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Pros: None
Cons: None
Manage Your Expectations
I have owned and used this cutting board for several years and like it enough for 5 stars. You may not. Botanically, Hinoki is a cypress as stated in the description. It's closest American relatives are the following cedars from the same family and genus: Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana) Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis) Atlantic White cedar (Chamaecyparis Thyoides ) These do not have a cool Japanese name but the Port Orford is good enough for wood arrows and would likely be similar in function to Hinoki and would likely also make a nice cutting boards with similar qualities. Reportedly Hinoki and Port Orford have anti microbial qualities. It is light weight, not very hard, and relatively strong for its weight. It can get dings and dents like cedar. Surface cuts tend to heal. If you like the hard heavy feel of maple or other hardwood, you may not like it. This is what most people expect from a cutting board; and if so, they will be disappointed. I think the other qualities of the Hinoki or Port Orford are a better fit for a cutting board than the traditional. The exception might be heavy, frequent use with a meat cleaver. Most non-commercial users will not do this. It probably will not change your life, but I have used it regularly and been satisfied.