Le Creuset Premium Waiter's Corkscrew with Oak Wood Handle

Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Inspect the corkscrew to familiarize yourself with the folding mechanism, grooved spiral, foil cutter, and bottle opener. Open and close the mechanism several times to understand its operation. Note the sharp spiral tip requires careful handling. The natural oak handle may display unique grain patterns — this is normal and desirable in natural wood.

Preparing the bottle: Remove any foil or capsule covering the cork using the integrated foil cutter. Position the serrated blade under the capsule lip and rotate to cut around the circumference. Remove and discard the top portion of the capsule. Check the bottle neck and rim for chips or cracks — damaged bottles pose safety risks during opening. Wipe the cork top and rim clean if needed.

Opening technique: Place the bottle on a solid, level surface and hold firmly. Center the grooved spiral tip on the cork. Insert by rotating clockwise, keeping the corkscrew vertical to prevent cork breakage. The grooved design should cut into the cork smoothly — continue rotating until the spiral penetrates almost completely through (but not quite through to avoid cork fragments in wine). Position the fulcrum firmly against the bottle rim. Lift the handle smoothly — the one-step mechanism should extract the cork in a continuous motion without repositioning. For stubborn corks, apply steady pressure rather than jerking.

Safety during use: Always ensure the corkscrew is properly seated on the bottle neck before opening. Keep fingers clear of the sharp spiral tip. Never force the mechanism — if extraction is difficult, check that the spiral has penetrated sufficiently and the fulcrum is correctly positioned. Never point the corkscrew toward yourself or others during use.

Using the foil cutter and bottle opener: The serrated foil cutter blade removes capsules efficiently — practice on a few bottles to develop smooth technique. The crown cap lifter (bottle opener) hooks under bottle caps and levers upward to remove them, providing multi-functional utility beyond wine service.

Daily cleaning: Wipe the corkscrew with a damp cloth after each use, removing any wine residue from the grooved spiral. For the oak handle, use only a slightly damp cloth — avoid excessive water exposure that can damage wood. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately after cleaning, paying particular attention to the wood handle. Take care when cleaning around the sharp spiral tip to avoid injury.

Deep cleaning: Occasionally clean more thoroughly with warm soapy water, but minimize water contact with the oak handle. Use a small brush or cloth to clean between the grooves of the spiral where wine residue accumulates. Rinse briefly and dry immediately and completely. Never put the corkscrew in the dishwasher — harsh detergents and high heat will damage the wood handle and potentially the mechanism.

Maintaining the oak handle: Oak develops natural patina with use, which many consider desirable. Keep the handle dry between uses and avoid prolonged water exposure. If the wood appears particularly dry, occasionally apply a tiny amount of food-safe mineral oil on a cloth, wipe the handle, then buff with a clean dry cloth. This maintenance is needed infrequently — perhaps once or twice yearly at most. Over-oiling can darken the wood or create a sticky surface.

Storage: Store in a dry place, ideally in a drawer or on a bar cart where it's protected from impacts and moisture. Ensure complete dryness before storing to prevent any wood damage. The compact folding design allows easy storage in kitchen drawers, bar areas, or pockets. Store out of reach of children due to the sharp spiral tip.

What to avoid: Never put in the dishwasher. Don't soak in water or leave wet for extended periods. Avoid dropping or impacts that could damage the mechanism or crack the wood. Don't use excessive force when opening bottles — proper technique requires less force. Don't leave outdoors or in humid environments that could damage the oak handle. Avoid exposing the handle to extreme temperature changes.

If the mechanism becomes stiff: The folding hinge may occasionally need lubrication if it becomes difficult to operate. Apply a tiny drop of food-safe mineral oil to the hinge point, work the mechanism open and closed several times to distribute, then wipe away excess. This should rarely be necessary with normal use.

Natural wood variations: Oak is a natural material, so grain patterns, color variations, and small natural markings are normal and make each corkscrew unique. These variations don't affect functionality and are considered desirable characteristics of premium wood products. The wood may gradually darken or lighten slightly with age and exposure to light — this is normal aging of natural wood.