Corkscrew Review: Code 38 Pro
When I first saw the Code 38 corkscrew, I could tell it was something special, something built from the philosophy of “form follows function”. They look as much engineered as they do artistic. Being a corkscrew “power user,” I had to give one a whirl, and see if it performed up to the promise of the design.
I’ve been using the Code 38 Pro, which is the second tier model from the four tier lineup offered by Jeff Toering, the designer and builder of the Code 38. He hand assembles each of these from his home in Byron Bay, Australia. Like wine which I appreciate coming from and expressing a particular place and culture, so to I think it’s cool that the Code 38 springs from the mind and hands of one man. Bonus points for that!
From a design standpoint, the Code 38 Pro is gorgeous. The lines are clean, purposeful, and elegant, and the garnet blasted, PVD finished body feels great to touch and has a luxurious, satin sheen. I think it’s a rival to the most beautiful Forge de Lagioule corkscrews, which with their wood, horn, or acrylic side panel inserts have a more classical elegance compared to the modern, almost Teutonic aesthetic of the Code 38. Continuing the analogy, the Code 38 is the Porsche to Forge’s Ferrari!
In terms of performance, the Code 38 excels. First, the knife is a slightly curved, plain edge, which is great because it can be sharpened. Better yet, it can be extended quickly with one hand, which is something no other corkscrew I’m aware of (that’s currently available) can boast. It’s shape and handiness makes it a serviceable tool for cutting open wine boxes and the like.
I’ve pulled natural corks, agglomerates, and extruded synthetics (no molded ones, yet) so far, and the tool did the jobs efficiently and comfortably. The wide, stainless body is rigid and gently contoured; comfortable to torque on. The geometry is excellent, so the cork comes up straight and easily. It’s a single stage lever design, so you need to employ proper technique to maximize it, but with that, the pulls are powerful, fluid, and very quick. This model has a grooved helix.
The cap opener I have not used, but that it’s integrated into the body and has two, spaced tines that have curved tips to meet the contour of the cap suggests that it should be a quick, one-shot open, with no worries of the tines losing their purchase during the pry.
In all, I’ve gotta call this the finest corkscrew I’ve ever seen or used. It’s simply the best combination of style, quality, and performance that I’ve come across. Sure, their are plenty of tools to get corks out, but if you’re a sommelier or someone who needs a durable, handsome, and excellent performing portable corkscrew, this can’t be beat. If you appreciate those things, too, then the $245 asking price should be a no-brainer, as you can pay more for a corkscrew that delivers less. Definitely a Holy Grail for those into corkscrews!
http://www.code-38.com is the source.