Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
one, so I could use your experience.


--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

Blinky the Shark wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.
>
> --
> Blinky
> Killing all posts from Google Groups
> The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
> Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

Blinky, alas I do not have experience with a mandolin, but if there's a
"Tuesday Morning" store near you - go there! I saw a Cuisinart mandolin
for about $50 there (or was it $40?), IIRC. And Cuisinart's supposed to
be a good product name. HTH.

Sky, who thinks a mandolin is a nice addition for the kitchen

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...

>
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.
>
>

Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.

--
Wayne Boatwright
(correct the spelling of "geemail" to reply)

*******************************************
Date: Thursday, 10(X)/02(II)/08(MMVIII)
*******************************************
Countdown till Veteran's Day
5wks 4dys 2hrs 41mins
*******************************************
'These are the times that try men's
souls.' - T. Paine

Wayne Boatwright wrote:

> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>
>>
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>>
>
> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.

I knew someone was going there. Because I tend to, as well, when the
subject comes up.

I used to be able to play a little bit on the musical instrument. I had a
brother in law that played one. His father played the banjo, so I had to
learn a little of that too, being a (nonprofessional) guitar player myself.

--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

On Thu 02 Oct 2008 10:01:46p, Blinky the Shark told us...

> Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>
>> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>>
>>>
>>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>>> used one, so I could use your experience.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.
>
> I knew someone was going there. Because I tend to, as well, when the
> subject comes up.

It was too good to resist. :-)

> I used to be able to play a little bit on the musical instrument. I had
> a brother in law that played one. His father played the banjo, so I had
> to learn a little of that too, being a (nonprofessional) guitar player
> myself.

I've mainly played keyboard instruments, except for cello.

--
Wayne Boatwright
(correct the spelling of "geemail" to reply)

*******************************************
Date: Thursday, 10(X)/02(II)/08(MMVIII)
*******************************************
Countdown till Veteran's Day
5wks 4dys 1hrs 48mins
*******************************************
MOPAR = Move Over Plymouth Approaching
Rapidly!

"Blinky the Shark"
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US>
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.
>
>
> --
> Blinky

I do not know brands or prices there, but I have 3 mandolins and some
experience. Make sure there is a way to sharpen the fixed blade. If there
is not then when it dulls the whole damned thing has to be thrown out.

That said, the one I use the most is the Benriiner "as seen on TV" if I
recall correctly. It isn't easy to sharpen the fixed blade, but I manage.

Giusi wrote:

> "Blinky the Shark"
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US>
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Blinky
>
> I do not know brands or prices there, but I have 3 mandolins and some
> experience. Make sure there is a way to sharpen the fixed blade. If there
> is not then when it dulls the whole damned thing has to be thrown out.

Thanks for that tip, Giusi.

> That said, the one I use the most is the Benriiner "as seen on TV" if I
> recall correctly. It isn't easy to sharpen the fixed blade, but I manage.

And that one.


--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

Blinky the Shark said...

>
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
used
> one, so I could use your experience.


Blinky,

I have the old "as seen on TV" mandolin. A cheap-o plastic one that I still
use. I'll suggest you buy one that has an under cylinder that has four or
so blade arrangements that you can dial that will protrude up through slits
so you can dice not just slice. The different blade arrangements are to
select a desired dice.

Also look for one that comes with a vegetable holder/guard that you sweep
along the mandolin's side rails to keep your hand protected from the blades
at all times. I'd be willing to bet I'd've diced a few fingers without one.

And lastly, stability and position. Some come with legs and others can lay
flat in certain size bowls, then can both be difficult to handle if they're
not firmly held in place.

Giusi mentioned blade sharpening, so if they have a removable blade (or
blades) that would be desirable.

My cheap-o unit came with a separate spiral slicer and a cute fruit design
thingy that went straight out of the box into the trash.

Best,

Andy

On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
> wrote:

>
>Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>one, so I could use your experience.

I believe Cook's Illustrated tested mandolins recently and recommended
Oxo.

