Sunday, March 25 2007
Need a good cigar cutter? What's that? Your cigar has a 54 ring? No problem. How about a handy tool to open the
box first? I've got that, too. And how about that bottle of beer you're going to have with your cigar? Not a twist-off, huh? Guess you'll need a bottle opener, too. Here you go. What's that? Oh, these are my new cigar scissors.
True! Everything described above and more is possible with the XiKAR's new MTX series cigar scissors. These compact, collapsible cigar scissors are to cigar smokers what Army knives are to campers.
XiKAR has built its rep on making one of, if not, the best cigar cutters in the business with their Xi11, Xi12 and Xi13 models, and the MTX scissors have all the same fine cutting qualities as their sharp-looking cousins.
By and large, cigar scissors aren't that popular with many cigar smokers for several reasons: They take some getting used to; few are portable; many aren't all that sharp; and it's much simpler to just snip or punch your cigar. But there's something about holding the cigar at just the right angle, studying the cap, and shearing it off in a perfect circle that makes the "experience" of prepping your cigar a little more baronial.
The MTX features XiKAR's signature, ultra-hard stainless blades for added power and precision. According to XiKAR National Sales Manager, Belinda Doyle, "The new MTX now cuts cigars up to a 54 ring, the blades are much sharper, and the finger holes are bigger."
The MTX does a lot more than just cut cigars, too. Cleverly placed in the sides of the finger holes you'll find four handy little tools. There's a tool for slicing through the country of origin seal and prying open the box. There's also a tool to help dig out the little nail that many factories use to seal their cigar boxes. Additionally, there's a tiny bottle opener that doubles as a screwdriver. By looking at it you might think it wouldn't hold up under the pressure, but the steel is so hard, it flips off bottle caps as easily as Kyle Korver chucks free-throws. Another neat tool that also has a dual purpose is the built-in cigar poker. You can use it to loosen up a tobacco plug, or if you'd rather not clip your cigar, you can use it as a cigar piercer.
One nice little added convenience is that the MTX's key ring comes already attached. On the previous model, you had to attach the key ring yourself.
And here's the coolest part of all. When the MTX folds up to its 2¼-inch size, it's also similar in shape to the original, XiKAR classic teardrop cutter. Moreover, the MTX weighs exactly one ounce, so it adds very little excess weight to your keychain or pocket.
XiKAR MTX scissors are available in black, gold, chrome and bead blast. Like all XiKAR products, they also come with a 100% replacement or repair guarantee. Suggested retail price is $39.95, but if you shop around, you should find them for less depending on where you buy your cigar accessories. £
~ Gary Korb
For more information on XiKAR products, visit Xikar.com.
