Um, me! 

I don't know what my thoughts are yet on the V-slicer.  I was convinced that I needed one, but can't tell yet if I do or not.  Especially since I have a spiraliser and a food processor that has blades that can thinly & thickly slice (although I haven't tried them yet).

There are a number of reasons for my hesitation in exuberantly recommending them, but I think they are peculiar to me.

Firstly, they scare me.  I know of people who don't use the guard to chop and that scares me, but the guard is not the easiest thing in the world to use.  So I understand why people would not use it.  I had a *ens of a time trying to slice pumpkin recently - couldn't quite manage to do it easily and without some angst.  Softer fruit & veg is easy.

I also have a tiny weeny kitchen, so it's like musical chairs with my kitchen toys.  NO bench space.  Some sit on top of my washing machine, until it goes on, and then they have to be moved so they don't shimmy away and onto the floor.  So I'm just always moving things about in need.  There never seems like there is enough room to have all my toys in a position to be easily used.

Also, blades have always scared me - I can't even pick up a razor blade that has two sharp edges.  Eeek.

The first day I had my v-slicer, I was very very careful and stored its sharp blades in the little compartment especially designed for them.  Then I picked the whole thing up, and realised my finger was stuck.  It was caught between the blade and the plastic casing which just made me laugh, because I was being so careful.  I must look hysterical when I'm cleaning it - I handle it like it's made of radio-active material.

I don't even know what the curly butting blade is.  I haven't progressed past a julienne or a slice. 

Sheryl - if you want to 'try before you buy' - I can send mine up for you to trial.  That would be easy peasy.  Just let me know.  I have no idea if mine has the curly butting blade, but it may be one of the bits I haven't used yet.

miss g