Why are end grain cutting boards considered better than other types of cutting boards?

End grain cutting boards are considered better than other types of cutting boards because they are more durable and gentle on knife blades. The orientation of the wood fibers in end grain boards allows the knife to slide between the fibers, rather than cutting across them, which helps to preserve the sharpness of the blade. Additionally, the self-healing properties of end grain wood make it less likely to show cut marks and scratches over time.