Gangland Express End Grain Chess Board

This project isn’t really about cutting boards - it’s about instilling values, self esteem, and a productive mindset. The first iteration was edge-grain boards because that’s a great place to start when you’re just beginning. The next run was end-grain because that’s the logical next step in learning this trade.  Now it's time for the rubber to meet the road and that means chess / checker boards!

But these are not just any end-grain chess boards. They are from trees felled, milled, jointed, planed, sanded, and finished all right here in Memphis. This is our version of farm-to-table, or rather seed-to-counter in our case.

We will be teaching our guys how to use contrasting grains and tone to make each one a beautiful as possible. Which makes it feel all the more special for us because that’s exactly what we try to do with the people in our programs.

They will begin shipping late September 2024!