I have a regular mandolin and haven't had much luck using it. Recently I purchased a Benriner Japanese Mandolin and used it for the first time tonight...it worked very well and sliced onions almost paper thin. I don't know why the regular mandolin and I don't get along, but this one is wonderful. Just thought I'd let you know. It comes with a regular slicer blade and 3 julienne type blades. I don't remember what it cost since I bought it about 6 months ago. It comes in 3 widths: the one I bought 64mm (2.52"), Super 95mm (3.74"), and Jumbo 115mm (4.53").
Don't wait too long to tell someone you love them.
Billy
Billy