Xikar Blackout Gift Pack Review

3/10/2014

Item: Xikar Blackout Gift Pack
MSRP: $47.99
Price Paid: $34.95 via Famous Smoke Shop (Online)

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I was in the market for a good V-Cut cutter, as my Craftman’s Bench one I bought from BevMo was doing more harm than good, and had heard great things about Xikar. Then, one fateful October day, I stumbled upon a sale for the Xikar Blackout Gift Pack at Famous Smoke Shop’s online store. Included in the pack are a Xikar Flash Single Flame torch and a Xikar VX V-Cut cutter, both black in color.

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The Flash lighter is a basic single torch lighter. The casing is primarily plastic, but still has a resilient feel to it. I felt that the Xikar lifetime warranty would make up for any shortcomings the casing would have. The chamber, although not visible through any sort of window, seems to be quite large, as refills are few and far between. It does rattle when I shake it though. As if there is a small piece broken off somewhere within the fuel tank itself. It is great for small gauged cigars and touch ups, and at the price, one of the cheapest Xikar products around. One downfall is the location of the igniter, which is a press button on the side. It seems as though it could be accidentally pressed while in the pocket, which makes me nervous. After waiting a few weeks, the leather sleeve from Xikar came in the mail after I registered it online, and now that fear is moot.

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The VX, now also complemented by a leather sheath, is simply superb. I would have paid the $34.95 just for the cutter, so the Flash lighter is all bonus. The blade does not come to a point like its contemporaries. It is inverted, the outside edges making contact with the cigar first. This seems to be a game changer that I’m sure the Xikar engineers are proud of. The blade is razor sharp and can do multiple cuts on the same cigar without tearing at the cap – a useful feat when dealing with large gauge cigars. The back of the VX is also concaved, allowing for a make-shift cigar holder if need be. Unlike the Flash, the VX is entirely metal and weighty, something that gives me comfort for accessories. Weight is reliability.

This combo is highly recommended for even the retail price, and if you catch a sale on it, snag it before it’s too late.