Contrary to what one might think, this block is not good, the wood should not be dry enough or it is a design flaw, but this is the second block I command and I ' have the same result. After first use, despite oiling, quick wash under water and re-oiling after use, it has cracked on the side both times. At the handle, where the wood is a little less thick and more wood curls. Berard seemed like quality by excellence but must have them made in China or their logs then the French quality is not what it was, which would explain a lot ... But I insisted, this block had all the qualities on paper, a reasonable size, good thickness, a deep ditch and a hole to retrieve the equally profound juice, I really am VERY disappointed ...