Rick's picnic corkscrew broke on first try

oops.

Did you have to open that lovely bottle by cracking its head on the kerb?

Or did you have to find another on a Sunday in Paris?

Oh no! They should let you return that for a refund.

Speaking of shoddy RS goods, my little red Classic Toiletries Kit has ripped at a seam after 4 weeks of use. QC is a good thing, Mr. Steves.

I recently purchased a Convertible Carry On to review and it is the first bag I've ever had that allows light to shine through. When I held it up to the window, the light came through the fabric. And I mean directly through.

Compare that to the original RS Back Door bag from nearly 25 years ago and the difference is amazing. They should go back to making bags the way they used to. That bag got me hooked on light travel.

I also recently reviewed the RS Rolling Backpack. I gave it a favorable review for the size and price but the first one I received had a loose extendable handle. (I will give RS customer service kudos and they sent a replacement even before I asked for one.)

Kent, my hotel has a siimlar type of corkscrew in their rooms and I broke it the first time opening a bottle of wine as well.

RS has changed manufacturers for some of its items and I wonder if that has something to do with the problems?

My RS corkscrew was confiscated in Amsterdam a couple of years ago. The corkscrew was the main reason I bought the set.

On the other hand, I have had a Civita day bag for close to ten years.

My experience with the Civita bag is the same as Zoe's.

NIgel,
I was able to get the broken corkscrew out with my Leatherman pliers (item hat use be checked baggage). I would have broken the neck if I had to.

Kent,

If you're without a Corkscrew in future and you're drinking Champagne, you could perhaps borrow a Sword from Invalides and open bottles the way they do in France.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye28n_aJspA

Ken, that wastes so much product....

I always knew that Leatherman wold come in handy since I first saw it mentioned on here years ago.

Nigel,

I've also found the Leatherman to be a valuable tool to have on hand. Some of the Swiss Army Knives come equipped with a Corskcrew, so those would work well also.