At Knives Shop, we serve culinary professionals and discerning collectors who demand precision tools with equally precise delivery. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our artisan knives, global shipping, and satisfaction guarantees.

Product Questions

What makes Japanese Aogami Blue/Super steel special?
Our Aogami Blue/Super steel represents the pinnacle of Japanese blacksmithing – a high-carbon steel with tungsten and chromium additives that achieves legendary edge retention. Like all our blades, each undergoes final sharpness inspection before shipping.
How do I choose between Ginsan and Gobi Damascus knives?
Ginsan (silver steel #3) offers stainless convenience with carbon-like performance, ideal for busy kitchens. Our Gobi Damascus showcases hand-forged layered steel with exceptional hardness (62-64 HRC) – the choice of sushi masters seeking maximum sharpness.
Why invest in a Hasegawa wood fiber case?
These shock-absorbent cases protect your investment during transit and storage. The natural wood fibers regulate humidity while providing military-grade protection – included free with all standard shipping orders.

Shipping & Delivery

What’s the difference between Standard and Free Shipping?
Standard Shipping ($12.95 via DHL/FedEx):
– 10-15 day delivery
– Military-grade Hasegawa packaging
– Real-time tracking
– Ideal for urgent professional needs

Free Shipping (orders over $50 via EMS):
– 15-25 day delivery
– Full insurance coverage
– Customs pre-clearance
– Best for complete sets or collections
Why are some Asian regions excluded from shipping?
To maintain our quality standards, we temporarily exclude remote Asian regions where customs delays or extreme climates might compromise blade integrity. We’re actively expanding our logistics network to serve these areas soon.
How do you protect knives during transit?
Each shipment receives:
– Climate-specific packing (silica gel for humid areas)
– Steel-specific wrapping (carbon vs stainless)
– Discreet exterior packaging
– Dry ice for temperature-sensitive deliveries

Payments & Accounts

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB) and PayPal for international convenience. All transactions are secured with 256-bit encryption.
Do you offer professional/volume discounts?
Yes – chefs outfitting entire kitchens or purchasing multiple sets should email [email protected] for custom quotes. We offer special pricing for Michelin-starred establishments and culinary schools.

Returns & Guarantees

What’s your return policy?
We offer 15-day returns from delivery date. Items must be unused and in original packaging. Due to customs regulations, return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless the item arrived damaged.
My knife arrived damaged – what should I do?
Contact us immediately at [email protected] with photos of the damage and packaging. We’ll arrange a replacement via expedited shipping at no cost to you.
How do I know which knife will suit my hand?
Our Washington workshop team can provide grip style recommendations based on your:
– Primary cuisine type
– Hand measurements
– Sharpening routine
Email us with these details for personalized suggestions.

Professional Services

Do you offer corporate gifting options?
Absolutely. We create custom-branded knife sets for Michelin guide publishers, culinary competitions, and luxury hospitality groups. Includes:
– Laser engraving
– Premium presentation cases
– Bulk shipping coordination
Can I get my knives sharpened before shipping?
All knives leave our workshop shaving-sharp. For special edge requests (single-bevel tuning, micro-serration), add a note at checkout. Additional fees may apply for complex edge profiles.

Still have questions? Our Washington-based artisan advisors are available at [email protected] or +1 (202) 555-0192 (9AM-5PM EST).

Knives Shop | 5722 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011