Of all the tools and gadgets I have im the kitchen ( and those from the past that have made it to the trash or the kitchen gadget grave yard ( my basement), the mandoline is , by far, the tool that Injures me the most, no matter how carful I am. That being said, when used properly, it does a great job. I finally got a new one. , and as kind of a joke, aa person at work who I tell about my kitchen injuries, got me a pair of those kitchen safety gloves as a gift this year. Haven't used the new mandoline or gloves yet. To the mandolins defense, , I never use that safety push guard. I always bare hand it. never said I was the sharpest knife in the drawer ( but the mandoline's may be).