I purchased this walnut block to upgrade from the other one that I have it is light in color,and I love dark wood personally, there is only one problem It is not stained all the way underneath they barely cleared the corners instead of staining the entire unit I know why they do this because when it comes to hundreds of thousands of units that little bit that they don’t use cost a lot but if I was doing them I would stain the entire unit no matter what it’s your name on it I know you won’t see it from underneath but you pay good money and I would’ve expected it to be complete it means that much to me besides that it’s excellent no marks no blemishes perfect condition it is what holds my knives right now the old ones but the new ones are Coming and I can’t wait I bought my knives separate because I want certain Sizes it cost a little more but it’s worth it to me I am looking forward if they continue the series of the 1731 set I would love to purchase that also, John.