I don't have A Palio...But my Xikar ultra-thin with the carbon fiber...(They have 2 ultra thins...this is the one that looks more like your regular cutters out there....looks like their X8 cutter) And I can attest that the cheaper cutters DO NOT cut anywhere NEAR as cleanly and as easily as my Xikar. And I am a big fan of the Cuban Crafters and have several.So I use, and have used, many ranges in cutter costs.
Can I get a good clean cut from the cheapies....sure. But not with the consistency, and most importantly, the ease of the Xikar. And you know what...I don't want to hope for, or work the cutter to get the best cut. Some people try to make sure (with the pressure they use to cut) that they hold the blades as close together as possible...or manipulate the cuter in some way to get that good cut......I don't want to do that, and I don't want to keep having to go and buy a new cutter all the time (because the cheap one went dull before it's time) regardless of cost. I just want to make my cut and light the cigar....
FOR ME....it was some of the best money I have ever spent in this hobby.....and frankly THAT is the most important thing. If you aren't satisfied with the money you spent, if in the end you don't think it is worth it........then it was a bad buy....But for many (like me)...it is good money spent. And I get upset when I forget to put it into my pocket on the way to Cigar Nite at the Club because I have to use another cutter...LOL
I would LOVE to get and try a Palio. If I wasn't on a complete spending freeze for the next couple of months, I would be jumping on this as it is definitely the best price I have seen...even against CBid....you have to get really lucky to get the Palio in the $20- $30 range....