Xikar Pro Tip - find a really crappy looking one on ebay if you can. People won't bid much for it - but Xikar has a forever guarantee. Take to any dealer and they'll attempt to "fix" it. I got the Xi2 Carbon Fiber for I think $30 shipped, it was pretty mangled, on way to bend it back so that the springs etc would work anymore. Received a brand new one right on the spot.

As far as types/competitors go, I started with the Palio and Xikar x2, my buddy got the CC Perfect Cut - His perfect cut works as it should, but isn't the best cutter of the three. People love Palio, but I never really use it. The Xi2 was my go-to and still is if I need to completely slice a cigar off at any point, but since getting the XV V-Cutter it's been the only thing I reach for, every time.