The action

60 x 33 cm and 3 cm thick: this is a true prep station, wide enough to fillet a whole fish, carve poultry, or line up the vegetables for an entire meal without constantly having to move what you have just chopped.

Why it is different

This board is carved from a single block of hinoki, with no glue or assembly of multiple wood strips like most boards sold in Europe. The fine, uniform grain, nearly knot-free, and the very pale cream hue are typical of this species, which is highly sought after for cooking.

Why a solid block board rather than an assembled one

A board carved from a single block requires a piece of hinoki that is wide and sufficiently dry so that it does not crack as it dries further, which is why most inexpensive boards are glued together from several narrower strips. The solid block, which is more expensive to produce, ages as a single piece, with no joints that might open up over time. Hinoki is also a soft yet dense species, gentle under the blade: it marks slightly with each cut and then closes naturally, which preserves the edge of Japanese knives better than a hardwood or plastic board.

Why I chose it

“Hinoki is one of the Japanese woods I particularly love for the kitchen. When I discovered this board, it was mainly its thickness and the fact that it is solid wood that impressed me. You immediately feel that this is not just a kitchen accessory, but a real work tool. I like the idea that a board can be beautiful while being designed first and foremost to be used.”

Is it right for you?

You will love it if

• you regularly cook volumes that require space: whole fish, poultry, vegetables for a full meal
• you use Japanese knives and want to preserve their edge
• you are looking for a real work tool rather than just an accessory
• you are willing to provide careful maintenance: hand washing, drying upright

It is probably not for you if

• you are looking for a small side board that is easy to store
• you prefer a dishwasher-safe board

Solid, non-glued hinoki (Japanese cypress) block, fine grain, 3 cm thickness, dimensions 60 x 33 cm.

In practice

Dimensions 60 x 33 x 3 cm. Hand wash with lukewarm water; never soak or put in the dishwasher. Dry upright in the open air rather than lying flat to prevent the wood from warping.

An object designed to last

Without a label or visible brand, the exact workshop cannot be confirmed with certainty, but the fact that it is carved from a single solid block, with no joints or visible glue, is the mark of artisanal rather than industrial manufacturing. Its thickness allows it to be sanded down if necessary in several years' time.