Eighteen inches of end grain teak, and twelve pounds of it. End grain means the board is built from blocks stood on end, so a knife edge slips down between the wood fibers instead of cutting across them — the board heals over instead of scarring, and the knife stays sharp longer. It is how butcher blocks have been built for a century, and the checkerboard face is the giveaway.

Two inches thick, sustainable teakwood throughout, and heavy enough to stay put while you work. A $200 value, and the kind of board that ends up living on the counter rather than in a cabinet.

· End grain cutting board — 18" x 2", 12 lbs

· Sustainable teakwood construction

· $200 value