Craft field note
A cutting board brought back by hand
Flatten the raised grain, soften the corners, and let clean wood show again.
An old cutting board usually needs patient abrasion, not a glossy new coating.
Scrub it clean, let it dry fully, then sand with the grain using a firm block so low spots do not deepen. Move through two or three grits and ease the sharp rim with a few controlled passes rather than rounding every edge.
Remove all dust before applying a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil to both faces and the ends. Stand the board on edge overnight, wipe away what remains in the morning, and repeat only when the surface looks dry rather than by the calendar.