Metrokane Houdini Lever-Style Corkscrew, Black

The only thing I can think of to improve this product would be some way to secure the two handles for storage. They tend to stick out quite a bit, which takes up a lot of space and since they are spring loaded, if you close them and put them in a drawer they spring out and make getting it out of the drawer a challenge. I solved the problem by simply using a rubber band, but someone clever enough to come up with such an innovative design should be able to solve such a trifling problem.


Corks come out in one piece---what more can you ask?   March 4, 2003
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I bought this as a gold box offer because I was tired of the old cork screws (the ones with the arms that you use to pull a cork). I've had to many cork failures with all the other types I've used.
This unit makes it easier to hit the middle of the cork every time. All you do is grab the top of the bottle is grip of the opener, and lift the arm. This drives the screw into the cork for you. Then you just push down on the same lever and the cork comes out---intact (every time for me). It sometimes requires a slight pull, but this is minor.
It also comes with a foil cutter, which works well also.


Simplicity for the Senior Citizen   September 24, 2002
 100 out of 119 found this review helpful

I am 76 years young, but have had a 6 by-pass open-heart surgery. My cardiologist has insisted that I drink red wine everyday, so you can imagine how many corks I have popped over 9 years.

I had massacred the corks until I tried "Corkpops" opener. You may or may not know that this opener has a long sharp needle on it that you hand insert into the center of the cork, push all the way down, then press the button that inserts gas into the bottle which then forces the cork out. This actually works fairly well, but I (we) feel that it is dangerous because of the sharp needle, and the 'not so good' eyesight at our age.

Tried to get our daughter and her son to use it and they said NO, that the gas ruined the taste of the wine, and also they might stick their finger with the needle.

Needless to say that when I got an unsolicited offer from Amazon.com to try (buy) the Metrokane Houdini Corkscrew I bought it immediately.

Couldn't be happier. Do not have to ever buy gas refills again.


Newer 2008 Models Much Improved: Great Opener!   June 27, 2008
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I was really surprised at all the negative or lukewarm reviews until I looked at the dates: these are mostly from 2002-2003, and the most recent one I saw was 2004. Half a decade later, the Houdini is MUCH improved. Mine is a champ, and opens every bottle flawlessly and quickly. I drink wine EVERY DAY, so it has to work continuously, and it does. While some five-year old reviews talk of wobblies or weak joints, this is no longer true. The 2008 Houdini is solid! It also now comes with it's own case (rubber handle retainer included), so you don't have to worry about storage issues. I'm a hard-core wine aficionado, and this is a superb opener. I can't think of any way they could improve it.


BEST corkscrew I've ever used!   November 6, 2006
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a well made corkscrew with a fantastic design. It is so easy to uncork a bottle of wine and only takes a little bit of strength...I no longer have to go searching for my husband when I want to open a new bottle. The only drawback is that it doesn't fit in my utensil drawer so I've got it stashed away with my appliances.