I bought the Martelli spring 2009, - then in June developed carpal tunnel that progressed extremely quickly to being operable. Amazingly, I was still cutting with this right up to the night prior to surgery, - could not use any of my other brands, - could not use a knife to prepare meals, could not hold a pen to write. My husband made the comment that I needed to rotary cut my vegetables. Within 2 wks of surgery, I was again using my Martelli. I'm sure I'll be using others at some time in the future, but for now, I am so glad for that impulsive buy. I love it.