Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Cutting Board XX-A - Knife-Friendly

In this review the Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Cutting Board XX-A is evaluated for professional cooks and knife enthusiasts who want a surface that protects high carbon steel blades. The bottom line: this large LDPE board delivers a noticeably softer cutting surface that reduces blade stress and extends edge life while remaining easy to clean and odor resistant. It is best for users who prioritize knife care and a slip-resistant, low-maintenance board for heavy prep work.

Key Features

• Size: The XX-A measures 31.5 in x 17.7 in x 0.9 in, offering a generous work area for large fish and bulk prep tasks.
• Knife protection: The Hi Soft surface is engineered to minimize impact on the blade so high carbon steel knives retain their edge longer.
• Material: Made from LDPE plastic, the board is not wood and is resistant to odors while allowing easy cleaning after use.
• Hand comfort: The synthetic construction reduces stress on the hand during long prep sessions, making repeated slicing less fatiguing.
• Slip resistance: The thickness and material combine to provide a stable, non-slip cutting platform on countertops.
• Made in Japan: The board is produced in Japan to established professional standards for sashimi and chef tools.

Who It's For

The Hi Soft XX-A is ideal for professional chefs, serious home cooks, and anyone who uses high carbon steel knives for sashimi, butchery, or heavy vegetable work. Its large footprint suits wide workstations and multi-person kitchens where a single large board is preferred.

Those who prefer a traditional wooden board for aesthetics or who require a fully lightweight, ultra-portable mat should look elsewhere. Also consider a thinner or smaller size from the same line if counter space or storage is limited.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft synthetic surface protects edges and helps maintain edge retention on high carbon knives.
• Large XX-A size provides ample workspace for fish filleting and bulk prep.
• Easy to clean and odor resistant, reducing maintenance time between uses.
• Stable, slip-resistant feel on the counter for safer cutting.

Cons

• Not made of wood, so it lacks the traditional look some cooks prefer.
• Weight perceptions vary; some users find the large board heavier to move than expected.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Yoshihiro Hi Soft XX-A is a practical choice for cooks who prioritize knife longevity and a large, stable work surface. It offers clear benefits for maintaining high carbon blades and simplifies cleaning, making it good value for serious users who want professional-grade performance without wooden board maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this board suitable for high carbon steel knives?
Yes. The Hi Soft surface is specifically designed to reduce blade stress and support better edge retention for high carbon steel knives.

How do you clean and care for this board?
Clean with warm soapy water and dry; the LDPE material is easy to wash and resists odors compared with porous woods.

Are other sizes available?
Yes. The Hi Soft line is available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, and XXX-Large sizes.