Quality Importers Trading Co. has announced four new colorways for the popular XIKAR Xi Series. They feature the artistic skulls that are rooted in a deep tradition in Mexico.
The XIKAR Xi2 Dia de Muertos Series features four different variations of the skulls, each inspired by a different region of Mexico. Día de (los) Muertos, Spanish for the day of the dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on Nov. 1-2, honoring those who have passed. During the holiday, many will decorate altars to honor specific people.
Skulls play a special role, with sugar candy skulls being a common treat for kids. The skull symbol was popularized by the early 20th century printmaker, José Guadalupe Posada.
Functionally, the cutters are the same as existing XIKAR Xi cutters. A pull-down button opens the spring-loaded two blades from the teardrop body. Unlike a traditional double guillotine cutter, the XIKAR Xi series uses curved handles. The cutter is rated to cut cigars up to 60-ring gauge, though a 54-ring gauge cigar can fit through the body.
The four models are, in order of appearance above:
- XIKAR Xi2 Huichol — Per Quality Importers: In the mountainous region of Sierra Madre Occidental in western and central Mexico, Huichol artisans developed a
style using wooden or clay skulls covered in beeswax, then tightly pressed vibrantly-colored beads one-by-one onto the surface creating a striking effect of color and patterns, often including imagery of fire, corn, and the sun. - XIKAR Xi2 Alfeñique — Per Quality Importers: The states of Mexico and Puebla are well known for their sugar paste confections (alfeñique) which are molded into
skulls and other shapes for Dia de Muertos. The style includes bright, neon-like colored icing in applied swirls, detailed patterns and miniature marigolds. - XIKAR Xi2 Guerrero — Per Quality Importers: In the state of Guerrero, artisans make skulls of clay or carved wood with a stark black or white surface upon which
they hand paint intricate folk-art. The designs often depict rural Mexican life detailed with images of birds, jaguars, harvests and traditional dances. - XIKAR Xi2 Cartonería — Per Quality Importers: In the state of Guanajuato, traditional paiper-mǎché (cartonería) skulls are made from paper and flour paste (engrudo). These festive and expressive designs often feature native flowers and patterns in bright colors such as pinks, teals and yellows.
Each is priced at $59.99.
The cutters will go on sale at the company’s QI Spotlight Trade Show, which takes place Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the company’s headquarters in Weston, Fla.
This is a retailers-only trade show that Quality Importers last hosted in 2024.
In addition to Quality Importers and its large portfolio of accessory brands, CLE Cigar Co., Davidoff, Drew Estate, Espinosa Premium Cigars, Ellorian Leaf Library, Gran Habano, La Aurora, La Pistolina, West Tampa Tobacco Co. and Villiger will be in attendance.
“We created and timed the event specifically to give retailers in Florida and the southeast a chance save and stock up for the holidays, all while having fun seeing old friends and making new ones.” says Marilyn Florez-Giordano, president of Quality Importers, in a press release. “Not all retailers attend the major national trade shows, so QI Spotlight is a way to bring the show closer to home.”
Overall Score
Quality Importers Spotlight Trade Show and Festival 2026
Quality Importers Trading Co.
XIKAR
XIKAR Xi2
XIKAR Xi2 Alfeñique
XIKAR Xi2 Cartonería
XIKAR Xi2 Dia de Muertos Series
XIKAR Xi2 Guerrero
XIKAR Xi2 Huichol
