WOODPECKER

Woodpecker makes cutting boards from relatively soft ginkgo wood. The slight give protects the knife edge, softens the sound of chopping and feels noticeably kinder under the blade than a very hard board.

Founder Kenji Fukui selects the grain carefully and finishes each board as a serious working surface. When years of knife marks gather, the top can be shaved flat and renewed instead of replacing the whole piece. The first cut does not spoil the board; it begins a long period of use, with a clear way to bring the surface back when needed.