Just dropped $300 on a new mandoline and I'm already bleeding

I bought a fancy stainless steel mandoline for about $300 after my old plastic one broke. I was slicing potatoes super thin for a gratin yesterday and, you know, got a bit too confident. I took a nice chunk off my thumb (the guard was right there, I just didn't use it). It's a great tool, but the cost of the tool plus the cost of bandages has me thinking. How do you all handle mandoline safety on a busy line? Do you just always use the guard, or is there a better trick?

4 comments

4 Comments

ben_lewis2mo ago

Ever think the guard is just for beginners? I used to skip it for speed, but a trip to urgent care changed my mind real fast. Now that plastic thing never leaves the slot.

susan_adams2mo ago

Been there, learned that lesson the hard way too.

davidkim2mo ago

That guard is a pain, but so are stitches. After your urgent care visit, did you find any way to make using the guard faster, or is it just a non-negotiable speed bump now?

michaelgrant12d ago

Has anyone tried timing how long it actually adds to prep? I tracked mine for a week and it only came out to about 30 extra seconds on average... but that felt like five minutes when I was in a rush. The real trick for me was keeping the guard right next to my toothbrush, not in a drawer or case. That little change cut down on fumbling around, and now I just pop it in without thinking. And hey, @susan_adams hit the nail on the head about learning lessons the hard way... we all get impatient sometimes but a few seconds of hassle beats hours in urgent care.