Do "Chinese Ironwood" cutting boards dull knives quickly?
I have an end-grain cutting board of "Chinese Ironwood" like this one from the Wok Shop. I've used it heavily for the last 16 years, and it shows very little sign of wear.
However, I have to sharpen my knives more often than it feels like I ought to after use with an end grain board; like every 3 uses to maintain a keen edge. This has brought me to wondering: what exactly is "ironwood" usually, and is it one of those woods that wears down knives faster, like teak or bamboo?
All I've found so far is a thread on Chowhound that's little more than speculation. It doesn't seem to be this plant, which would never be large enough, and the same goes for acacia.
Best Answer
Based on its density when compared to other hardwoods, I would say it would (see here). Also, having used one (I had a nice circular board, when I lived in China actually) and I noticed it as well. Just like you say, in order to keep a good edge on my knives I was sharpening more often than I was accustomed to with my endgrain cutting board (made myself out of maple and walnut) as well as my bamboo one.
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Do cutting boards dull knives?
Even a quick slice on a ceramic dinner plate, a marble cheese board, or a granite countertop can dull your knife. Stick with wood or plastic cutting boards to keep your knives in good condition.Are bamboo cutting boards good for knives?
Bamboo: You can find many chopping boards made of bamboo material, but this hard material can damage the blades of your knife, especially when it is made up of softer steels. They can even dull the hardest Japanese knives; hence, are not commonly recommended to professionals.Does using a plastic cutting board dull knives?
Plastic material for cutting boards, or high-density polypropylene, is softer than glass or stone. The surface is soft enough to prevent quickly dulling your knives, yet strong enough to hold its form for many uses.What type of cutting board is best for Shun knives?
Wood, wood composite and polyethylene boards are all excellent choices. Tile, ceramic, marble, granite, or any kind of glass cutting boards are poor choices and will dull your blade very quickly.How To Clean Your Cutting Board and Chinese Cleaver Food Prep
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