amy974•23d ago

Bought a $12 mandoline after 8 years of knife cuts, mad at myself

I was that guy who swore mandolines were for people who can't handle a chef's knife. Then last month we got slammed on a Saturday and I had to slice 40 pounds of potatoes for a gratin. My wrist was killing me by the third pan. The sous chef handed me her cheap plastic mandoline and I finished the rest in 20 minutes. Went out and bought one the next day. Still feels like cheating but my hand doesn't throb at 2am anymore. Anyone else hold out on a tool for way too long and then feel dumb about it?

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1 Comment

craig.mila22d ago

Wait, 40 pounds of potatoes? At one time? With a mandoline? My hand cramps up just thinking about that. I mean, I get the whole pride thing about knife skills, but at some point you gotta let the tool do the heavy lifting. Honestly, the fact it took you 8 years to cave is impressive in its own way, I probably would've broken down after the first big batch. And yeah, that 2am wrist throb is no joke, I've been there with onions and peppers, so I totally get the sudden life change. Good on you for finally grabbing one, though, next thing you know you'll be eyeing a food processor for shredding.