Abstract: A blade assembly for use in a slicing device comprises a plurality of blades and a pair of tension members. Each of the tension members has a plurality of slots formed therein. The tension members are positioned in the assembly such that the slots in one tension member are disposed generally opposite the slots in the other tension member. The tension members are spaced such that a longitudinal end of a blade is received in each of the generally opposite slots, in a manner such that the blades are maintained between the tension members under tension. A retainer is associated with each of the tension members for retaining the blade longitudinal end in the tension member slot. A spacer is provided to maintain the spacing between the tension members, to thereby maintain the tension in the blades.