Norpro Apple Master-Apple, Potato, Parer, Slicer & Corer with Vacuum Base & Clamp

Q: Why the mechanical clamp if it has a vaccum clamp base?

Incase you use it on a surface that it won't suction to. For example it auctions just fine to my counter top but not to my wooden kitchen table. I could then use the clamp base to secure it to my kitchen table if I wanted to use it there.

Q: How does this do on pears?

not sure how it would be on pears but I can say it didnt do well on apples either....broke within 6 weeks...just after the return date expired....suction kept releasing as well, I would choose another make myself as Ive tried 2 of these and both didnt work for me.