XIKAR VX2 V-Cut

The XIKAR VX2 V-Cut, in Black, Gunmetal, Red and Bronze.

A V cut sinks a wedge into the cap instead of taking the head off. It opens a channel that exposes more filler without removing the cap ring, so the wrapper has nothing to unravel from, and it funnels the smoke across the middle of the tongue. The one caution is small ring gauges, where a deep V can cut past the shoulder.

The VX2 uses an inverted stainless steel blade that presses the cap inward as it cuts, so the cap does not split. Press both side buttons of the Secure-Lock and it springs open to a built in bowl that takes up to 64 ring gauge.

XIKAR backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, which is a real thing to weigh on a tool with moving parts.

One firm, fast motion. Sawing at the head or easing the blade through is what frays a wrapper. Commit to the cut.