Metrokane Houdini Vertical Corkscrew
$19.99 + $5 shipping
CONDITION: New
PRODUCT: 1 Vertical Houdini Corkscrew
COLOR: Black, Red, Silver

Website

I seriously thought I was going to get to be like Tosh for once in my life and have a "FIRST" moment. Stupid security code!!!

Current numbers (updated each minute)
First sucker: devzero
Speed to first woot: 1m 42.330s
Last wooter to woot: clcaruthers

Didn't buy during last Woot!-off and promised myself to buy it this time. In for one!

Are these corkscrews or high heeled shoes? Their "stylin"

Really? I thought all the cork trees were dead by now, and we'd have nothing but screwtops coming down the bike... ;-)

I got one of these a few weeks ago and just love it. It's much simpler to use than the regular rabbit or corkscrew, and takes less effort both to open the bottle and get the cork off. I paid more than 19.99. :-/

Seriously though, it's basically a Rabbit corkscrew, which is a good thing. I rarely use any of my other corkscrews since getting the rabbit.

$36 on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Metrokane-Vertical-Houdini-Corkscrew-Black/dp/B0041HPP9O

Reviews are mixed.

This sure as hell doesn't look like a Corison offer... goodnight

If this works with "all bottle sizes," does that include double magnums and other large-format bottles?

Nuuuuu, need Woot Cellars! I AM NOT YET SUFFICIENTLY WOOTED OFF.

Had one from C*stco but ended up returning it and getting a traditional rabbit. The problem with this one is that the "handles" are plastic and don't grip the bottle very tightly. There also wasn't as much leverage on the cork.

All in all, I felt it would likely break if I kept using it (we're a bottle a week family).

My immediate temptation is to be in for three, since I like to try every wine gadget (and keep some around to use as gifts). From both the Woot comments so far and the (very limited) Amazon reviews, though, people seem to either love it or think it's a cheap piece of junk. Anyone want to persuade me one way or the other? Is this really much flimsier than a normal Rabbit, or are some folks just using it wrong?

Thanks for your thoughts!

I'm right there with khunjeff: My instincts are to buy this, but I too noticed that people seem to either love it or hate it. I don't drink but would like to get this to give as a present, at least in part because it looks so cool. Well designed tools that really work are wonderful things. I'd love to be persuaded to grab one of these.

It worked ok, but was too unwieldy to store in a silverware drawer. I have a small kitchen with minimal cabinet space so that was a problem.

Give me a good ol' double-hinge any day.

specsmachine wrote:It worked ok, but was too unwieldy to store in a silverware drawer. I have a small kitchen with minimal cabinet space so that was a problem.

Off-topic: Did not know you created this shirt--it was so awesome I bought two! Do you have any other designs up now?

YouTube of the Houdini Vertical in action:

Overall, kind of meh. I'll stick with what I have.

For everyone complaining I have this to say; Woot was built on impulse buying and faith based purchases. I highly doubt Woot! would knowingly offer a POS .I've never been dissatisfied with a purchase. With that being said, it's cheaper than a Rabbit and works like a charm for a lot cheaper.

To someone who doesn't know stuff about engineering, materials sciences, etc; yes it may feel flimsy, but that doen't meant you'll break it if used properly. High density polymers (plastics in this case) are very rigid and structurally sound if engineered and implemented properly. If it makes you feel any better, a certain defense company (lets just say they hit the jackpot) uses plastic parts for certain in flight operations in multi million $$ joint strike fighters, and these things pull 8+ G's easily without the bat of an eye. Do we hear about fighter jets dropping like flies in the news constantly?

My point is that if you don't abuse products built like this past, lets say 120% of their maximum operating load, it WILL NOT break (unless you're a Stale Candy). Use common sense people. We are all, at least I hope, mature adults.

The complaining has increased exponentially to the point its annoying, but do what you signed up on Woot to do, BUY IT and enjoy it cause it's an awesome deal when you click that ridiculously large gold button!

I had serious issues with the metrokane rabbit that I had. The cheap plastic parts failed, and when the one part failed while a bottle was being opened, the cork screw itself smashed my friend's finger. For that alone I avoid metrokane.

thank god the woot off is over, now I can go back to work.

Is there a real difference between this "vertical" style and the standard metrokane houdini rabbit style corkscrew? I'm looking to get a nice one for someone as a gift but I've seen the regular style ones in two or three different stores now in the same lucite box, with the foil cutter, for $20. And if I buy it in a store I don't have to pay shipping.

What I'm saying here is, convince me to buy this.

When used properly, this corkscrew won't break; it'll open your wine and everyone is happy. I've seen folks use a rabbit corkscrew like they were either wrestling a pig or changing a tire on a moving vehicle. They usually ended up with cork in the bottle, a pinched finger or two and broken corkscrew. It's just not that hard, folks.

