Someone else has a thread on here about these and I told her that I have the 12" and it works well, it doesn't spin away when cutting so it is very safe and it is great for any block parts less than 11 inches, but it does keep separating. Works fine and has never slipped, just have to be careful when I move it. If I have a 50% off coupon I will also by the 17", but I wouldn't pay full price for it. $20 wow that a deal. At Joann's even at 1/2 off it is $38. for the 17" so grab it at $20.