About this Piece

This woodburned mango wood cutting board features a sword fern, common in our Pacific Northwest forest. Kathryn burned this design by hand to accentuate the natural features of the wood grain. The back of the board is plain wood, and both surfaces can be used.

The board has been treated with a Canadian made food safe finish incorporating vegetable oils and waxes. The board is suitable to use on its own or inside one of the rectangular or square trays as a cutting surface. This board measures approximately 8” x 14” and has a small cutout handle. This board is larger than the other small rectangular boards in the series.

This set comes with a matching spreader knife, featuring a fern design. The set also includes a small serve dish, some of Kathryn’s first pieces of handmade pottery. She carved the fern into the wet clay before firing.

The board, dish and knife will be packaged with a ribbon and tag featuring care instructions, and shipped in eco friendly packaging with a bottle of food safe wood conditioning oil.

Kathryn works with mango and acacia wood because these woods are fast growing and sustainable hardwoods, maturing in only 15 years. Mango wood is a byproduct of mango fruit production, and is harvested when the trees are too old or tall to be suitable for growing fruit, making room for young fruiting trees to be replanted. This durable hardwood has a lot of character in the grain. These are one of a kind, handmade pieces made from natural wood, and Kathryn chooses the pieces with an interesting grain. Most pieces will have small flaws, knots or tiny cosmetic cracks if you look very closely, but they’re durable and functional. Check photos carefully and message us for any clarifications.

Care Instructions

Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Condition the wood regularly by wiping with food safe mineral oil and a soft cloth. Small knife scratches can be sanded periodically, applying wood oil afterward.

Not recommended for immersion in water, dishwasher cleaning or storage outdoors.

About Shipping and Currency

This piece will ship from British Columbia, and all prices on the site are in US dollars. Shipping is free for all destinations in Canada or the United States, and no duty is charged on artwork, although local taxes may apply based on your destination.

Read more about the shipping and other policies here, or learn about our sustainability practices or work with nonprofits.

About this Species

Sword Fern

The sword fern, Polystichum munitum, is am evergreen fern native to western North America.   This fern grows in the understory of coniferous forests in BC, and is adapted to thrive in moist soil and cool temperatures.  The individual fronds live for up to 2 years.  The sword fern is named because the lobes of the pinna (small leaves within the frond) resemble the hilt of a sword.  This plant was used by the Coast Salish peoples as a topical pain reliever.  

All images remain copyright © Kathryn Beals.