Care & Use Instructions

Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Inspect the corkscrew to familiarize yourself with the folding mechanism, spiral, foil cutter, and bottle opener. Open and close the mechanism a few times to understand how it operates. The sharp spiral tip requires careful handling.

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 the top portion of the capsule. Inspect the bottle neck and rim for chips or cracks before proceeding — damaged bottles can be dangerous to open. Wipe the cork top and bottle rim clean if needed.

Opening technique: Hold the bottle firmly on a solid, level surface. Position the spiral tip at the center of the cork. Insert the spiral by rotating the corkscrew clockwise, keeping it vertical to prevent the cork from breaking. Continue rotating until the spiral penetrates almost completely through the cork (but not quite through to avoid cork fragments falling into wine). Position the fulcrum (lever arm) firmly against the bottle rim. Lift the handle smoothly — the one-step mechanism should extract the cork in a continuous motion. For stubborn corks, apply steady upward 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 spiral tip, which is sharp. Don't force the mechanism — if the cork won't extract smoothly, check that the spiral has penetrated sufficiently and that the fulcrum is positioned correctly against the bottle rim. Never point the corkscrew toward yourself or others.

Using the bottle opener: The crown cap lifter (bottle opener) is integrated into the design. Hook the lifter under the bottle cap edge and lever upward to remove crown caps from beer or soft drink bottles. This provides multi-functional utility beyond wine service.

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

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

Maintaining the wood handle: The black walnut handle develops natural patina with use. To maintain its appearance, keep it dry between uses and avoid prolonged water exposure. If the wood appears dry, you can occasionally apply a tiny amount of food-safe mineral oil on a cloth, wipe the handle, then buff with a clean dry cloth. This isn't necessary frequently — perhaps once or twice yearly if the wood appears particularly dry.

Storage: Store the corkscrew in a dry place, ideally in a drawer or on a bar cart where it's protected from impacts. Ensure it's completely dry before storing to prevent any moisture damage to the wood. The compact folding design allows easy storage in kitchen drawers, bar areas, or even pockets for portable use. 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 subjecting to impacts that could damage the mechanism or wood. Don't use excessive force when opening bottles — if the cork won't extract, check your technique rather than forcing. Don't leave the corkscrew outdoors or in humid environments that could damage the wood handle.

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