Review on Catskill Craftsmen Super Finger Grooves by Michelle Jackson

This stove is a beautiful thing. The only thing I think is most important is that you have to season the block properly. I bought a gallon of edible mineral oil sold on Amazon at the same time, and after the first week of twice-daily lubrication, this block drank nearly a half-gallon pitcher. I would literally pour a generous amount over it and spread it evenly with my hands, rubbing the heavy coating down the sides. After about an hour the block will have absorbed all the oil on top. I wiped lightly with a clean lint free cloth, flipped the block over and repeated on the other side. I did this twice a day for a week. At the end of the first week I started using the board conditioner. First apply a thick layer of mineral oil and then conditioner. It quickly stopped absorbing oil and now moisture/water is pooling at the top and not seeping in. I will continue this process for two months with weekly treatment and then treatment once a month. The color is deeper and so rich and cutting on this block is to die for. Works and looks just as good as my $400+ friends. I highly recommend this piece if you are looking for a high performance device at a great price. Just remember that seasoning keeps the board moist, airtight and prevents cracking, and it pays to treat it well first so that it treats you well. With proper care, a real kitchen heirloom. I give one star for the craftsmanship because I would have liked the underside to have been sanded a little more carefully. Nothing terrible just a little rougher that rarely stuck to my clothes. Overall I am satisfied with my purchase. TO UPDATE. A year has passed and now all I have to do is oil and wax the board every few months. I use it daily and love it very much. Has no knife marks or stains and is easy to clean. After a year of use (and good care) I am fully satisfied with this product.