* * Practical and very efficient 1

Like all cooking enthusiasts, I had heard about the rapes Microplane. Essentially the classical model, which looks like a carpenter's tool (which I bought, and I probably will comment soon).
It looks more like a kitchen utensil. The blade is considerably wider. So, I find it more convenient than the classic Parmesan or grapefruit. Easier to wash, too. It matters.
But it is mostly a matter of personal taste, as the blade cuts identical to those of the conventional model.

This Microplane zester and allows very fine grating with ease and really bluffing result. Parmesan turns into a kind of very light snow that melts instantly in contact with hot foods, and mixes perfectly in cold preparations (device cake, stuffing, etc). The peels are also very thin: the Microplane only takes peel, not the white part (bitter) which is below. By-done!
Nutmeg nuts or tonka beans do not scare him either. no need to press hard for it grater.
You still have to pay attention to the fingers. If one slips, I guess the blade an inch zestera both a lemon ;-)

The blade tends to sag a bit when pressed. But it comes back up as soon as some relief. Steel looks to have a good spring. The welds are impeccable. The life of this model should be very good (if the blade does not wear, but it's a little early to tell).

UPDATE (07/09/2014): 19 months later, I confirm all the points of my comment. She grater still good, while I use almost every day for all kinds of food including nutmeg which is pretty hard. Nothing has changed: it is like new.
Definitely, a very good investment.