Most graters on the market use a stamped metal process. In this process, the teeth are made the same thickness as the rest of the blade. As a result, stamped blades are dull. Microplane utilizes a chemical process called photo-etching that defines and sharpens the edge of each tooth on the grater. The result is a much sharper tooth, and long-lasting, ultra-sharp stainless steel blades, giving you the consumer, a more precise result with far less effort. Just watch your fingers, use our glove and food guards for your personal safety.