This is one of those luxury items that make you feel civilized and almost at home while eating. This gives a nice edge to keep all your food on your plate and not on the ground. The flat surface takes a good pressure to make cutting with a knife and picking food off easy and hassle free. Cleanup is a breeze and not much more than wiping off is required most of the time. Feels stable and sturdy and lightweight to take on a all my hiking trips.