Convertible slicing/dicing mandolin

A convertible food slicer comprising:

• a. a support structure;
• b. at least a first food slicing blade and a plurality of second food slicing blades mounted on said support structure;
• c. a platform mounted on said support structure and having a guide surface defining a path for guiding a movement of a food item towards and past said first and second slicing blades;
• d. a slider structure for holding said food item and for guiding said food item along said guide surface past said first and second slicing blades;
• e. said first slicing blade having a cutting edge, said cutting edge being substantially parallel to said guide surface when said first slicing blade is in a first position spaced above said guide surface by a predetermined distance for cutting a slice from said food item;
• f. said first slicing blade being pivotably mounted on said support structure so as to be selectively movable between said first position and a second position spaced from said first position and away from said guide surface;
• g. said second slicing blades each having a cutting edge that is orthogonal to said cutting edge of said first blade when said second slicing blades are disposed in said path to cut said food item;
• h. a control element operatively connected to said first blade, said control element being rotatable for selectively pivoting said first blade between said first position and said second position;
• and
• i. an engagement structure on said slider for engaging and moving said control element and thereby pivoting said first blade from said first position to said second position upon a first movement of said slider past said first and second blades in a first direction, and pivoting said first blade from said second position to said first position upon a second movement of said slider past said first and second blades in the same direction.