Ok so the Xikar vs Palio debate has raged on and one and is far from resolution there will always be both sides of the fence but invariably when one asks for a cutter recommendation they get either one of these.

Now cigar punches are less utilized it seems but lately I have found myself using my punch more and more, but here is my regret/issue/consternation over the hole thing (notice the nice use of pun).

The one I have is an Xikar 008 and while the design and construction is great I find I have to spend too much time fussing with it to get a good cut, if it was sharper a simple twist and light push would surely do.

I have looked online and nothing jumps out at me.

Punches are great for short filler smokes and in general I have been finding I prefer a punch or a sharp knife to a cutter.

So gents help me out, what is the best punch out there and how do I find it?

Or, why doesn't Palio make a punch?
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I got mine from Holts.....spring loaded, rubber grip, one piece!:-)
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I know what you mean. I have also found myself enjoying the punch more and more. I also have a 008 and it was great at first. Now it seems like it is not so sharp. I will monitor this thread.

One thing I did hear but haven't tried is to get a cone shaped Dremel tool and lightly work it on the inside of the punch to sharpen it.
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I use the cheapies you can pick up at a B&M for a few bucks. When it gets dull, I toss it and get an other one. :-)
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Ive been using the one on my Xikar lighter and it works great.
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I use the one on the bottom of Vector lighter and it has been trouble free so far...
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This is the one that I have and use.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/wolfmagcut.html a plastic shell with 2 sizes of cutters, one on each end. I paid $16 buy for $30 you can get the same thing with a metal shell.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/womagcufme.html

Here is an example of what it can do with a larger RG, in this case a 52rg

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I don't always punch but when I do this is the one I use.
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I use the punch attached to my cheapo lighter....it's money - works everytime! :-)
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tzaddi that's the coolest punch I have ever seen.
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I don't own one, but for the price, it better cut steel and stay sharp. :-)

LINK.

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Pretty impressive!

I use a cheap one that hangs on my keychain... yours looks MUCH nicer. :-)


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I'd say... and make love to me after it punched my cigar!!!
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I got a two pack of these -

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/lot.cfm?lotID=713285

Working A-OK! :-)
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I've been happy with the punch selection (3 sizes) on my Victorinox Cigar Knife. It's a nice looking knife too. Got mine at Amazon.
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I've got one that cost me about 9 bucks, it works every time. But since some of you have a Xikar, maybe somebody could look into whether or not they have a lifetime warranty.
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This, I think, is the absolute best punch made - Dottatus Solingen.

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This punch has two sizes - simply twist the barrel to bring out the size that you want. Looks two different colors in the photo - but it's not true - just the lighting, flash or some deal.

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Not sure where you would buy one - I've had this one forever it seems (10 to 12 years at least, I honestly can't remember) - and I know it ran me well over $100 at the time.

As you can see from the residue around it - it's had it's fair share of use over the years.


Ron
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Use this blade, cut a circle. Bigger cigar, bigger circle. Torp, cut a V. You can sharpen it easily. I've never had a punch worth beans.


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RGD that's cool looking.
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I have the Xikar, and like it. I've only had it for a few months, though. Previously, I used some cheapies from JR that I would pick up on occasion, and they were great, too. When they got dull, they went in the trash.

I have been punching more and more lately. Any robusto gets a punch.
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Seems I just cant get what I want.

Perhaps I am too spoiled, hmmm my brother is a cnc lathe operator, maybe its time to get a custom one. Not that he would do it.

Is there such a thing as a conical honing stone that i can use to sharpen it, a simple grind wheel would make a mess of it I would think?
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