Know your board

End-grain vs other cutting boards

Wood is made up of many fibers that run vertically in a tree, giving it strength along the direction of these fibers. The direction of these wood fibers on the face of a piece of wood is what's known as the grain direction.

Unlike traditional wood cutting boards that display the edge grain or face grain, end-grain cutting boards are constructed so that wood fibers face up. End-grain cutting boards require significantly more work to create, which is why they have a higher price tag. However, there are several advantages to the end-grain construction:

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1. Gentle on sharp knives: On the microscopic level, the blade of your knife will slip between the wood fibers, rather than against them. This can help protect your knife over the long-term and keep it sharp.

2. Minimizes cutting board damage: Since the knives slip between wood fibers rather than cutting against them in a face or edge grain board, the wood is less likely to be scratched and gouged.

3. Aesthetics: There is significant beauty and variation in the end-grain patterns of wood that are often hidden. Now, they can be fully appreciated.

Materials

• Wood: Our wood is sourced domestically and made from high-quality kiln-dried lumber. We predominantly use black walnut, cherry, and maple

• Wood Glue: We use Titebond III wood glue, a premium wood glue that is both waterproof and FDA-compliant for cutting boards

• Oil Finish: Each cutting board is saturated with a food safe mineral oil before being polished with a 50/50 blend of beeswax and mineral oil (all food safe). This is how you will receive it!

• Rubber Feet: Each cutting board is supported underneath by 4 rubber feet, secured by stainless steel screws. This is to help prevent slippage during cutting and keep the underside clean from countertop debris

Maintenance tips

• Upon receiving, scrub the cutting board with warm soap and water. Dry with a dish towel or cloth

• After cleaning and washing, always dry with a dishtowel or cloth. Avoid air drying. If the cutting board stays wet for long periods of time it can lead to warping of the wood

• Regularly (every month or so depending on usage), apply a food safe oil on all sides to keep the wood saturated and hydrophobic. You may need to oil it more often in the first 1-2 months of ownership. As long as the board soaks up the oil, it needs it!

• Always hand wash. NEVER put in the dishwasher, and do not soak in water

• Improper maintenance can lead to warping, bowing, or splitting of the board