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> the only one you'll ever need is a double-stepped waiters corkscrew > Everything in between, I really don't see the point. The point is some people have thi

> the only one you'll ever need is a double-stepped waiters corkscrew > Everything in between, I really don't see the point. The point is some people have things like arthritis or other challenges that benefit from greater mechanical advantage.

rodelrod 5y ago
That would be a good reason. None of the many people I've seen getting these for Christmas over the years had arthritis. What they did all have was a friend or relative with a social obligation to buy some crap for them and a zillion other people in a crowded mall on the 24th afternoon.
- kentonv 5y ago
  Well, the reason Oxo has been so successful is that it turns out that if you make things easier to hold and use, it is not only better for people with arthritis, but it turns out almost everyone else likes it better too. You may not need it, but why would you not prefer an easier grip, all else being equal? But I do agree this isn't a good gift item unless you specifically know the person needs a new corkscrew. I hate having redundant stuff.
  - convolvatron 5y ago
    i'm pretty certain that most of OXOs sales are due to the fact that many grocery stores just have one little section of kitchen tools and only carry that brand. they are ugly, not particularly ergonomic and age horribly.
marcosdumay 5y ago
Well, I'm yet to see any model that actually gives you greater mechanical leverage. But there are models that have a two-handed operation that doesn't require the tiny bit of skill the GP's one need to not break the cork.
- antiterra 5y ago
  > I'm yet to see any model that actually gives you greater mechanical leverage. By combining one or more longer levers with gearing/worm drive, many do exactly that. https://www.21geometry.com/corkscew-case-study https://www.21geometry.com/corkscew-case-study
- Symbiote 5y ago
  I used a lever-type corkscrew to open about 40 bottles of wine at a large party last year. It was really easy, although I can't remember it well enough to consider someone with arthritis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=476wTEKDOVc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=476wTEKDOVc (1 minute).

rodelrod 5y ago

That would be a good reason. None of the many people I've seen getting these for Christmas over the years had arthritis. What they did all have was a friend or relative with a social obligation to buy some crap for them and a zillion other people in a crowded mall on the 24th afternoon.

kentonv 5y ago
Well, the reason Oxo has been so successful is that it turns out that if you make things easier to hold and use, it is not only better for people with arthritis, but it turns out almost everyone else likes it better too. You may not need it, but why would you not prefer an easier grip, all else being equal? But I do agree this isn't a good gift item unless you specifically know the person needs a new corkscrew. I hate having redundant stuff.
- convolvatron 5y ago
  i'm pretty certain that most of OXOs sales are due to the fact that many grocery stores just have one little section of kitchen tools and only carry that brand. they are ugly, not particularly ergonomic and age horribly.

marcosdumay 5y ago

Well, I'm yet to see any model that actually gives you greater mechanical leverage. But there are models that have a two-handed operation that doesn't require the tiny bit of skill the GP's one need to not break the cork.

antiterra 5y ago
> I'm yet to see any model that actually gives you greater mechanical leverage. By combining one or more longer levers with gearing/worm drive, many do exactly that. https://www.21geometry.com/corkscew-case-study https://www.21geometry.com/corkscew-case-study
Symbiote 5y ago
I used a lever-type corkscrew to open about 40 bottles of wine at a large party last year. It was really easy, although I can't remember it well enough to consider someone with arthritis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=476wTEKDOVc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=476wTEKDOVc (1 minute).