- Mark

"Andy" <q> ha scritto nel messaggio
...
> Blinky the Shark said...
>
>>
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
> used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>
>
> Blinky,
>
> I have the old "as seen on TV" mandolin. A cheap-o plastic one that I
> still
> use. I'll suggest you buy one that has an under cylinder that has four or
> so blade arrangements that you can dial that will protrude up through
> slits
> so you can dice not just slice. The different blade arrangements are to
> select a desired dice.
>
> Also look for one that comes with a vegetable holder/guard that you sweep
> along the mandolin's side rails to keep your hand protected from the
> blades
> at all times. I'd be willing to bet I'd've diced a few fingers without
> one.
>
> And lastly, stability and position. Some come with legs and others can lay
> flat in certain size bowls, then can both be difficult to handle if
> they're
> not firmly held in place.
>
> Giusi mentioned blade sharpening, so if they have a removable blade (or
> blades) that would be desirable.
>
> My cheap-o unit came with a separate spiral slicer and a cute fruit design
> thingy that went straight out of the box into the trash.
>
> Best,
> Andy

Andy, real mandolins have screw on blades because those barrel and dial
things don't hold up to pro use and mandolins are much more used by pros
than home cooks.

Giusi said...

> "Andy" <q> ha scritto nel messaggio
> ...
>> Blinky the Shark said...
>>
>>>
>>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>> used
>>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>>
>> Blinky,
>>
>> I have the old "as seen on TV" mandolin. A cheap-o plastic one that I
>> still
>> use. I'll suggest you buy one that has an under cylinder that has four
or
>> so blade arrangements that you can dial that will protrude up through
>> slits
>> so you can dice not just slice. The different blade arrangements are to
>> select a desired dice.
>>
>> Also look for one that comes with a vegetable holder/guard that you
sweep
>> along the mandolin's side rails to keep your hand protected from the
>> blades
>> at all times. I'd be willing to bet I'd've diced a few fingers without
>> one.
>>
>> And lastly, stability and position. Some come with legs and others can
lay
>> flat in certain size bowls, then can both be difficult to handle if
>> they're
>> not firmly held in place.
>>
>> Giusi mentioned blade sharpening, so if they have a removable blade (or
>> blades) that would be desirable.
>>
>> My cheap-o unit came with a separate spiral slicer and a cute fruit
design
>> thingy that went straight out of the box into the trash.
>>
>> Best,
>> Andy
>
> Andy, real mandolins have screw on blades because those barrel and dial
> things don't hold up to pro use and mandolins are much more used by pros
> than home cooks.


Giusi,

Sure! The amount of food prep that goes on day after day at restaurants,
caterers, etc., compared to my sleepy plastic mandolin? There's no contest
which needs more sharpening. Mine is unsharpenable anyway but after 10
years still works remarkably well.

Andy

"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
5.247...
> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>
>>
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>> used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>>
>
> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.
>
A Sharp - otherwise it won't slice!
Graham

"Mark A.Meggs" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>>one, so I could use your experience.
>
> I believe Cook's Illustrated tested mandolins recently and recommended
> Oxo.
>
> - Mark

It's important to note here that OXO makes two kinds of mandolines:
straight blade and V-blade. Cook's Illustrated reviewed both (May-June
2008, p. 28). CI gave their highest rating to the V-blade, which earned
their best 3-star ratings in all four performance categories: straight,
julienne, and waffle cuts, and user-friendliness. The straight blade scored
only fair (2 stars) in straight cuts, but earned 3 stars in all the other
categories. Interestingly, the better-rated v-blade is cheaper (USD$49.95)
than the straight-blade (USD$69.99).

Check out the OXO straight-blade mandoline on Amazon.com; there are more
negative reviews than positive ones:
http://www.amazon.com/Oxo-Good-Grips.../dp/B0000DAQ8B or
http://tinyurl.com/4mph3z

I've had a Borner V-Slicer since 1988; I bought it after watching an
infomercial. It's a real workhorse, actually does *everything* the
informercial promised, and it's still razor-sharp after 20 years of hard
use. As much as I really like OXO products, my Borner's track record would
steer me toward buying another one.

Karen

On Oct 3, 9:26*am, "Karen in NC" > wrote:
> "Mark A.Meggs" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
> > > wrote:
>
> >>Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> >>range? *I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> >>one, so I could use your experience.
>
> > I believe Cook's Illustrated tested mandolins recently and recommended
> > Oxo.
>
> > - Mark
>
> It's important to note here that OXO makes two kinds of mandolines:
> straight blade and V-blade. *Cook's Illustrated reviewed both (May-June
> 2008, p. 28). *CI gave their highest rating to the V-blade, which earned
> their best 3-star ratings in all four performance categories: *straight,
> julienne, and waffle cuts, and user-friendliness. *The straight blade scored
> only fair (2 stars) in straight cuts, but earned 3 stars in all the other
> categories. *Interestingly, the better-rated v-blade is cheaper (USD$49..95)
> than the straight-blade (USD$69.99).
>
> Check out the OXO straight-blade mandoline on Amazon.com; there are more
> negative reviews than positive ones:http://www.amazon.com/Oxo-Good-Grips...url.com/4mph3z
>
> I've had a Borner V-Slicer since 1988; I bought it after watching an
> infomercial. *It's a real workhorse, actually does *everything* the
> informercial promised, and it's still razor-sharp after 20 years of hard
> use. *As much as I really like OXO products, my Borner's track record would
> steer me toward buying another one.
>
> Karen

