Shun Hinoki Cutting Board, Large 17.75 x 11.75 in - Preserves Knife

In this review of the Shun Cutlery Large Hinoki Cutting Board the bottom line is straightforward: this is an elegant, functional board for cooks who want to protect fine blades while enjoying a traditional Japanese work surface. At 17.75 by 11.75 in it offers a roomy, stable area for everyday tasks and the medium-soft hinoki wood actually "gives" under the knife, which helps preserve edge geometry on premium knives. The cedar-like fragrance and FSC certification add to its appeal for anyone seeking an authentic, responsibly sourced wooden board.

Key Features

• Large size: The 17.75 x 11.75 in footprint provides ample space for vegetables, fruit and most protein prep without crowding the work area.
• Knife-friendly material: Hinoki is medium-soft so the surface gives as you cut, reducing wear on the edges of quality blades.
• Artisan tradition: The board complements handcrafted Japanese cutlery with a traditional feel and understated beauty.
• Sustainable sourcing: Forest Stewardship Council certification signals responsible forest management for the hinoki used.
• Dual-sided use: Both faces can be used for food prep and flipping the board helps correct minor warping over time.
• Simple care: Wet before use to resist stains and wash with mild detergent; towel dry and air dry away from direct sunlight.

Who It's For

The Shun hinoki board suits home cooks and knife enthusiasts who own fine kitchen knives and want a work surface that helps extend edge life. Its size and forgiving wood make it ideal for everyday prep in small to medium kitchens.

It is less appropriate for cooks who need a heavy-duty butcher block for repeated heavy chopping of bones or for those who prefer completely maintenance-free plastic boards for dishwasher use. Anyone who regularly uses a dishwasher or needs a completely rigid surface should consider other materials.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Protects knife edges by using a medium-soft hinoki surface that gives under the blade.
• Large 17.75 x 11.75 in size handles most general-purpose food prep comfortably.
• Attractive, naturally fragrant Japanese cypress with FSC certification for sustainable sourcing.
• Both sides usable and easy care instructions help maintain appearance and performance.

Cons

• Not dishwasher safe and requires regular hand care to avoid staining and warping.
• Medium-soft wood will show cut marks over time, which may bother users who want a pristine surface.

Specifications

Product	Large Hinoki Cutting Board
Dimensions	17.75 x 11.75 in
Material	Hinoki (Japanese cypress)
Edge care	Medium-soft wood helps preserve knife edges
Certification	Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified
Care	Wet before use, wash with mild detergent, towel dry, air dry away from sunlight

Our Verdict

The Shun Large Hinoki Cutting Board is a smart buy for cooks who value knife care and prefer a warm, traditional work surface. Its generous size, forgiving wood and sustainable sourcing deliver good long-term value for owners of fine cutlery, provided they accept the extra hand care and natural wear that come with a wooden board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both sides be used?
Yes, both faces of the board are intended for food preparation and flipping can help correct minor cupping.

How should I clean stains?
Wet the board before use to resist staining and remove spots by rubbing a cut lemon across the stain, then wash with mild detergent and towel dry.

Is it dishwasher safe?
No, do not wash in the dishwasher; prolonged exposure to heat and water can warp or split the wood.