| So, what is a foil cutter? First we need to talk | | | | give access to the cork's top. It is critical that the |
| about the foil itself. The foil is a modern day | | | | corkscrew not be used to pierce through the foil |
| manifestation of the protective capsule that | | | | (though it is ok to pierce the top of a wax |
| covers the cork. Originally the capsules were | | | | covered cork), as this will dramatically dull the tip |
| made of lead and were a protective measure to | | | | of the screw and thus will decrease the ease with |
| prevent mice from chewing on the cork as well | | | | which it may be manipulated into the cork. |
| as protecting the cork form insect infestation. As | | | | Being that a foil cutter makes a clean edge- it is |
| time goes on- wax, metallic foil, and most | | | | safer for your hands, as it wont leave sharp torn |
| recently plastic capsules have replaced the toxic | | | | metal edges that can cut your fingers. |
| lead covering. For terms of this article when we | | | | What should you look for in a good foil cutter? |
| refer to 'foil' we are referencing the capsule | | | | - Comfortable ergonomic design- something that |
| covering the cork. | | | | fits nicely in your hand |
| Traditionally, some corkscrews come with a knife | | | | - Durable- usually strong plastic, stainless steel, and |
| built in to the handle casing or with a stand-alone | | | | even wood |
| knife that is used to cut away the capsule. A foil | | | | - Try to find one with 4 cutting wheels, as they |
| cutter serves the same purpose, however foil | | | | tend to cut better |
| cutters seem to be safer than a knife as there is | | | | - Some even come with a magnet to attach to |
| less risk of slipping a blade off the bottle and into | | | | refrigerator |
| a finger. | | | | - Most are only a few bucks so there really is on |
| There are a few different types of foil cutters, | | | | reason to be without one |
| but most work on the premise of having metal | | | | The range of foil cutters and combination |
| wheels built in to the cutter housing that act as | | | | packages is astounding. You can find just a plain |
| blades that remove the foil in a clean, easy way. | | | | foil cutter for a few dollars or you can buy |
| Just slip the cutter over the top of the bottle and | | | | extravagant sets for $200 and up! |
| give the tool a squeeze while twisting it about a | | | | For a nice ergonomic, inexpensive cutter you |
| half turn around the lip of the bottle. Presto! The | | | | might look at the Arch Foil Cutter from Vacu Vin. |
| top of the capsule pops right off a leaves a nice | | | | It is easy to operate and has a housing that is |
| clean edge. | | | | easy to grip. Or if you are looking for something |
| You can find a foil cutter as a stand-alone | | | | for a wine enthusiast, then you can look at the |
| accessory or in package combinations that include | | | | Costa Brava St. Germain Foil Cutter that has a |
| corkscrews and other things like bottle stoppers. | | | | natural wood housing and even has a magnet to |
| What is the importance of a foil cutter? | | | | stick to your wine refrigerator so you always |
| Having spent some time picking out a nice bottle | | | | know where it is. |
| of wine, and possibly spending a pretty penny on | | | | What next? |
| it in the process, you will surely want to serve | | | | Now that you know all about foil cutters and their |
| wine properly. A foil cutter provides a clean edge | | | | importance, go find one that you like and use it |
| so the foil doesn't get in the way of the pour and | | | | when you next open one of your favorite wines! |
| spill the wine. Not only does this prevent a mess, | | | | They make great gifts to bring along side a bottle |
| but it also keeps the wine's taste and bouquet | | | | of wine for party hosts or to add into gift |
| from being tainted from the foil. | | | | baskets for any occasion. |
| The cutter removes the foil cleanly in order to | | | | |