Today, we review the Xikar Xi-120 Perfect Cut from Quality Importers Trading Company. The device is an extension of the Xikar Xi1 cutter line. The Perfect Cut features a closed-back design that produces a smooth cut across the cap of your cigar every time without any guesswork. Each unit features an aluminum body and stainless steel blades. Abe Dababneh of Smoke Inn inspired the idea. Closed-back cutters are common, but they have not been integrated into Xikar’s signature Xi design until now.

Xikar Xi-120 Perfect Cut – Accessory Review

Quality Importers offers four finishes for the Xi-120 Perfect Cut. We are assessing the model with the blue finish.

• Black
• Blue
• Red
• Stainless Steel

Through its Swag Bunker, Quality Importers can customize and personalize the Xi-120 Perfect Cut. We have seen this done already for projects such as the Tatuaje Anarchy NFT  and My Father/Tatuaje La Union. The Xi-120 Perfect Cut works on cigars up to a 60-ring gauge, but Quality Importers is also adding a Xikar Xi-80 Perfect Cut that will work on cigars up to an 80-ring gauge. In addition, there are plans to add a Perfect Cut extension to the Xikar Xi2 (fiberglass version).

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 1.75 x 3 x 0.25 inches
• Weight: 2.90 ounces
• Finish: Blue
• Body: Aluminum
• Blades: Stainless Steel
• Price: $84.00/SRP
  
• Backed by Xikar’s Limited Lifetime Warranty

APPEARANCE

The Xikar Xi-120 Perfect Cut is a teardrop-shaped double guillotine cutter. The center of the cutter has a large aperture through which the standard steel blades can be seen. Just below the aperture is a trigger button. From the front view of this cutter, you would not know the difference between the Perfect Cut and the standard Xikar Xi cutter. The blue color is rich and metallic.

 

OPERATION

To use the Perfect Cut, squeeze the trigger button to open the aperture. This opens up the blades of the cutter. From that point, the cigar is positioned so that the head of the cigar rests in the aperture up against the closed back. While firmly holding the cigar in one hand as it rests in the cutter, use your other hand to squeeze the sides of the cutter. This will push the blades back into the cigar and cut the cap off.

The closed back limits the amount that can be cut. I estimated the amount cut to be about 1/8″to 1/10″inch. Once you are done with the cut, you will need to open the aperture again to remove the actual tobacco that was cut off.

EVALUATION

The Xi-120 Perfect Cut works and delivers an excellent cut. Here are some considerations when it comes to the unit and its usage:

1. When positioning the cigar, you need to make sure it is inside the aperture firmly resting against the closed back, but you don’t want it too firm. If you don’t hold it pressed firmly, you won’t get enough of the cap removed, and if you push too hard, you could damage the cigar.
2. Each time you cut a cigar, you must open the cutter twice—once to execute the cut and once to remove the tobacco.
3. You will need to remove the tobacco. Sometimes, when the cap does not come off clean, some loose and stray tobacco could get caught inside the aperture.
4. For the novice, the Perfect Cut is practically foolproof. It is worth noting that the person demonstrating in the video had almost no experience cutting cigars but was effectively cutting cigars within minutes.
5. A more experienced cigar enthusiast could easily use this cutter but might prefer to use a Xikar Xi1/2/3 cutter for more precision.
6. The Perfect Cut works best on Parejos. Figurados and other tapered cigars can also be cut with the Perfect Cut, but it requires several sequences of the two-step process of cutting the cigar and removing the tobacco.
7. As with the standard Xikar Xi1/2/3 cutter, it is important to keep the blades clean.
8. When closing the blades to cut, be careful not to have your skin pinched in the area where the sides close.
9. I recommend keeping the cutter inside a sleeve when not in use, particularly if you have it in your pocket. The surface seems prone to scratching.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Quality Importers has done an excellent job bringing the closed-back cutter concept to its signature line. This cigar has all the quality of the Xikar Xi line, and it works pretty much as advertised. It’s a cutter I would definitely say is a must-buy for the novice cigar enthusiast and a nice to have for the experienced cigar enthusiast.

Photo/Video Credits: Cigar Coop

Source: Purchased