How to Use a Waiter's Corkscrew (And Why It's the Only Opener You'll Ever Need)

The Tool Every Wine Lover Should Own

Walk into any good restaurant and watch the sommelier open a bottle. Chances are, they're using a waiter's corkscrew — also called a waiter's friend or sommelier knife. It's compact, reliable, and once you learn the technique, faster than any other opener on the market.

If you've been relying on a winged corkscrew or electric opener, this guide will show you exactly what you're missing — and how easy the switch really is.

What Is a Waiter's Corkscrew?

A waiter's corkscrew is a multi-tool that folds into a pocket-sized package. It typically includes:

• A worm (the spiral metal screw)
• A lever arm (sometimes two-stage) that braces against the bottle lip
• A foil cutter for removing the capsule

Quality models like the Professional Waiters Friend from Eltsen & Co use a two-stage lever for a smooth, controlled pull — far less likely to crumble old or fragile corks.

Step-by-Step: How to Open a Bottle

Step 1 — Cut the foil

Open the foil cutter and run it around the lip of the bottle just below the rim. Remove the foil cap to expose the cork cleanly. A clean cut looks much more professional than a torn foil.

Step 2 — Position the worm

Unfold the worm and place the tip at the centre of the cork. Apply light downward pressure and begin twisting clockwise. Keep the worm straight — if it goes in at an angle, the cork can break.

Step 3 — Insert to depth

Turn until only one spiral of the worm remains visible above the cork. Going all the way through risks piercing the bottom and pushing fragments into the wine.

Step 4 — Lever and lift (two-stage)

Place the first notch of the lever on the bottle lip. Pull the handle upward to lift the cork partway out. Switch to the second notch and pull again until the cork is almost free.

Step 5 — Finish by hand

Grip the cork and gently twist and pull the last centimetre by hand. This avoids the loud 'pop' that can disturb a dinner table — and looks impressively smooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Angling the worm — always keep it perfectly centred and vertical.
• Not going deep enough — a shallow insertion causes the cork to crumble under leverage.
• Skipping the foil cut — ragged foil can contaminate the wine as you pour.
• Rushing the lever — slow and steady prevents cork breakage, especially in older bottles.

Why It Beats Other Openers

Electric openers are convenient but bulky and battery-dependent. Winged corkscrews look approachable but generate a corkscrew angle that frequently breaks corks. The waiter's friend, used correctly, gives you complete control with a tool that fits in your pocket and lasts years.

Ready to make the switch? The Professional Waiters Friend is our bestselling opener — built to professional bar standards and compact enough for home use. Pair it with our full range of wine accessories for everything you need at the table.