Waiter's Corkscrew

A waiter's corkscrew is the folding wine opener most bartenders and servers carry: a worm (the spiral), a small knife for cutting foil, and a hinged lever that rests on the bottle lip. This one is sold under the Esplanda name. The listing gives no material, finish or dimensions, so check the product itself for those. Expect the standard layout, with all three parts folding into the handle like a pocketknife. The design is popular because the hinged lever does the hard part of the work. Cut the foil just under the lip of the bottle, then center the worm's tip on the cork and turn it in until only one turn of the spiral is still showing. Rest the lever on the rim and pull straight up with steady pressure. Once the cork is partway out, ease it free by hand so it doesn't pop. Many models have a two-step lever for long corks. If this one does, use the first notch to start the pull and the second to finish it. Check the product for that feature. A waiter's corkscrew suits still-wine corks, including older bottles where a gentle pull matters. A worm that stays centered is the best protection against crumbled cork. If the cork breaks, re-insert the worm at a slight angle and lift slowly. It is not made for synthetic stoppers that grip tightly, and it won't open crown-cap bottles. The knife blade is built for foil only, so use a cutting board for anything else. For storage, keep it closed in a drawer, a bar kit or a jacket pocket. Wipe the worm dry after use so it doesn't pick up residue from the cork. It makes a practical, low-cost companion to a bottle of wine as a gift.