I don't cut mine into slices. I cut them in half if they aren't too big. If so, I cut them in quarters. I never slice mine. I just put them into the jars without cramming them, just firmly packed. I use canning salt. If you follow the timing in the recipe, you'll have great pickles. When I went to pick up my jars after the fair, I noticed that the dill pickles were about half gone. I asked about it, and one of the ladies working there said the workers got started eating on them, they had to stop so there would be an exhibit left for the fair. I guaranteeif you follow the recipe exactly, they will be crisp and good.