Some magazine somewhere ;-) also rated OXO ($60) best. They also
rated it highest for safety features. I threw my pampered chef vario
slicer last year (too much plastic, not sturdy) and I want an OXO for
my birthday,
Lynn in Fargo

On Fri 03 Oct 2008 07:04:16a, Graham told us...

>
> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
> 5.247...
>> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>>
>>>
>>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>>> used
>>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.
>>
> A Sharp - otherwise it won't slice!
> Graham

Good point, Graham. Of course if you want to sing along to the slicing and
you only sing in the key of B Flat, that might pose a problem. :-)



--
Wayne Boatwright
(correct the spelling of "geemail" to reply)

*******************************************
Date: Friday, 10(X)/03(III)/08(MMVIII)
*******************************************
Countdown till Veteran's Day
5wks 3dys 15hrs 27mins
*******************************************
'That's funny ho ho, I want funny ha ha.'
*******************************************

On Oct 2, 10:29*pm, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? *I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.
>
> --
> Blinky
> Killing all posts from Google Groups
> The Usenet Improvement Project:http://improve-usenet.org
> Need a new news feed? *http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

I've heard that Bron is good - I have a $15 plastic-case special from
the cookware shop that works great. There's also a recommended brand
at Asian markets, but I can't recall the name.

N.

In article .net>,
Blinky the Shark > wrote:

> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.

Well, I paid $70.00 for the one from "Pampered Chef" and ended up giving
it away. It was a pain in the ass to use due to overdone "safety
features" plus it sliced WAY too thin.

I ended up going back to my basic cheap one with no safety features. I'm
just careful with it.
--
Peace! Om

"He who has the gold makes the rules"
--Om

"He who has the guns can get the gold."
-- Steve Rothstein

"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
5.250...
> On Fri 03 Oct 2008 07:04:16a, Graham told us...
>
>>
>> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
>> 5.247...
>>> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>>>> used
>>>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.
>>>
>> A Sharp - otherwise it won't slice!
>> Graham
>
> Good point, Graham. Of course if you want to sing along to the slicing
> and
> you only sing in the key of B Flat, that might pose a problem. :-)
>

I've often looked at one of those French mandolins but I like my fingers!!
Not that I play my cello these days{:-(
Graham

Karen in NC wrote:

>
> "Mark A.Meggs" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>>range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>>>one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>> I believe Cook's Illustrated tested mandolins recently and recommended
>> Oxo.
>>
>> - Mark
>
> It's important to note here that OXO makes two kinds of mandolines:
> straight blade and V-blade. Cook's Illustrated reviewed both (May-June
> 2008, p. 28). CI gave their highest rating to the V-blade, which earned
> their best 3-star ratings in all four performance categories: straight,
> julienne, and waffle cuts, and user-friendliness. The straight blade scored
> only fair (2 stars) in straight cuts, but earned 3 stars in all the other
> categories. Interestingly, the better-rated v-blade is cheaper (USD$49.95)
> than the straight-blade (USD$69.99).
>
> Check out the OXO straight-blade mandoline on Amazon.com; there are more
> negative reviews than positive ones:
> http://www.amazon.com/Oxo-Good-Grips.../dp/B0000DAQ8B or
> http://tinyurl.com/4mph3z
>
> I've had a Borner V-Slicer since 1988; I bought it after watching an
> infomercial. It's a real workhorse, actually does *everything* the
> informercial promised, and it's still razor-sharp after 20 years of hard
> use. As much as I really like OXO products, my Borner's track record would
> steer me toward buying another one.

I find three models of Borner V-Slicers. Which one do you have?

(Prima, Plus, Plus V-1001)

Or don't they make your model any more?

All three are linked under "Shopping results...", here, near the top of
the page:

http://www.google.com/search?q=borne...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

Blinky the Shark wrote:

> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.

Thanks to everyone who gave their thoughts on this, and to those whose
replies are still coming in. I'm following your leads now.


