I, too, had tried many plastic versions over the years and been unhappy with them. So my husband blew the big bucks for the Bron for a gift, and I'm quite happy with it. I found the guard clumsy to use, so just use a dish towel to protect my hands. I tried to buy a mesh glove for the purpose, but the company I ordered it from sent me a (much more expensive) knife sharpener instead. Checked the invoice, yes, it said mesh protective glove! So, you don't think I was about to pay return postage? Husband got a new knife sharpener, passed his old one to a friend who needed it, and maybe I'll get around to ordering the glove again some day!
I like the weight and stability of the Bron over the plastic versions, especially when dealing with tough vegetables (sweet potatoes, winter squash).