Can anyone tell me what this is? I got it in a bag of stuff from kitchenware at the thrift store. Looks like a comb

 

Mystery Solved! What That Odd Kitchen Gadget From the Thrift Store Actually Is

You’re not alone if you’ve ever pulled a strange, blade-filled gadget out of a thrift store bag and wondered:

“What in the world is this?”

Chances are, you’ve discovered an onion and vegetable slicer—a vintage (or modern) kitchen tool designed to slice onions, potatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables quickly, safely, and evenly.

Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it works, and why it might deserve a place in your kitchen.

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 What Is an Onion and Vegetable Slicer?

An onion slicer usually looks like a small plastic or metal base fitted with sharp, parallel blades set into narrow slots.

Some models include a hand guard, while others require you to press the vegetable through the blades using a pusher or the palm of your hand.

Purpose:
To create even, thin slices of firm vegetables without requiring advanced knife skills.

Why It’s So Useful (Especially for Onions)

This simple tool offers several advantages:

Speed
You can slice an entire onion in just a few seconds.

Consistency
Each slice has the same thickness, which is ideal for caramelizing, frying, or adding to salads.

Safety
It keeps your fingers away from sharp blades—helpful for beginners, children learning to cook, or people with limited hand strength.

Control
It works well with small or oddly shaped vegetables that can be difficult to hold with a knife.

 Bonus: Faster slicing means less exposure to onion vapors, which may reduce tears.