Totally Bamboo Butcher Block, Large

This is the best choping block I've ever owned. Notice I didn't call this a board, as the brawny thickness of this product with the substantial feet(with rubber bottoms to prevent slipping) brings this up quite a few notches from mere ordinary cutting boards. This is a chopping block to end all chopping blocks. I can only compare this to butcherblock, but made from Green, eco friendly, self renewable bamboo. You're doing the environment a favor by going with bamboo over synthetic boards/mats, and even over traditional wood such as red maple.

I love red maple, don't get me wrong. Aside from the green advantages, bamboo is 16% stronger than Red Maple. Its not going to dull your knives significantly faster, at least nowhere near the extent of the fools who cut on glass or marble as a cutting board. I still can't believe some people preach using infinately harder surfaces like marble to cut on. Sure its a snap to clean up, but you're going to be cutting with a popsicle stick after all the sharpening sessions you're going to have to perform on your knives.

This block has a good feel when chopping on it. it doesn't move, it's not too high when set on a counter top, and its so darn beautiful I leave it out all the time.

To get the maximum life from your block, keep 3 things in mind.

1) don't intentially try to damage the board. with enough effort, sure you can impale your blade and make it stick. Why oh why would you want to do that? also I wouldn't put a hot pan on the board. unlike countertops, bamboo burns. :P

2) treat your board with mineral oil right after you buy it, and before you use it! Any food grade mineral oil will do, you don't have to stick with something that is "certified" for bamboo. Food Grade mineral oil is what you should use, and you can get it in the supermarket or drug store. I use the mineral oil designed as...don't laugh...a laxative. It's 100% food grade, and is safe to treat your bamboo or any wooden board. It's also a lot cheaper than wood treatment mineral oil. Simply apply some oil to a soft lint free cloth and rub it in, leaving a thin layer behind. go away for a half hour and come back. repeat. keep doing this until the board doesn't soak in anymore. Wipe the excess off with a dry cloth and you're ready to use it! Every few months apply the oil again to keep the wood from drying out.

3) Cleaning! some people use mild soapy water. I like to use distilled white vinegar applied with a soft sponge (not a scrubber) and then wiped dry with a towel. Vinegar kills bacteria and does a fantastic job cleaning, as long as you don't mind the smell. I water down my vinegar a little bit (a little stronger than 50/50) and keep it in a spray bottle. Clean your block using vinegar(or mild soapy water) after each use. Its easier to get the food off when its not dried on the surface (and in any cuts that may be on the surface).

If you follow those 3 steps I bet this block will last you a lifetime. I've had mine only a week and I love it! Yes, it is expensive compared to other alternative products. you can get a similar sized cutting board made from bamboo for $15 and be happy. I personally think the manufacture and quality of this product merits the price tag. This sucker is not going to be splitting or cracking anytime soon.

My compliments to Totally Bamboo and Amazon for carrying such a quality product I highly recommend it. The shipment arrived promptly, and the block was well packed and protected. When I opened the box, I couldn't believe how beautiful and brawny this block is. The pictures don't do it justice. It is extremely well made tightly crafted, very smooth and silky to the touch, substantial, but not too heavy to easily lift and move. The legs are just the right height and the rubber feet hold it nicely in place. It gives a very satisfying "thunk" when chopping and dicing, slicing and mincing are a joy. Very easy care wipe with hot, soapy water or vinegar and treat with wood oil as needed. Goodbye, wimpy acrylic and rough wood............hello beautiful bamboo! I give it a big TEN and will be purchasing more Totally Bamboo products.

Edited to add: Since purchasing this chopping block, I have discovered a wonderful product for treating wood and cast iron. It's a food grade mix of beeswax and mineral oil and can be found on eBay, sold by Wooden Wonders. Name is Beeswax Butcher Block Conditioner. It's thick and has a firm texture, meaning more beeswax and less oil. Great product!

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Totally Beautiful cutting board/chopping block!

Some reviews stated that they were experiencing splitting, which was probably the result of not prepping the board properly prior to use.

Heres how....

Apply mineral oil generously with a basting brush. Dont use a rag or sponge, as both will absorb more of the oil than the board when applied.

When I say generously, I mean it. Just squirt the mineral oil directly to the surface of the board and spread out as if "painting" the entire surface, both sides, and even the feet.

I did this everyday for a week, until the board was saturated and could not absorb any more, you will be surprised how many applications this board will absorb, its like a sponge, due to its end grain design, as well as its original dry state.

Your last application, when the board seems to be well conditioned, I would say after 5-6 applications of the above process, in a small bowl or glass, mix about a 1/2 cup of mineral oil with 2-3 Tbs natural bees wax and heat in microwave for about 45 seconds.

This last "hot coat" application will seal your board properly, and is ready for use.

Those that have reported cracking and seperation, more than likely didnt cure their board properly before initial use which usually results in those type of issues.

Another tip, dont set your crock pot, toaster oven, or any hot pan on your board. Its a cutting board not a hot pad.

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This is an absolutely gorgeous cutting board. This board is VERY heavy, and has nice, sturdy legs. It's not going anywhere while you're cutting, so no more sliding cutting boards. It's easy to clean just a little soap and water, and dry it afterwards. Every now and then rub it with some food-safe wood oil, and you're set. I highly recommend this!

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I've had one of these cutting boards for about 3 years and it's in great shape despite daily use. It shows little if any wear, and it's very comfortable to cut on.

The only problem I've observed is that one of the four feet, which are made of bamboo, has developed a small crack, probably from being wet too often.

You do need to wash it with soap and water to prevent the cross-contamination of of foods, especially after cutting things like raw chicken on it. Be sure to dry it well.

As with any similar product, the Totally Bamboo Butcher Block cutting board should be rubbed with a generous coat of mineral oil anytime it shows signs of dryness. It will require more frequent oilings when it's new, say once a week, but that should drop off to once or twice a month after you've been using it for a while, depending on how often you wash it.

Lastly, some people claim that bamboo is too hard for cutting boards and can dull and damage knives, especially thinner Japanese kitchen knives. I have not found that to be the case, nor did Cook's Illustrated when it gave a smaller Totally Bamboo end-grain cutting board top honors in its January 2008 review.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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