone's Palio...and he has broken five of them. :-) :-)

And while I agree with you on the Xikar leaving a "lip"...with the X1s/X3s. I have given two of these away because I was just not happy with the way they were cutting my sticks. The X8 is a completely different cutter than the X1s/X3s, more along the design of a Palio and these cut with precision. I have been pleasantly surprised by the X8, both the quality of cutter and the price.

Both Palio/Xikar carry a lifetime warranty so you can't go wrong with either. Just like with sticks...it all comes down to a personal preference.
[Reply]

I have a "burlwood" Palio that was gifted to me several years ago. The "burl" seems to be imbedded in the material they made the handles from. Never flaked, chipped, etc.

I read guys that say this, and it always interests me. I have the aforementioned Palio, but I also have a Xikar Xi3 Titanium Spectra. Mine is sharp as a razor....but I clean my cutters every month or so. Oils will build up on the blades and make the cutters appear to be dull. Alcohol wipes are the perfect tool to keep all your cutters working perfectly.

Which do I like better? They are both fine tools....with very different personalities. Got to admit I like the "heft" of the Xikar but the cut of the Palio is flawless. I have them both, and reach for them about 50 / 50.

My :-)....N.F.H.
[Reply]

I've also noticed the "lip" with my Xikar Xi2, and I really like the design of the Palio. I'll see if any of the local shops have any of the thinner versions laying around next time I stop in.
[Reply]

That's a technique flaw. If you push, slightly, through the cigar when cutting, no lip. The same thing will happen with Palios if you don't use proper technique.

With that said, I havn't used, or wanted to use my Xikar since I got the Palio.
[Reply]

You can't compare that Xikar to the new Xi8. The cut is outstanding and they can be had for around $18 shipped. I've had people that own a Palio ask how to get one after trying mine.

The Xi8 does look cheaper than the Palio, but the cut is better and the price is way better.
[Reply]

Opinions vary. :-)
[Reply]

I guess I meant the cut/sharpness. What one wants is up to them and obviously even the cut is just opinion. I think my statement above was worded a bit strong for my actual thoughts.

But, out of curiosity, have you tried the Xi8?
[Reply]

How the hell do you break one, let alone five?? :-):-)

I read over the Xikar model you were referring to. I have used one, and yes they cut nicely, and that carbon fiber is real purty, but I still prefer my Palio.

No need to search out the thinner ones, the new ones give an amazing cut, and have a nice heft in hand.

Greg, maybe its just a flaw on the older style Xikar (Xi, Xi2, etc), like I noted above, I missed the X8 part. Still, I never got a bad cut with my Palio.
[Reply]

I would have no room to talk if I hadn't.
[Reply]

That's why I asked, you had mentioned the Xi2 or 3 technique so wasn't sure. :-)
[Reply]

Me either. I think it's because it's a traditional styled cutter we have always been used to using as opposed to the Xi style.
[Reply]

Well I use THIS cutter and that freaking thing cuts the crap out of a cigar.
Now we return to the previously unjacked thread.
[Reply]

Image

But seriously, thanks for the input, I'm going to try to go fondle a few cutters this weekend
[Reply]