>I beg to differ completely. I happen to open some 4000 bottles a
>year, and my last Laguiole survived for five years. I have yet to
>see *any* other brand with such a performance.


If sheer survival was the only criterion, Michael, you and I would surely be
very highly rated!

I would agree that the Laguiole is built like a tank and will outlast most
cheaper corkscrews, but I thought that the question was which one works better,
not longer.

I find that the two step screws are much better for dodgy corks, as they are
less likely to tear them, working at a better angle.

And if you are worried about longevity, for the price of one Laguiole, you can
buy a case of the other sort and replace them when they become shop-worn.