--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

"Blinky the Shark" > wrote in message
news
>
> I find three models of Borner V-Slicers. Which one do you have?
>
> (Prima, Plus, Plus V-1001)
>
> Or don't they make your model any more?
>
> All three are linked under "Shopping results...", here, near the top of
> the page:
>
> http://www.google.com/search?q=borne...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
>
> --
> Blinky
> Killing all posts from Google Groups
> The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
> Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

Mine is plastic with metal blades; here's the one I have:
http://www.cutleryandmore.com/details.asp?SKU=5986 They didn't call it
"Plus" when I bought it, but I think all that means is that it comes with
all the toys. :-)

I see there's now a deluxe Borner "Prima" V-Slicer with a stainless steel
body; this must be a newer model, as it wasn't available back in '88:
http://www.amazon.com/Borner-V-3000-.../dp/B000TDBT8A
or http://tinyurl.com/4pe3nk I like the idea of sturdy stainless, and a
work bowl to catch the food as it's being sliced is pretty convenient. My
older plastic model does have a notched edge that catches nicely onto a bowl
or pan lip, allowing food to fall neatly into whichever one I'm using.

Karen

"Blinky the Shark" > wrote in message
news
>
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
> one, so I could use your experience.
>
>
> --
> Blinky
> Killing all posts from Google Groups
> The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
> Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

http://www.kitchenu.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=5104



This is a little more than you are thinking of however maybe you can find a
deal. With all the blades it's pretty good deal. I got one as a gift
several years ago and I can tell you its good piece of equipment.

Dimitri

Among a wide range of quality culinary tools and professional cookware
equipment, de Buyer mandolines are probably their signature line. de Buyer
mandolines offers unparalleded safety not only by securing food but also
protecting fingers from the sharp blades. Each mandoline comes with a set of
horizontal blades and julienne blades to offer a versatile variety of cut
styles.
Product features:

Body and blades of this mandoline are all stainless steel
Comes with four interchangeable blades: two (2) horizontal blades & two (2)
Julienne blades (4 and 10 mm)
Wide variety of cut styles: julienne cuts, cubes, waffle cuts, slice or
crinckle cuts
Ergonomic stainless pusher ensures safe, fast and efficient operation
Unique thickness adjustment mechanism for a perfect cut quality
Receptacle included
Possible to use over a bowl thanks to the two folding feet
Instructions manual included
Dishwasher safe
Can be hung for storage
Gift boxed
Made in France

On 2008-10-03, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> range?

No. A good mandolin, say a Gibson F-5, costs in the thousands. OTOH, a
good food mandoline is within that range:

http://www.cutleryandmore.com/mandoline.htm

nb

On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
> wrote:

>
>Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>one, so I could use your experience.

Howdy,

The slicer is a mandoline.
^

The musical instrument is a mandolin.
^

All the best,
--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

On Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:29:46 GMT, notbob
> wrote:

>
>No. A good mandolin, say a Gibson F-5, costs in the thousands.

Howdy,

That depends on the F-5. The right one could go for hundreds
of thousands.

All the best,
--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

Kenneth wrote:
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
> > wrote:
>
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>
> Howdy,
>
> The slicer is a mandoline.
> ^
>
> The musical instrument is a mandolin.
^

You've ruined it for me.

<and probably everyone else, too>

On 2008-10-03, Kenneth > wrote:

> That depends on the F-5. The right one could go for hundreds
> of thousands.

Yeah, I know. Some people also pay $10+ for a hamburger. I was jes making
a point, but not that one.

nb (still kicking myself for not buying that '27 sqr-neck Dobro for $700
back in '82!)

notbob wrote:

> On 2008-10-03, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
>>
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range?
>
> No. A good mandolin, say a Gibson F-5, costs in the thousands. OTOH, a
> good food mandoline is within that range:

I have a Gibson; I need something for my kitchen.


--
Blinky
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org
Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html

Karen in NC wrote:


> "Blinky the Shark" > wrote in message
> news
>>
>> I find three models of Borner V-Slicers. Which one do you have?
>>
>> (Prima, Plus, Plus V-1001)
>>
>> Or don't they make your model any more?
>>
>> All three are linked under "Shopping results...", here, near the top of
>> the page:
>>
>> http://www.google.com/search?q=borne...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
>>
>> --
>> Blinky
>> Killing all posts from Google Groups
>> The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org Need a new
>> news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html
>
> Mine is plastic with metal blades; here's the one I have:
> http://www.cutleryandmore.com/details.asp?SKU=5986 They didn't call it
> "Plus" when I bought it, but I think all that means is that it comes
> with all the toys. :-)
>
> I see there's now a deluxe Borner "Prima" V-Slicer with a stainless
> steel body; this must be a newer model, as it wasn't available back in
> '88:
> http://www.amazon.com/Borner-V-3000-.../dp/B000TDBT8A
> or http://tinyurl.com/4pe3nk I like the idea of sturdy stainless, and a
> work bowl to catch the food as it's being sliced is pretty convenient.
> My older plastic model does have a notched edge that catches nicely onto
> a bowl or pan lip, allowing food to fall neatly into whichever one I'm
> using.

