Catskill Craftsmen Utility Paddle Cutting Board

So how come this cutting board costs about $12 while the price of similar size boards of the same wood is many folds higher -- right here on amazon?The paper the board was wrapped in was oily, so I can testify that the board was oiled -- but who knows how long ago. When I first took it out of its package two things grabbed my attention (1) the board was whitish -- needed oiling (2) the surface was fairly smooth but rough to the touch -- not sanded enough. Don't get it wrong; the surface was even -- no high spots, no dings -- just rough a bit (some places more than the others), with tiny bits of wood protruding out when looked at an angle right after rinsing with water.So I sanded it starting with 150 grits and worked my way to 220, washing and letting it dry between each session to check the progress. It took away half of two week-ends to get the best results, but now it is such a joy to use this board. I am sure an orbital sander would have yielded smoother results, but even with my ¼-inch pad sander and Mouse sander the results are more than satisfactory. It is very smooth now.I personally like the size, shape, and weight of this cutting board; I use it for vegetables, it doubles as sandwich, bread or cheese board, and can take it out to picnics. It hides in the cupboard out of sight till I need it. The board is well-built, solid, with healthy looks. It feels sturdy when you grip it. After use, my knife is still sharp, and the wood shows faint marks. I have owned it for a month now and it does not have any warping or de-gluing.In addition, the accompanying paper on my cutting board when I received it in March 2012 said this is MADE in USA; which was not the case in one of 2011 customer reviews.If you want a smooth cutting board of this size right out of the package or you don't have and are not comfortable using a sander, then this cutting board is not for you. But if you can borrow from a friend or already have at home a palm sander -- like the Mouse, Random Orbital or ¼-inch pad sander (remember to sand with the grain) -- and do not mind putting in some time and work to smooth out the surface, then this inexpensive cutting board is excellent.I am taking down one star because of the hassle to sand.

I bought this in June of 2017. I use it daily. It has very small cracks that have been getting bigger very very slowly. I use one side for veggies and the other for onions and meat. I am careful with it, loving it for being so good. This one must have been made on a Wednesday by the most talented guy or gal in the factory. I looked at cutting boards to see if they were still on amazon, but a third party dealer is not how I shop. Anyway, I hope it lasts for five more years. I hope I do too!😄

Great if you don't put it in the dishwasher, or the fridge

I have this on top of my bread box, and it is just the right size for slicing off a piece of homemade bread. It was a good value for the price. That said, I wish is cost a bit more and was more finished, smoother. I take good care of it, never leaving it in water and using boos board cream on it, and it's still very rough. No splinters in the bread, but I don't even want to think about that possibility on a bread board. It does look as good as in the pictures, and I don't regret buying it, just not 5 stars.

I'm so glad to have one of these in my home......just helps to make me feel at home, serves as a cutting board, and in the past had multiple uses around the house. Cheese board, etc. We used to call it a paddle board bc sometimes you could get a spanking with it! Glad to get one of hard wood, because bamboo can mold easily. The only thing very different than the ones we had is that the whole used to hang it on is unusually small. No big deal, I'm going to use it so much it won't get much time on the wall. Thanks for making this!

This is a small cutting board. The work surface is about 10x7 inches. If you are preparing large quantities of anything, this will not do for you. If you are slicing a loaf of bread or chopping one onion or a couple of carrots - it is terrific. The small size makes it easy to move around and store. The wood holds up well to scarring by knives being used on it, and is less damaging to the knife edge than many other types of cutting board surfaces. Mine has a black sharpie mark on one side. The sharpie mark is for use with raw meats, everything else is cut on the unmarked side. When I am finished with it, it is scrubbed with hot soapy water and either a stiff bristle (nail) brush or a green scrubbie pad - which ever is easiest to grab; then rinsed in hot water. I wipe off any excess water then stand it behind the faucet to finish air drying, I have been using this almost daily for well over one year with very little visible scarring and not contamination concerns ever. This is a sturdy good quality product.

Nice wood paddle cutting board. I didn't find any problems and thought the wood finish was very good. I only wished it was wider because it is rather small for utilitarian use. The actual cutting board surface is 9"x7" which is fine for table service. Note: The image presented is slightly distorted and looks wider than it really is. The one I received is not actually three-quarters inches thick, but measured ⅝" (five-eighths inches). Not bad for the price considering how hard it is to find a good quality paddle cutting board made in the USA. Had to return as I wanted a wider board. Still a nice board.

I waited on reviewing this because I've been diligently putting mineral oil on mine - trusting the reviews that this will make it last forever - putting it on every day for a month then once a month. I am also careful not to get this in water. I think the bad reviews are from people who didn't take care of theirs so theirs fell apart. I would not have known to take care of mine had I not read the reviews. You need to be prepared to work for this if you buy it. It has to have that mineral oil. Soak it in the sink and you'll ruin it.It really is a beautiful cutting board. It's not too small but I did want it to be larger when I first got it. At this point it will do and I'm very fond of it. It feels good, looks beautiful and I do enjoy my eyes falling on it in the kitchen. The hole is useful to put thin rope through and hang.