Oops! I Cut Myself During a Mandoline Demo!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around personal experiences and concerns related to using a mandoline during cooking demonstrations, particularly incidents of accidental cuts and safety practices. Participants share anecdotes about their own experiences, express caution, and discuss techniques for safer usage.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared a humorous account of cutting their finger during a demonstration, leading to a light-hearted atmosphere but no sales of the mandoline.
  • Several participants expressed concerns about the potential for cuts while using the mandoline, with some noting they are careful when cleaning it.
  • Another participant mentioned they had previously demonstrated the blade's safety features but worried about accidents occurring.
  • One participant suggested using a food item to demonstrate the mandoline instead of fingers to avoid injury.
  • Another participant expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the mandoline, describing it as clunky and hard to manage.
  • Some participants discussed their experiences with slicing tomatoes, noting that firmness is key for effective cutting with the mandoline.
  • A few participants shared their preference for using knives over the mandoline, citing personal comfort and familiarity.
  • Several participants engaged in light-hearted banter about their clumsiness and membership in a "Dork-Of-The-Month Club," creating a humorous tone in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the effectiveness and safety of the mandoline, with some participants expressing caution and discomfort while others appreciate its functionality. No clear consensus emerges on the best practices for using the mandoline safely.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences from cooking demonstrations, reflecting a range of comfort levels and techniques when using the mandoline.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in sharing experiences and tips related to the use of the mandoline during cooking demonstrations may find this discussion relevant.

Brandie
Brandie
Messages
232
I have been lightly running a finger over the v-shaped blade at my shows to demonstrate how they lie flat--pushed too hard today. :eek: OUCH! Cut myself, but the show must go on! My host (a really good friend, thank goodness) got me a bandaid, and everyone thought it was really funny (since I made a huge joke out of it), but no one bought a mandoline! Go figure! :rolleyes:

I'm such a dork!!!

I am scrapping that part of my demo, however! :D
 
OUCH! I get worried about doing that, and am still careful when cleaning it...
 
I had been doing that at my shows too, to talk about how the blade doesn't engage unless you are using the food hopper. I wonder how it cut you. I would hate for mine to go schizo and cut me one day. Yikes!!
 
I've been doing the same thing and wondered if one day this would happen to me. I think I will just slide my finger lightly over the blade just in case.
 
just thinkingyou know with the ultimate slice and grate you could take a food item across the blade to cut it without the food handler........what if we take a potato or something and try and run it across the mandoline blade, to save our fingers just in case. what does anyone think???:confused:
 
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Hi Brandie - Ouch is right! I'm not the biggest fan of the mandoline; hard to manage and feels very clunky to me. Hope your finger is better....
 
U.M. & coleslawDoes anyone use the U.M. to make coleslaw? This is always a question at my shows.
 
jtjacaldwell said:
Does anyone use the U.M. to make coleslaw? This is always a question at my shows.
Click to expand...
I haven't personally done this yet, but it would work very well!

Cut the cabbage into wedges (take out the core, too!) and use one of the slicing blades to get ribbons of cabbage.

Use the grater blade to shred carrots and onions!

Or, if you like the very fine cole slaw, you could use the grater blade for everything!

HTH
 
Sorry about your owie, Brandie. Because I know how accident-prone I am, I always run my finger up the flat blade, so there's very little chance of me cutting myself. You'll notice I didn't say there was no chance.
 
I just show everyone, and then pull the triggers with my fingers and they can see how it raises up. No cuts for me!
 
I know, Brandie--now we tell you.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
~SIGH~

I like the idea of taking a potato and runnong it acros the top. Much less painful than a finger. And typing is now a definite issue--it's my right index finger! Yes, I am a card-carrying member of the Dork-Of-The-Month Club. I believe I'll now be the featured member in the May newsletter! :D
 
That is exactly why they redesigned the USG to the Mandoline. I was so scared of it. I had a past host not want the Mandoline when it was on a special so I purchased it. I like it so much better than the USG and I'm not scared any more.
 
Brandie said:
Yes, I am a card-carrying member of the Dork-Of-The-Month Club. I believe I'll now be the featured member in the May newsletter! :D
Click to expand...

