I consider myself a pretty savvy cook. That said, I was tired of using those cheesy flimsy plastic small cutting boards & new kitchens no longer come with built-in ones like in the old days. After redoing my kitchen cabinets and counters, I wanted a nice cutting board/block that I can keep on the counter. This is perfect - just the right size. As a bonus (and who doesn't like a bonus) its great as a cheese board too! Other similar ones are way more costly & I don't see the value, unless the fancy metal nameplate affixed to the side is that important to you.