Features of Kodai Hinoki Cutting Boards

Kodai is a company that produces cutting boards made from 100% Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood. The timber is sourced from the prefectures of Gifu and Shizuoka. To avoid placing excessive pressure on natural resources, only a limited amount of wood is harvested each year. This commitment to sustainability is a guiding principle throughout the company.

Smaller leftover pieces of wood are repurposed into toys, while remaining bark is sold as firewood. In addition, Kodai donates 2% of its annual revenue to the planting of new hinoki trees, helping to preserve these forests for future generations.

Kodai cutting boards are crafted from FSC-certified* hinoki wood, also known as Japanese cypress. This wood species is exceptionally well suited for cutting boards. Its natural resins and oils help prevent bacteria from penetrating deep into the wood and give hinoki its distinctive aroma.

Like all wooden cutting boards, hinoki boards require proper care and maintenance. We recommend lightly moistening the board before use to create an additional protective layer. To prevent the wood from drying out and cracking, the board should be treated regularly with a neutral oil, such as grapeseed oil or Kodai Hinoki Oil.

Over time, knife marks and shallow grooves may appear on the surface. These can easily be removed by lightly sanding the board with 240-grit sandpaper.

Hinoki is renowned for its light weight and soft texture. It is an exceptionally knife-friendly wood that helps keep blades sharper for longer while reducing the risk of chipping or minor edge damage. Because of its softer nature, we do not recommend using the board for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping, as this may cause deep cuts and dents.

The board should always be cleaned by hand and preferably dried with the grain facing upward. We strongly advise against putting the cutting board in the dishwasher, as this can cause warping and increase the risk of mold growth.

If you are looking for a cutting board that allows your knives to perform at their very best, we highly recommend Kodai’s hinoki cutting boards.