Abstract: A knife assembly for use in a food cutting apparatus includes a compression ring adapted for threaded engagement with a base ring. The compression ring includes a threaded collar that tapers thinner towards its leading edge. The blade support ring tapers thinner towards a leading edge of the support ring sidewall. The blade support ring includes a sidewall having a plurality of blade second end receiving slots. At least two blades are connected at their first ends to a central cutter element and at their second ends to the blade support ring. As the compression ring engages the base ring, the advancing and opposing surfaces of the tapered sidewall of the compression ring and the tapered sidewall of the blade support ring cooperate imparting a compressive force against the ends of the blades, securing the blade with respect to the compression ring and the cutter element.