This simple and innovative device is not only affordable (when compared to the one Rieger sells for $1200), but is the best one I have come across in all my years. With the cane fully soaked, it easily cuts 5 evenly spaced cuts into you cane prior to forming. Each score is also cut to a consistent depth . The latter is the biggest issue when scoring by hand....not all scored lines are of the same depth, and thus, when forming, the cane will yield to the score that is the deepest. This can then create in an asymmetrical tube...especially near the collar/top wire.....or worse, can crack along that score line. The final result is a tip opening that is not symmetrical either.