Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping, returns, choosing a knife and keeping it sharp. If your question is not here, ask us.
Orders and shipping
How much does shipping cost?
Orders shipped within the US cost a flat $6.99 to ship. Orders of $79 or more ship free. The final cost is shown at checkout before you pay.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship to addresses in the United States.
How do I track my order?
When your order ships, we email you a confirmation with a tracking link. Every order ships with tracking.
Why did my order arrive in more than one package?
Items in one order can ship from different warehouses. You only pay shipping once per order.
Can I change my address or cancel my order?
Yes, until the order ships. Contact us as soon as possible with your order number. Cancelling before shipment is free.
Returns
What is your return policy?
Return unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Read the full return policy.
How do I start a return?
Contact us with your order number and the items you want to return. We reply with instructions and the return address. Please wait for instructions before sending anything back.
Who pays for return shipping?
If you changed your mind, you pay return shipping and the original shipping charge is not refunded. If we sent something damaged, defective or wrong, we cover it.
My item arrived damaged or wrong. What should I do?
Contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will send a replacement or refund you, usually without you needing to send the item back.
Is anything not returnable?
Knives that have been used or sharpened, whetstones that have been soaked or used, and items marked final sale or clearance.
Choosing a knife
Which knife should I buy first?
A chef knife of around 8 inches covers most everyday cutting: slicing, dicing, mincing and chopping. Add a utility or paring knife for small work and a serrated bread knife for crusty loaves. Chef knife vs santoku
What is the difference between a chef knife and a santoku?
A chef knife has a curved edge and a pointed tip, so it rocks well for mincing. A santoku is usually shorter with a flatter edge, which suits straight up and down chopping and thin slicing of vegetables.
What does the steel name mean, for example 5Cr15MoV or 10Cr15CoMoV?
These are stainless steel grades. In general, the first number relates to carbon content and the letters list added elements such as chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V) and cobalt (Co). Higher carbon steels can take a finer edge but may need more care. Each listing names the steel when the maker provides it.
Do I need a knife set or single knives?
A set gives you matching knives and storage in one purchase. If you already own a few knives, buying a chef knife and adding pieces as you need them can be better value.
Sharpening and care
What is the difference between honing and sharpening?
Honing straightens an edge that has rolled over during use; it removes little or no metal. Sharpening grinds new metal to create a fresh edge. Hone often and sharpen when honing no longer brings the edge back. Read more
What do whetstone grit numbers mean?
Lower numbers are coarser and remove metal faster; higher numbers are finer and polish the edge. A 1000 grit side sets the edge and a 6000 grit side refines it. How to use a whetstone
Should I use a whetstone or a pull-through sharpener?
Pull-through and handheld sharpeners are quick and need little practice. A whetstone takes longer to learn but gives you more control over the angle and finish. Many home cooks keep both.
Can my knives go in the dishwasher?
We recommend hand washing and drying knives right after use. Dishwasher heat, detergent and contact with other items can dull the edge and damage wooden handles.
How should I store my knives?
Keep the edge from touching other tools: use a magnetic strip, a knife block or an in-drawer organizer at home, and a knife roll when you travel.