Maintain Your Laguiole Corkscrew

Why Maintenance Is About Respect, Not Routine

Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrews are not disposable tools. They are handmade, single-lever instruments designed to last a lifetime — or more. Unlike mass-produced openers that require frequent upkeep or replacement, a Laguiole corkscrew asks for only one thing: care in how you handle and store it. Maintenance is not about polishing or disassembling. It’s about keeping your sommelier as pristine and reliable as the day it arrived.

Daily Use: Keep It Clean, Keep It Simple

After each use, the only thing your Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrew really needs is a soft cloth. Wipe down the stainless steel components — especially the lever and the foil cutter — to remove fingerprints, moisture, or any trace of wine. This prevents oxidation over time and keeps the satin or mirror finish looking crisp and refined.

Do not use abrasive sponges, cleaning sprays, or polishes. These are unnecessary and may damage the surface or engraving. The mechanical components are finely adjusted by hand and don’t need lubrication or dismantling.

Water and Wine: What to Avoid

Your corkscrew is resistant, not invincible. Avoid leaving it in contact with standing water or wet countertops for extended periods. If wine or moisture gets on the worm or handle during use, simply wipe it off with a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Never place your Laguiole corkscrew in the dishwasher or submerge it in water. This can affect the internal tension of the spring and compromise the finish of the materials. Like any fine cutlery, it is meant to be wiped — not washed.

Store It Right: An Etui Is Better Than a Drawer

One of the best ways to preserve your Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrew is to store it in a dedicated leather sheath. This protects the worm and the lever from scratches, dust, and sudden shocks. It also prevents friction with other metal objects that may be stored nearby.

We offer a range of protective leather cases specifically designed to fit your Laguiole sommelier. Whether for travel, home storage, or gifting, an etui elevates both the object and the experience of using it.

If you do not use an etui, store your corkscrew in its original box or in a dry, padded space. Avoid placing it loosely in a drawer where the worm or blade may be damaged over time.

Materials That Age Well — If You Let Them

Laguiole en Aubrac sommeliers are made from carefully selected natural materials: olivewood, juniper, horn, or stabilized burls. These do not require varnish or sealants. Instead, they are polished and finished by hand, allowing the natural surface to breathe and evolve over time.

Wood and horn do not need oils or waxes. In fact, adding substances may clog or alter the natural patina. Simply handling the sommelier with clean, dry hands and wiping it after use is enough to maintain its organic beauty.

Stainless steel mitres and levers, whether brushed or polished, are designed to resist time. They may develop micro-scratches or a soft patina with years of use — this is not a defect, but a mark of authenticity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not store your corkscrew in a damp kitchen drawer.
Do not use household cleaners or chemical sprays.
Do not polish brass (Laguiole en Aubrac sommeliers are not made of brass anyway).
Never try to sharpen the worm — it is forged to precise tolerances.
Avoid twisting or forcing the lever beyond its natural range.

How Often Should You Clean It?

There is no strict schedule. Simply wiping your Laguiole corkscrew after each use is enough. If it is stored properly and used respectfully, it will not need deep maintenance — only attention and appreciation.

If you use your sommelier daily in a professional context, a quick wipe after each service and a monthly check for residue on the foil cutter blade is sufficient.

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Why Maintenance Reflects Your Values

To maintain a Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrew is not just about preserving steel and wood. It’s a gesture of respect — toward the artisan who shaped it, the tradition it represents, and the moments it helps create. This tool was not produced on an assembly line. It was made by a single hand, over hours of focused work, to become a lasting companion in your enjoyment of wine.

Choosing to care for it — gently, regularly, and consciously — means affirming your values: appreciation of craftsmanship, simplicity over excess, and the beauty of lasting things.

What to Do If You Haven’t Used It for a While

If your Laguiole corkscrew has been stored for several weeks or months, take a moment before using it again:

Open it gently and inspect the lever and worm for dust or residue.
Wipe the entire tool with a clean, dry cloth — especially around the hinge and cutter.
If the mechanism feels stiff, do not force it. Use gentle movements or contact our support team.

This quick routine will ensure your corkscrew is ready to serve again, flawlessly and beautifully — just as it was designed to.

Engraved Corkscrews: How to Preserve the Inscription

If your Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrew includes a laser-engraved name, date, or dedication, it deserves the same care as the rest of the tool. The engraving is discreet but permanent — yet like all fine markings, it can be dulled by abrasion or neglect.

To protect the inscription:

Never rub it with anything abrasive (sponges, paper towels, brushes).
Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean around it.
Store it in a sheath to avoid friction or scratching in drawers or bags.

Handled with care, the engraving will remain crisp — a timeless reminder of the moment it celebrates.

Conclusion: Savoir-Faire That Requires Almost Nothing

A Laguiole en Aubrac corkscrew is a tool of balance, elegance, and simplicity. It was not designed to be pampered, but to be used — again and again — with care. Its maintenance echoes its philosophy: thoughtful design, timeless materials, and gestures that respect both the object and the wine it serves.

→ Looking for the best way to protect your sommelier? Explore our leather cases — essential companions to your handcrafted corkscrew.