The Safer Way to Slice an Entire Cucumber

A solution might just come in the form of the Dash Safe Slice mandoline, a version we awarded the distinction of being safety-forward, thanks to its unique design. Unlike other mandolines with stationary blades, this one operates more like a guillotine. It has a spring-loaded pump lever that operates the blade, and there’s a food hopper where you would usually be holding food with your hand, plus a bin to catch everything that comes out. 

If you’re confident enough to graduate to a more traditional model, the Börner V5 PowerLine stood out in our evaluations of the best mandolines. Just be mindful of how you’re operating it. 

Always use the safety guard, Hope says. If yours doesn’t come with one, you can buy one after the fact at a retailer like Amazon, Target, or a local kitchenware store. 

Some mandolines will come with mesh gloves for added protection, but it’s important to remember that they’re cut-resistant, not cut-proof, Hope adds. “You can absolutely gain a false sense of security and cut through the fabric. Folks shouldn’t slap on a glove and think their hand is invincible. It’s not.” 

Lastly, think twice before slicing your way down to the last bit. “It’s just not worth going to the ER or urgent care to use that last 8 cents’ worth of a cucumber. If you can’t stand the waste, just eat it as a snack,” Hope says.

Each of the roughly 60 (and counting) videos from Logan begins with him effortlessly slicing a cucumber on a mandoline set over a heavy-duty deli container. From there, he adds an array of toppings, seals the container, and shakes it until all of its contents are mixed to perfection. It’s a simple formula that delivers a mouthwatering snack you’ll be tempted to make over and over. And I, like many others on the internet, have. 

Logan’s salmon bagel cucumber recipe has accumulated nearly 32 million views. It incorporates cream cheese, chopped bits of smoked salmon, capers, red onions, and everything bagel seasoning. His cuke-take on a California roll—featuring imitation crab and avocado—is following closely behind. 

In his videos, Logan almost always uses a deli container for his cucumber concoctions, but glass is a better and more sustainable choice. I like to use my food storage containers, which are especially helpful when I’m whipping up a big batch that will eventually need to be stored in the fridge.