I did a little cost comparison and I can produce honeycrisp apple chips for about $1/oz if my labor is free, and about $7/oz if my time is valuable.

The cost goes higher if I factor in lost productivity for each time I slice my thumb on the mandaline and am slowed down in everything I do for the next week (which happened today).

Commercial apple chips are sbout $2.50/oz, but they are not honeycrisp. That's for fiji and "reds" (red delicious?). Mine are better, but not to the tune of three times better.

So I will not be selling any apple chips, but I will continue making them for my household.

I am also going to change my sliding technique to one that I think might be safer when my hand slips.

I'll also be looking at better mandolines. We got a cheap one to see if we would even use it, and it turns out we do, so it's reasonable to consider investing in a better one.

If any one who follows #foodstr or #cooking has any mandoline recommendations, LMK. Looking for safety features (b/c I clearly cannot be trusted) and an adjustible thickness. #prepping #prepper #GrowNostr #food

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Try using cut proof gloves in concert with your mandoline’s finger guard. My dad swears by it.

Do you have any recommendations for a glove?

I tried that once with a "cut resistant" glove and it worked, but also sliced a small hole on the thumb that would only get worse if I continue going that route.

I wanted a chain maille glove with super tiny rings and no lead (e.g. in solder to close the rings) but then I got the cut resistant one instead.

As for a finger guard, I don't think my current mandoline has that feature. 🫣

A mandoline finger guard is usually some kind of broad handle that had small spines on the other side to hold the food. Your fingers now hold plastic instead of the food directly and can’t get cut.

I’ll get back to you with my dad’s glove recommendation, but it is a kind of fabric, not chain mail.

Dad likes these cut-proof gloves and recommends you use the size chart:

http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0B78D6RMS/

Thanks, I'll check 'em out

This is my go to. It peels and cores and doesn't take off fingers.

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I can core them without issue and I leave the skin on. It's just the slicing them to about 1/16" thick that is vexing me.

OXO mandoline, the stainless steel one.

I've liked most of OXO's products that I've used in the past (except their slap chop knock off), so this is encouraging.

You taking about this one? https://www.oxo.com/chef-s-mandoline-slicer-2-0.html

Yes! I’ve had mine for over 12 years and used it professionally , the legs can get wobbly but it still works great.