Cutting board

SmokinBob629

My wife bought me a beautiful custom mahogany cutting board for our 5 year Anniversary. It's 2.25" wide 12.5" wide and 20" long. After finding out what she paid for it I'm afraid to actually use it. Does any have any experience/suggestions/advise? 
Thank you

mahenryak

Wow.  That's really very nice.  I would use it just to honor my wife.  If you do use it make sure you keep it waxed.  Don't ever let it soak in water.  No dishwasher.  I avoid exposure to very much soapy water altogether, with mine.  That's about all I have off the top of my head.

SmokeyLopey

What he said, but, most of all, use and enjoy! Happy Anniversary!

dmourati

Use it. Take good care of it. Get some board butter and put that on frequently especially at the beginning.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/273616748/bee-good-wood-oil

Nice board!

littlerascal56

Have built a lot of “end grain” walnut/maple cutting boards, and used a salad bowl type poly per picture.  No maintenance required on those.  Yours looks to have an oil finish, so you could buy mineral oil ($1.88) at Walmart, and apply occasionally to keep it looking nice!

Lit

I use my custom boards mainly for cooked meat and veggies. I keep a spray bottle with 50/50 water and vinegar for cleaning just spray it and wipe. If you do raw meat on it you will need soap and water and then it’s a good idea to dry and then let it air dry then you will need to oil it. It’s much easier just not to put raw meat on them then you won’t need to oil very often. As far as use the end grain heals itself really well. I have a board that’s probably 8 yrs old now that you can’t even tell it’s ever been used. Use it and enjoy it. Also want to say when you oil it always oil both sides it can cause it to warp if you don’t. 

wardo

That's a great looking board and very thoughtful of her!

ryantt

littlerascal56 said:

Have built a lot of “end grain” walnut/maple cutting boards, and used a salad bowl type poly per picture.  No maintenance required on those.  Yours looks to have an oil finish, so you could buy mineral oil ($1.88) at Walmart, and apply occasionally to keep it looking nice!

Those are some fine looking boards you’ve made there. 

GrateEggspectations

Lots of good info above. The only thing I would add is that the boards can sometimes stain if cut, coloured foods are left on them. I once got a small stain from cut, fresh herbs. Never let cut items sit on the board very long. Also, personally, I don’t use serrated knives on my end grain boards. 

OhioEgger

I've always just rubbed some mineral oil on my cutting boards from time to time and they have stayed in good condition. No need for the fancy stuff IMHO.

WeberWho

What a great gift. Very nice!

I also agree with the mineral oil. Soak it every month or two until it doesn't drink it up. You can also use some wax on it after or between the mineral oil soakings. I use my Boos board for Vegetables. I use a separate board for meat. (Just personal preference) Good advise above about keeping serrated knives off the board. 

BGEinMaine

Nice looking board! Agree with the above about keeping it oiled and waxed. Make sure to dry it off after washing and don't let it lay with water underneath. I bought and screwed in rubber feet for mine to stop it from sliding while using and to keep it raised when drying after I wash it. Enjoy it!

FanOfFanboys

beautiful board! I say use it, gives it character. the scratches and dents all tell a story. 

thetrim

Wow!

RRP

Nice loving thought went into that purchase/gift!

You have already gotten expert advice, but I would add one more suggestion.  Mahogany will fade so to keep it looking that beautiful - either keep it out of sunlight or in full sunlight.

SmokinBob629

I apologize the wood is black walnut not mahogany. I'm not sure if that makes a difference. I appreciate all the advice. 

RRP

Then please excuse my recommendation about the sunlight or lack there of!