Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Cutting Board (Medium)

In this review of the Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance cutting board we look at why serious home cooks and professional sashimi users choose a synthetic board designed specifically for high carbon steel knives. The bottom line: this Medium board is for anyone who wants to preserve blade edges and prefers a nonwood surface that cleans easily. Its soft yet resilient LDPE construction reduces edge wear more than typical boards, and the odor resistance and simple cleaning make it a practical everyday tool in kitchens where blade care matters.

Key Features

• Knife edge protection: The Hi Soft material is formulated to minimize impact on the blade, helping high carbon steel knives keep a sharper edge with less frequent honing.
• Hand comfort: The slightly yielding surface reduces stress on the hand during long prep sessions, making repeated slicing less fatiguing.
• Easy maintenance: Because it is made from LDPE plastic rather than wood, the board cleans quickly and resists lingering food odors.
• Slip resistance: The board's density and surface texture help it stay put on the counter during use, improving safety and control.
• Made in Japan: The board's manufacturing origin reflects a focus on materials and finish tailored to professional sashimi and chef tools.
• Size range: Available in sizes from Small through XXX-Large, allowing selection for compact prep or large-volume use.

Who It's For

The Yoshihiro Hi Soft Medium is ideal for cooks who use high carbon steel knives and want a nonwood surface that prioritizes blade longevity. It suits home cooks who prepare sashimi or delicate slicing and professionals who need a board that keeps knives sharper for longer while being simple to sanitize.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who prefer the aesthetic or self-healing grain of hardwood boards, or buyers seeking an ultra-heavy, thick cutting slab for heavy-duty pounding or cleaver use; the Hi Soft emphasizes blade friendliness and light-to-medium prep rather than extreme durability for heavy impact tasks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Protects knife edges better than many harder surfaces, extending the useful life of high carbon blades.
• Easy to clean and resists odors because it is made from LDPE synthetic material.
• Comfortable to use for extended prep due to the slightly soft surface that reduces hand stress.
• Available in multiple sizes to match different kitchen needs and counter space.

Cons

• Some users may perceive the board as lightweight compared with thick wooden or composite boards, which can feel less substantial on the counter.
• A synthetic surface lacks the traditional look and warm finish of wood, which may not suit every kitchen aesthetic.

Specifications

Product	Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Cutting Board (Medium)
Material	LDPE plastic (not wood)
Size (Medium)	17.3 in x 9.8 in x 0.8 in (44 cm x 25 cm x 2 cm)
Made in	Japan
Available sizes	Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, XXX-Large
Key benefit	Designed to reduce blade stress and improve edge retention

Our Verdict

The Yoshihiro Hi Soft Medium is a practical, knife-friendly cutting board for cooks who prioritize edge retention and easy cleaning. Its LDPE construction protects high carbon steel blades and offers a comfortable prep surface, making it a smart value for those who replace or sharpen knives frequently. Choose this board if blade care and low-maintenance hygiene matter more than a heavy, traditional wooden feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this board safe for high carbon steel knives?
The Hi Soft material is specifically designed to be gentle on high carbon steel and reduce edge wear compared with harder cutting surfaces.

How do you clean and maintain this board?
Clean with warm soapy water and rinse; the LDPE surface resists odors and does not require oiling like wood boards.

Does the board slip during use?
The board's density and surface texture reduce slipping on a countertop, though a damp towel underneath can add extra stability if desired.