Ooh, I could so be a member. Want to sponsor me for membership, Brandie? And, of course, I've got to have a copy of that newsletter. Can I borrow your copy? ;)
 
LOL- I was one of those goofballs who heard about a slicing fingers story and still bought it. Well, that was the old one.
Actually, I'm not a fan of the new one so much. I can actually use the old one easier, but I totally agree that the new one is safer. But I can't seem to get it to cut right. So I go to use it at shows and I tear my tomatoes apart. While if I do it at home in my kitchen, they look decent. I think I"m going to quit using it for tomatoes. So far I haven't talked anyone into buying it.
 
With the tomatoes I found that they have to be really really firm to slice well using the Mandoline. So, I think I am going to just show the tomatoe knife for them.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
"Ooh, I could so be a member. Want to sponsor me for membership, Brandie? And, of course, I've got to have a copy of that newsletter. Can I borrow your copy?"
Click to expand...


Rae--of course! I would love to sponsor you! I will get you your pocket-protector and TI-90 calculator right away! And injuring yourself frequently because of stupidity or clumsiness is just one of the many fine benefits of being a dork! We meet semi-annually, too. I'll get all my back-issues of the newsletter out to you--I have them filed according to date, subject, and alphabet (I need several copies of each to do this, but that's what we dorks do!). Shall I bring them to the next cluster meeting?

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
 
Thanks, Brandie. I know I qualify. I'd love the back issues. I'll load them into my PC tote to bring home and read right away. After all, that's what we dorks do. Right?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
Just wanted everyone to know that my finger has officially healed (mostly), and I am ready for my show tonight! WOO HOO! I can even type again! :D
 
Yea for Brandie!
 
I take it to my shows but rarely demo it. I point out that it is among the items on display and if someone seems interested I give them tips and go through the features and point out the reasonable cost as mandolines go. Have not sold many but those who have gotten them love them.

I personally don't use it much in my kitchen - I'm more a knife and chopper cook - but I have really liked it when I did. The big trick, in my experience, it to use the food holder as a HOLDER and not put pressure on it. If you just hold it as you slide it across the blade it works quite well.
 
Congrats Brandie!
 
For those of you that smash the tomatoes when cutting, are you using the V-shaped cutter in the mandoline to slice them with. I guess I haven't had that problem yet when I use the V-Shaped Cutter. Was just wondering. I really love the mandoline.
 
chee65 said:
For those of you that smash the tomatoes when cutting, are you using the V-shaped cutter in the mandoline to slice them with. I guess I haven't had that problem yet when I use the V-Shaped Cutter. Was just wondering. I really love the mandoline.
Click to expand...

The Vshaped really does make a difference. When Ifirst sliced tomatoes I was not using it and once I did there was a world of difference!

Also, they need to be very firm. If you start with mush you will get mushier!:D
 
Oooh, I do that all the time at my shows... run my hand over it, not cut it! :rolleyes: Maybe I should be more careful... I usually run the flat of my palm lightly over it, not my finger, though... less chance of pressing too hard, maybe?

I should probably start doing it with whatever I'm going to slice, though... lime, tomato, whatever.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after cutting myself during a mandoline demo?

First, stop the demonstration and assess the severity of the cut. If it’s a minor cut, rinse it under clean water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a bandage. If the cut is deep or bleeding heavily, apply pressure with a clean cloth and seek medical attention if necessary.

How can I prevent cuts while using a mandoline in the future?

To prevent cuts, always use the hand guard that comes with the mandoline, and ensure your fingers are kept away from the blade. Additionally, practice using the mandoline on softer vegetables first to get comfortable with the tool.

What should I tell my guests if I cut myself during a demo?

Be honest and reassure your guests that accidents can happen, even with experienced cooks. Use it as a teaching moment to emphasize the importance of safety and proper technique when using sharp kitchen tools.

Can I continue the demo after a minor cut?

If the cut is minor and you feel comfortable, you may continue the demo after taking care of the injury. However, make sure to maintain hygiene by washing your hands and ensuring that the cut is properly bandaged to avoid contamination.

What are the best practices for handling kitchen tools during a demo?

Always demonstrate safe handling techniques, such as using the correct grips and tools, maintaining focus, and keeping the workspace organized. Encourage guests to ask questions and practice safe techniques themselves to foster a safe cooking environment.

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