Looks like there's a little leglet at the "rear end", that might catch the
rim. Meanwhile, I'm not big on plastic, either. And this would only be
$80 - exactly my starting target at BB&B, with a ubiquitous (I have over
20 in my car) 20-percent-off coupons. It also seems to me like a V or at
least slanted blade would be more efficient; I note that the Cuisinart and
Le Buyer units I looked at had straight-and-straight-across blades. At
this point, I think I'm heading in the Borner Prima direction.


--
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Kenneth wrote:

> On Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:29:26 -0700, Blinky the Shark
> > wrote:
>
>>
>>Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>>one, so I could use your experience.
>
> Howdy,
>
> The slicer is a mandoline.
> ^
>
> The musical instrument is a mandolin.
> ^
>
> All the best,

Right. But but I found the slicer called both in common usage, and made
the decision to go with the flow this time, even though I'm generally
linguistically conservative and curmudgeonly.


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On 2008-10-03, Blinky the Shark > wrote:

> the decision to go with the flow this time, even though I'm generally
> linguistically conservative and curmudgeonly.

If that were true, you'd have called it "that slicer thingie", as no true
curmudgeon would have given anything up to the French.

nb

Nancy2 wrote:
> On Oct 2, 10:29 pm, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>> --
>> Blinky
>> Killing all posts from Google Groups
>> The Usenet Improvement Project:http://improve-usenet.org
>> Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html
>
> I've heard that Bron is good - I have a $15 plastic-case special from
> the cookware shop that works great. There's also a recommended brand
> at Asian markets, but I can't recall the name.
>
> N.


I have a Benriner from the local HMart Asian grocery. Works well.
Not expensive or fancy.

gloria p

notbob wrote:

> On 2008-10-03, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
>
>> the decision to go with the flow this time, even though I'm generally
>> linguistically conservative and curmudgeonly.
>
> If that were true, you'd have called it "that slicer thingie", as no true
> curmudgeon would have given anything up to the French.

I can't go THAT far.


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Gloria P wrote:

> Nancy2 wrote:
>> On Oct 2, 10:29 pm, Blinky the Shark > wrote:
>>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or used
>>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Blinky
>>> Killing all posts from Google Groups
>>> The Usenet Improvement Project:http://improve-usenet.org
>>> Need a new news feed? http://blinkynet.net/comp/newfeed.html
>>
>> I've heard that Bron is good - I have a $15 plastic-case special from
>> the cookware shop that works great. There's also a recommended brand
>> at Asian markets, but I can't recall the name.
>>
>> N.
>
>
> I have a Benriner from the local HMart Asian grocery. Works well.
> Not expensive or fancy.

The first one, here?

http://www.cutleryandmore.com/benriner.htm

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On Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:14:14 GMT, notbob
> wrote:

>On 2008-10-03, Kenneth > wrote:
>
>> That depends on the F-5. The right one could go for hundreds
>> of thousands.
>
>Yeah, I know. Some people also pay $10+ for a hamburger. I was jes making
>a point, but not that one.
>
>nb (still kicking myself for not buying that '27 sqr-neck Dobro for $700
> back in '82!)
>
>

Hi again,

Somewhere around 1988, I stopped into The Music Emporium,
then, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

One of the owners, a good man named Jim Bollman, welcomed
me, and said, "Hey Kenneth, we have a guitar that might
interest you", and handed me what turned out to be the best
guitar I have ever played.

Only after a few minutes did I notice the tiny tag hanging
from the peghead. The price was so high that I actually
laughed out loud.

I played some more, and then handed it back.

About a month later I was back in the area, back in the
store, and playing the guitar again.

That happened for perhaps six or eight months, when Jim
said, "O.K. stop the B.S., and buy it."

I pulled out my checkbook, and did just that.

In the intervening years, it has appreciated by a factor of
about twenty.

(But please don't ask me about the others that I let "get
away.")

