This thing is great! I've tried several mandolines--from the top-of-the-line unit to an inexpensive, but highly rated V-slicer, and another handheld. I sent the former back, gave the V-slicer away and the handheld broke. None of them served my purpose. All the blade changing and/or adjusting with the stationary mandolines was awkward and a lot of trouble considering I wasn't cooking for a restaurant--I just wanted to make salads for one or two, or a variety of other things, but usually in rather small quantities. This slicer is perfect. Now I can slice a leek, a carrot and part of a cucumber directly onto my salad in seconds. I can slice beets or other veggies very quickly and conveniently directly into the pot. The large knob on the bottom of this unit turns easily to create the desired slice thickness and a quick swish and rinse leaves it clean for the next time. I get high-end mandoline quality slices from the super sharp blade, but without all the set up and clean up time. This unit is sturdy and reliable. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Between this and my Alligator dicer, my fruit and vegetable ingredients look professionally prepared and are done in a flash.
Update 9/5/09
This useful tool has been great for helping process summer bounty, most especially with getting the kernels off corncobs so they can be frozen. I've tried other products for that, but they are not satisfactory, where this tool allows me to run the cob down against the blade and in a few passes, all the kernels are in the bowl. I can do several ears in only a few minutes. I use one of those 'Kevlar' gloves to make sure I don't cut myself and it works great. Microplane 34007 Cut Resistant Glove
