Custom Handmade Edge Grain Cutting Board

Looks great. Workmanship is outstanding. I would make future purchases from Mark.

Beautiful - Thanks!

It was a pleasure to work with Mark. From the outset it was obvious that he approached the project with the eye and passion of an artist, interested more in its esthetic value, rather than a source of income. He was pleasant, reliable and devoted to our satisfaction to the very end,

I am writing this review, not only for Mark, but also for you, the reader; to do you the favor of convincing you to hire him for your project. It would be a very good decision.

I don't think I will be able to put into words how delighted I am with the piece of art (aka my dining room table) that is now housed in my dining room. I also consider myself fortunate to have met Mark Ekis, the creator of said piece of art. I have never met anyone who also had the same standards as I, but Mark may surpass me. He is the most conscientious, professional, and passionate person I have had the chance to work with. He took what was going to be a your regular, run of the mill table inspired by mid century design, and turned it on its head in the most wonderful way.

Mark also respects his clients, and asks permission to do what he does. He never imposed his ideas on my wife and I, who both studied architecture and know a thing or to about art and design (I also was a furniture maker for 4 years). He just asked if we would like to see what he would design and we were curious. It took a few days and he came up with a beautiful form, so playful and elegant, that inspires curiosity. We were floored; we are not modernists, but we love this modernist design and so does EVERYONE who sees it. It is, hands down, the focal point of our whole property.

It is not just his mastery of form, that sets Mark apart. He is also a master craftsman, using techniques that others don't touch. Being a former carpenter, I knew some of his tricks but he taught me more than a thing or two. I was amazed at what he was able to do with his medium. Mark also executes his design with near perfection and whatever small imperfections do exist bring out the humanity of the project and you are even more wowed when you realize, "This was done by hand!?!"

Another great benefit to working with Mark, is that he is very responsible with every aspect of the project. He is aware of a client's budget and tries to guide you into making the decisions that will result in the best piece for a very reasonable price. I frankly got a steal with my table, for I know it is worth at least three times what I paid for it.

Communication was excellent, he could take constructive criticism, and was respectful and gentle when trying to steer me from going awry. Take my advice, let Mark guide you, he knows the direction the project should take.

After reading, know this, I am NOT prone to hyperbole. Never would we have thought that we would be so wowed; Mark is an true artist; frankly, approaching genius! Garb him while you can! You will not regret it. I write this as a favor to you.

EDIT: The cutting board is walnut end grain with cocobolo handles. This is the second cutting board made for us and it is even more beautiful than the first - hard to believe. What we didn't know when we received the first board and now this one, is that end cut boards are better for knives which stay sharper longer. They have a great cutting surface. For this board we chose a slightly larger board that is 24"x18"x2" and it gives great working space for cutting and assembling foods. Photos of the boards can't do justice to the quality and craftsmanship. The feel is silky smooth. Everyone who sees the boards gush on how beautiful they are. Needless to say we're really pleased.