woodpecker is a brand of MANAITAs (chopping boards) made from Japanese ginkgo trees. It is located in Gifu Prefecture in Central Japan, where Japanese knife makers rooted in the SAMURAI swords manufacturing are accumulated. The owner of the brand, FUKUI Kenji, comes from a family of woodworkers (craftsmen who make wooden parts for Buddhist implements, household Shinto shrines, and portable festivity shrines).
Their MANAITA is made from a single piece of domestically sourced ginkgo wood. They use only solid wood, not pressed boards. It emphasizes the beautiful wood grain that reflects the history of the tree, along with a design that highlights its natural qualities. Their products are individually handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, allowing them to showcase the unique characteristics of each piece of wood. As a result, no two items are exactly alike.
Characteristics of Ginkgo MANAITA
The remarkable feature of woodpecker's MANAITA is that it is gentle to knife blades and resistant to dents due to the soft and self-recovering nature of the wood. MANAITA has been used by Professional chefs in Japan for a long time. If you regularly use Japanese cooking knives, we strongly recommend using their MANAITA for the aforementioned reasons. Most Western chopping boards are made from stiffer wood like maple or walnut, and they are not suitable for Japanese cooking knives.
Even if you don't have Japanese cooking knives, MANAITA will elevate your cooking experience. It protects both your kitchen countertop and knife blades and provides stable support for cutting foods such as vegetables, meats, or fish, reducing fatigue in your arms. Unlike plastic alternatives, it is environmentally friendly and offers the feeling of comfort that only solid wood can bring. Its unique and beautiful designs will bring a delicate addition to your kitchen. It can even serve as a versatile centerpiece for your dining table or an attractive interior decoration.
To Ensure Long-lasting Enjoyment of MANAITA:
woodpecker's wooden products can provide long-lasting comfort if properly cared for. Maintenance does not mean keeping them in a pristine condition at all times. It involves using them daily, washing them, and drying them properly. Additionally, it entails addressing scratches, stains, and chips as they occur. Wooden products are meant to be tools for daily life that can be repaired and maintained along the way. The more you use them, the more they develop a unique charm and attachment. Enjoying these aspects is the true essence and appeal of wooden products.
- It is essential to clean them promptly after use. Scrub them thoroughly using a scrub brush (tawashi) or sponge, rinse them with running water, and then dry them with a clean cloth. For the scrub brush (tawashi), we recommend TAKADA's products.
- Avoid using excessive amounts of detergent. If you use it, rinse MANAITA thoroughly and wipe off any remaining moisture with a cloth or towel to prevent it from penetrating into the wood.
- To ensure proper drying and prevent moisture buildup, it is recommended to stand MANAITA upright using a MANAITA stand or by propping it up.
- Failure to clean and dry it properly can cause black stains, marks, or other forms of degradation.
- Exposing wet wooden products directly to sunlight can cause warping or cracking.
- Using a dishwasher to clean MANAITA can potentially cause warping, cracking, or splitting, and it is best to hand wash and allow it to air dry.
