Ah So bottle opener

[Russ K]

Hey everyone, I got an "Ah So" style opener from my wife, but it leaves very deep marks on the cork and often leaves quite a bit of particulate behind. The brand is San Bri, which by research seems to be well regarded at least historically. When many of you refer to an Ah So opener, what brand / maker are you using? I would like to get one that many say does not damage the cork at all.
thanks in advance,

[Andy Velebil]

Any Ah-So will damage the sides of an older cork. No real way around that based on the design. Newer corks it often doesn't do any real damage, though you don't need an Ah-So for new corks. The better built ones have teflon coated prongs which help a little in reducing some damage. There is the famous, and a tad pricey, German Ah-So but I've forgotten the name. That one works very good but will still cause side damage to the hull

[Eric Menchen]

Peter Meek, I believe, suggests sharpening the prongs for better results. But even that I don't think will prevent at least some damage from happening. I've used the Ah So for some corks that a normal screw would have destroyed, and accept that it is still going to do some damage.

[Russ K]

thanks gents, I always assumed by reading reviews that it did very little damage, it does have to grip to something though, when I have used it on old corks it has done very well indeed to get them out at least somewhat whole. I guess I need to practice piercing it down the sides of the cork with less writing on them...

[Thomas V]

What about the Durand?

I have been thinking about buying this one. Seems to be a bit like the Ah-So.

https://thedurand.com/

[Andy Velebil]

What about the Durand?

I have been thinking about buying this one. Seems to be a bit like the Ah-So.

https://thedurand.com/

The Durand rocks and what I use to open all older wines and Ports.

[Eric Menchen]

I recently bought a Durand and am happy with it. If you think you would like to use it, buy one. But the Durand is an investment, whereas a reasonable Ah So can be found for about $5.