Wait, how is this different than the "Jack rabbit" that was offered a few weeks ago?

clcaruthers wrote:My point is that if you don't abuse products built like this past, lets say 120% of their maximum operating load, it WILL NOT break (unless you're a Stale Candy). Use common sense people. We are all, at least I hope, mature adults.

I agree with you; but here's where you failed. Common sense is not so common (especially with regards to science). Stereotypes are hard to break ("plastic is flimsy", regardless of how new materials are tested to withstand so much more than ever before). And the last two words killed it.

For some, the shoe method of opening a wine bottle is the only way that "works" because it looks macho.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuGfjtBffiE

If people would just please READ the manual that comes with the Metrokanes, Rabbit or this, they should have no problem opening any bottle with ease.

I have also seen people "wrestling" with these tools, while I walked up, took over, and with no effort at all took care of business... They complained, too, and wondered how I did that. And when I asked, "didn't you read that one-page instruction?" the answer was always no. User error, don't blame Metrokane.

The words RTFM should be posted conspicuously on all packaging before any one opens it.

clcaruthers wrote: The complaining has increased exponentially to the point its annoying, but do what you signed up on Woot to do, BUY IT and enjoy it cause it's an awesome deal when you click that ridiculously large gold button!

Now THAT is a convincing argument! In for three.

tonycyndy wrote:I've seen folks use a rabbit corkscrew like they were either wrestling a pig or changing a tire on a moving vehicle. It's just not that hard, folks.

lll0228 wrote:I have also seen people "wrestling" with these tools, while I walked up, took over, and with no effort at all took care of business... They complained, too, and wondered how I did that.

Same here. I've given lever corkscrews as gifts to friends, and they refuse to grasp the concept that you have to pull the handle all the way in each direction -- they try to do it 3/4 of the way, and then say that it's impossibly complicated. When I remove the cork in (literally) three seconds, they look at me as if I have weird voodoo powers.

Thanks to all for the excellent feedback!

How is it even possible to have a Woot off without a singe Woot Cellers offering? Epic Fail!

I bought one during the last offering and love it. First of all, I'm a wimp. I'm also a short wimp. Meaning that most kitchen counters or other surfaces are too high for me to get really good leverage to do a lot of pushing or pulling without risking flying bottles and the resultant sobbing over spilt wine. My prior method of opening a bottle involved the cheap, handy and generally reliable waiter's key. However, again with the leverage problem. A stubborn cork and I'm looking around for sympathetic burly men (in short supply when I don't have company) or a lower, steady surface on which to risk the flying bottles. With this opener, it's an effortless process. Pull down, lift up and eject cork. Done. Takes a ton less leverage. Less cork tearing too. This thing accurately aims for the middle of the cork, while my mad waiter key skillz often led to my drilling an off-center diagonal through the cork and shredding it. I'm uber pleased with my purchase!

I do completely understand that this thing takes up more room than a lot of openers. I have a teeny kitchen with just about zero storage room, so every addition needs to be justified. I keep mine on the top of the refrigerator in between a couple of small kitchen appliances I can't fit on the counter or in a cabinet. It's sorta sleek and sexy looking, so I don't mind it sitting out. It gets plenty of use, so it's handy to have it easily accessible. YMMV, but it works for me!

lzboy wrote:$36 on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Metrokane-Vertical-Houdini-Corkscrew-Black/dp/B0041HPP9O

Reviews are mixed.

So I had to lol a little bit when I went to amazon to read the mixed reviews.... Yep, they are mixed, but there are only two reviews haha.

I think I'm in for one

Follow up question, does this have a small plastic cap securing the actual corkscrew into the device?

On the rabbit a cap is screwed on above the corkscrew and the one I had did eventually fail. I am wondering if this is an improved design or not.

We have a Rabbit, which is fine, but I rarely use it. The tried and true, fits-in-your-pocket "waiter's" style corkscrew is simple to use, performs flawlessly ... and is usually free as a promo for some wine importer or other.

We do, however, like the pump and plugs that used to come bundled with Metrokane's Rabbit ...

Wow, am I behind the time. I still use a two prong opener. Should I switch to these new fangled cork screws?

Bought one of these over at Amazon.com a few months back; it broke after 3 months use. I'll pass.

Black, red, silver... decisions... decisions... decisions... Henry Ford was right!

To those of you who are wondering whether this is worth the money: I purchased one last time they were on Woot, and am back today to purchase 3 more as gifts! I love this gadget - I find it much easier to use than a traditional corkscrew.

ThunderThighs wrote:BUY 3! No decisions! One of each!

You lost us when you suggested we buy 3 Elvis posters.

ThunderThighs wrote:BUY 3! No decisions! One of each!

That's exactly what I did. I'm not crazy about the red one myself, but I know one of my friends will like it.