The boot lever locks up straight during insertion. With the sprial fully inserted into the cork, the first step extracts about 7/8" of the cork. Press the boot lever in and the second lever pulls the rest of the cork straight out. The secret is in the "crescent" in the handle that keeps the spring-loaded floating axis in a vertical position. Extendable four wheel "FOILKUT" system foil cutter. Nickel plated spiral. Compact 5-1/4" long.