Madeira Mario Batali M-04 Edge Grain Teak Carving Board, Large

This large cutting board is just big enough to make me feel like I have a lot of cutting space, but not so big that I can't wash it in the sink. I oil using plain mineral oil from the pharmacy, which you can get from CVS or Rite-Aid for like $5 or $6. I oil it about once a week, and no complaints - it has a dark color, beautiful finish, and everyone who sees it gives it a compliment.The wood does 'hold' the cuts really well, and my knife has never stayed sharper. I've been using this daily for a few weeks now, and it still looks just as good as the day after I got it (after I had oiled it at least once!) With the irregular pattern of the end-cut blocks, it makes damage from regular cutting use hard to see, and I guess the architecture of the end-grain will help 'heal' some of the lighter cuts as well.The thickness hasn't been a problem for me, although there is some occasional TEMPORARY warping around the corners. I flip the board upside down, give it a fresh oil, and it goes back to normal. I think it's because my roommate sometimes leaves it wet.

I have only had this board a few days, so I cannot say how well it is going to hold up, but so far so good. It looks gorgeous. It has one side with the grooved surface for collecting juices and a reversible side with a full smooth surface - please see my pictures.The quality of the board looks and feels great too. It is lightweight and hard.I conditioned the board 3 times before using it with John Taylor brand Butcher Block Conditioner, which Amazon sells. I've read it's crucial to not only condition a wood cutting board before using it but to condition it every month as well. That will keep the board from drying out and help avoid cracking and splitting.For day to day care, Hand wash a wood cutting board with soap and warm water after using, and then dry. Do not use a dishwasher, it will ruin a wood cutting board, causing warping and drying out the wood from the intense heat, which will cause cracking and splitting. Do not allow water or juices to rest on the board for long periods. As soon as you are done cutting food, wipe any standing water off, it will prolong the life of the board.I will post a follow up here once I've had this board for a few months, but so far, I am very happy with this board. Please see my pictures.UPDATE: September, 2014. I've had this cutting board just over 6 months now and it's still holding up well. It has the usual knife marks any wood board gets with use, but it's a good quality board. It hasn't warped or split. I wash it with hot soapy water and then towel dry. Never put a wood cutting board in a dishwasher as the heat will warp and can crack it. I'm happy with this purchase and the board looks great.

Good teak cutting boards are worth every penny, and this one is pretty good. I've used this one for a lot of fine slicing and mincing without too much visible wear, and it gives just enough that I don't feel like I'm ruining my good knives.I would strongly recommend getting some butcher block oil and using it fairly frequently.

Buyer beware! These boards look nothing like the product example pictured on Amazon. Instead of rich, deep dark striations - which make these boards more attractive than other cutting boards here on Amazon and which was the reason I ordered one - the boards that are actually shipped are plain and uninspiring.Even after seasoning these boards with mineral oil they won't come close to what is pictured. The boards are glued together from 5 or 6 wood planks, the edges of each clearly discernible unlike in the Amazon product image. I have uploaded a side-by-side comparison picture that shows a board I have received right next to the image used to sell them. They look nothing alike.While I understand that wood is unique and not every board will look the same, shipping merchandise that is so far removed from what is advertised borders - in my opinion - on consumer deception.Mr. Batali, if you are reading this, the company that has licensed your name is cheapening your brand by shipping inferior product.

Tiny board, perfect for cutting a lime or lemon for cocktails, a few herbs for stew or serving hors d'oeuvres or four ramekins. But it's rather too small for chopping a large onion, celery or more than a carrot or two, and you will need a larger board, or the chopped pieces will end up on your counter-top (or the floor!) especially if they have a tendency to stick to the knife at all.I love the heft and finish, and the teak is beautiful in the kitchen. I am buying the larger matching board by the same company for needs not accommodated by this tiny board.Don't forget to rub a little teak oil into the wood now and again, as this is a natural product and needs a little occasional care. Also I do not put my board in the dishwasher.

I bought this cutting board for my hunny as a Christmas present and it was a hit. Such a great idea, perfect size, it looked beautiful, it was a great price, and he LOVES Mario Batali (and the rest of the iron chefs). We bought mineral oil for conditioning teak cutting boards and gave it a good week or longer, coating it everyday. Even doing so, it would warped... Irritating but simple fix. We flipped it over, oiled it up more, good as new and hasnt warped since.Soon after we noticed the knife marks. Not a big deal either. Doesnt look so pretty anymore though.All in all, I gave this 3 stars. Its a great cutting board if you're on a budget and want something that will last a while with some TLC but if you're looking for one that will last 20 years without the maintenance, you might want to look for something a bit more pricey.

I received an edge grain board instead of an end grain one. So it's not as good-looking as pictured here. Took a chance because I wanted a small chopping board but like some reviews here, it was rough and needed sanding before it can be used to chop or cut food on. I cannot imagine anyone using it as is, unless you like wood splinters in your food?