All the best,
--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
5.247...
> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>
>>
>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>> used
>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>>
>
> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.
>
> --
> Wayne Boatwright

Isn't a mandolin a guitar for people with Parkinsons?

Dimitri

On Oct 3, 6:30 am, Andy <q> wrote:
> Blinky the Shark said...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
> > range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
> used
> > one, so I could use your experience.
>
> Blinky,
>
> I have the old "as seen on TV" mandolin. A cheap-o plastic one that I still
> use. I'll suggest you buy one that has an under cylinder that has four or
> so blade arrangements that you can dial that will protrude up through slits
> so you can dice not just slice. The different blade arrangements are to
> select a desired dice.
>
> Also look for one that comes with a vegetable holder/guard that you sweep
> along the mandolin's side rails to keep your hand protected from the blades
> at all times. I'd be willing to bet I'd've diced a few fingers without one.
>
> And lastly, stability and position. Some come with legs and others can lay
> flat in certain size bowls, then can both be difficult to handle if they're
> not firmly held in place.
>
> Giusi mentioned blade sharpening, so if they have a removable blade (or
> blades) that would be desirable.
>
> My cheap-o unit came with a separate spiral slicer and a cute fruit design
> thingy that went straight out of the box into the trash.
>
> Best,
>
> Andy

This is a far as I dare read. With quivering lip, I am wondering if I
can really live without a mandoline. I do own Feemster's Famous
Finger Slicer which I haul out when I want uniform 'tater slices.

On Fri 03 Oct 2008 05:03:27p, Dimitri told us...

>
> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
> 5.247...
>> On Thu 02 Oct 2008 08:29:26p, Blinky the Shark told us...
>>
>>>
>>> Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say, $80US
>>> range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never had or
>>> used
>>> one, so I could use your experience.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Just make sure you get in the key of B Flat.
>>
>> --
>> Wayne Boatwright
>
> Isn't a mandolin a guitar for people with Parkinsons?
>
> Dimitri
>
>

Or worse...

--
Wayne Boatwright
(correct the spelling of "geemail" to reply)

*******************************************
Date: Friday, 10(X)/03(III)/08(MMVIII)
*******************************************
Countdown till Veteran's Day
5wks 3dys 6hrs 50mins
*******************************************
This is a test. Had it been an actual
attack, the warning system wouldn't

val189 said...

> On Oct 3, 6:30 am, Andy <q> wrote:
>> Blinky the Shark said...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Does anyone have a mandolin that they can recommend in the, say,
>> > $80US range? I'm thinking about giving one as a gift and have never
>> > had or
>> used
>> > one, so I could use your experience.
>>
>> Blinky,
>>
>> I have the old "as seen on TV" mandolin. A cheap-o plastic one that I
>> still use. I'll suggest you buy one that has an under cylinder that has
>> four or so blade arrangements that you can dial that will protrude up
>> through slits so you can dice not just slice. The different blade
>> arrangements are to select a desired dice.
>>
>> Also look for one that comes with a vegetable holder/guard that you
>> sweep along the mandolin's side rails to keep your hand protected from
>> the blades at all times. I'd be willing to bet I'd've diced a few
>> fingers without one.
>>
>> And lastly, stability and position. Some come with legs and others can
>> lay flat in certain size bowls, then can both be difficult to handle if
>> they're not firmly held in place.
>>
>> Giusi mentioned blade sharpening, so if they have a removable blade (or
>> blades) that would be desirable.
>>
>> My cheap-o unit came with a separate spiral slicer and a cute fruit
>> design thingy that went straight out of the box into the trash.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Andy
>
> This is a far as I dare read. With quivering lip, I am wondering if I
> can really live without a mandoline. I do own Feemster's Famous
> Finger Slicer which I haul out when I want uniform 'tater slices.


val189,

If you've seen the model you want to purchase properly demonstrated, 80%
of the intimidation fades away.

Its another thing as a first time mandolin owner to safely figure it out
on your own, imho.

It's fast paced elbow work, due to the nature of the beast. Experts can
probably get along better with a great knife in similar time.

Martin Yan comes to mind.

Best,

Andy

Blinky the Shark wrote:
> Gloria P wrote:

>>
>> I have a Benriner from the local HMart Asian grocery. Works well.
>> Not expensive or fancy.
>
> The first one, here?
>
> http://www.cutleryandmore.com/benriner.htm
>



Yes, that one exactly, but it only cost $17-$19 there two years ago.

gloria p