Hey, that “thing” has served us faithfully for 20+ years and ripped through countless capsules. And yes, it can and it has been done on occasion. But the Campagnolo remains the corkscrew of choice.
Well, I was tempted but chickened out before the final click
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Nope. Inefficient. A sharp knife, not a toy knife, on edge straight up the neck, then peel it off.
Nope. It doesn’t have to be sharp, dull works as well, and minimizes risk of injury.
90+% capsules come off easily without cutting anything.
Too much effort to use the point. I slice right up the side. Works like a charm.
I just use the tip of the corkscrew to get a notch in the foil, then tear it off.
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Has Riedel come out with variety-specific corkscrews yet?
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Whatever random waiters corkscrew I pull from the drawer. Two step usually the best but there are some that have a lengthy top that make levering without the two step not too bad.
Which reminds me that every time I’ve borrowed someone’s Laguiole I’ve hated using it. They always seemed more designed for looks than utility. The arm is always too short and the worm seems to be set right in the middle of it turning the whole enterprise into work.
Durand of course for anything 15+ years old. I used to balk at the cost but if you are willing to buy expensive and old enough wine to take great care in storing and pouring, its a no brainer. Especially given the goofy money some are willing to spend on stems that break on the regular. Juggling an ah-so and waiters corkscrew to attempt the same effect is not fun.
For capsules, at home the foil kind just pull off. I used to do that but more I often I cut the top disk off now. I’ve done it so many times its no trouble. Pulling the cork thru the capsule just creates a mess you have to cut off anyway. It averages to less effort and time to just cut off the top. Those capsule cutters are nice. I use one if its handy.
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No, but have a selection for shorter or longer corks, nomacork, etc. Marketing is still working on screwcap removers. Vinolock is dead.
A double hinge waiter’s friend is the way to go. I think that’s what the Coutale is. I use the Barvivo and love it. Every 7th or 10th bottle I use the WestMark Monopol Screwpull just to stay in shape, muscle memory, should the need arrive. I have an electric and it’s worked great, I don’t like losing any visibility on what’s happening between the screw and the cork. And I’ve abandoned my collection of foil-cutters. Too much aluminum shavings for my taste. I don’t know what’s spinning off where and into what. Almost all bottles I cut the foil from the bottom and pull the whole dang thing off. I know, I know, “presentation!” Well, the wines present.
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I didn’t buy a Laguiole for the same reason. I tried it and didn’t like its action.
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This. And the amount of force you have to apply surprises. Putting the bottle on the floor and holding it with both feet while pulling is the only way where I can be sure that nothing is destroyed in the process.
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It ain’t true unless a picture is posted 
!