Mandoline Mishap: My Thumb meets the Blade!

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses personal experiences related to mishaps while using a mandoline slicer, particularly incidents involving injuries to fingers or thumbs. Participants share their stories and reactions to similar situations, reflecting on their cooking practices and safety measures.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recounts a mishap where they injured their thumb while using a mandoline, expressing relief that it wasn't more severe.
  • Another participant questions how the injury occurred without using the guard, noting that similar incidents happened with older models of the mandoline.
  • One participant shares their technique of using the food guard without the plunger for longer vegetables, admitting they do not demonstrate this method during shows.
  • Another participant acknowledges having a similar experience with an older mandoline, indicating that such accidents are not uncommon.
  • One participant mentions having sliced their thumb while trying to clear a stuck piece of food, emphasizing the difficulty of cooking without a thumb.
  • Several users express a general awareness of the importance of using the guard and share their personal adjustments to improve safety while using the mandoline.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the safety of using the mandoline without the guard, with some participants acknowledging their own risky practices while others emphasize the importance of using safety features.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences in a casual, informal manner, reflecting on their cooking habits and the challenges they face while using kitchen tools.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and home cooks who use mandolines and want to hear about others' experiences and safety practices.

JillianAnthony
JillianAnthony
Messages
60
So, I'm using the mandoline cutting up some carrots for chicken soup...when all of a sudden I realize my thumb got a little too close to the blade and took off 3/4's of my nail!!!! :yuck:

I keep telling myself at least it wasn't the tip of my thumb, and at least it was at home and not at a show!! Am I a clutz or have others done this as well?

BTW, its not easy to type minus your right thumb!! :p
 
JillianAnthony said:
So, I'm using the mandoline cutting up some carrots for chicken soup...when all of a sudden I realize my thumb got a little too close to the blade and took off 3/4's of my nail!!!! :yuck:

I keep telling myself at least it wasn't the tip of my thumb, and at least it was at home and not at a show!! Am I a clutz or have others done this as well?

BTW, its not easy to type minus your right thumb!! :p
Click to expand...


How were you slicing carrots without the guard?

With the older stye Ultimate Slice and Grate - that happened to people all the time - but I thought with the new UM, it would be almost impossible!
 
Unless she was being "sneaky" like I do...I put the food guard on (minus the plunger) if I am doing something really long like a carrot or cuke so I can hold it up and not have to cut it into smaller pieces.

BTW- I DO NOT show this at shows!! I demonstrate it "properly"

 
Trying to get a little extra fiber in your soup?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
KellyTheChef said:
Unless she was being "sneaky" like I do...I put the food guard on (minus the plunger) if I am doing something really long like a carrot or cuke so I can hold it up and not have to cut it into smaller pieces.

BTW- I DO NOT show this at shows!! I demonstrate it "properly"



Thats EXACTLY what I did. Its my own fault..I should have known LOL :o
Click to expand...
 
Not with the new mandonline but I did the same exact thing with the old mandonline.
 
I've done it with the new one the same way too! I'm more careful now. ;)
 
Hence the reason they put the guard on!!! I use a chopper for my soup or slice my carrots with the santouko - But then again - not the biggest fan of the UM-
 
I sliced my thumb when a piece of pepper got stuck in the blade, holding it open, and I was too lazy to get a spatula or something to push it through, so I used my thumb. I was less lucky, and sliced into the nail and the flesh underneath... And I still have a crack in my nail that has not grown completely out. So you are not alone! :)And yes, it is difficult to do a lot of stuff without your right thumb!! I remember!! Here's hoping you heal quickly!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mandoline and how does it work?

A mandoline is a kitchen tool used for slicing and julienning fruits and vegetables with precision. It consists of a flat surface with a sharp blade that can be adjusted to create slices of various thicknesses. To use it, you slide the food item across the blade, which cuts it evenly and quickly.

What should I do if I accidentally cut my thumb while using a mandoline?

If you cut your thumb while using a mandoline, first stop using the tool immediately. Clean the wound gently with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile bandage. If the cut is deep or bleeding heavily, seek medical attention.

How can I prevent injuries while using a mandoline?

To prevent injuries while using a mandoline, always use the hand guard provided with the tool to protect your fingers. Keep your fingers away from the blade and use a firm grip on the food item. Additionally, ensure the mandoline is stable on a flat surface to avoid slips.

Are there any safety features on Pampered Chef mandolines?

Yes, Pampered Chef mandolines come with safety features such as a hand guard that securely holds the food while keeping your fingers away from the blade. They are designed to be stable and easy to use, minimizing the risk of accidents.

What should I do if my mandoline is damaged after an accident?

If your mandoline is damaged after an accident, inspect it for any broken parts or dull blades. If it is a Pampered Chef product, you can contact their customer service for guidance on repairs or replacements, as they often have warranties or satisfaction guarantees.

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