Complete Shipping Policy Without Hidden Surprises

Every week we send out hundreds of packages to customers around the world. All orders are processed and shipped within 1-2 business days of the order being placed. 

Our shipping to the US is completely free, and we charge a small express shipping fee for other countries.

We now ship internationally, mainly serving customers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Every week we send out hundreds of packages to customers around the world.

All orders are processed and shipped within 1-2 business days.

Once shipped, shipping times are as follows:

*Please note that carrier delays may occur outside our control. However, these rarely happen as we're partnered with some of the best carriers in the business (FedEx, UPS, or USPS)

You get tracking information in an email as soon as your order is shipped, and you have priority customer support until the package is at your door.

Why Our Shipping Approach Works

Here’s what separates our shipping strategy from generic ecommerce stores:

• Knife-Specific Protective Packaging – Every blade ships with custom blade guards, rigid inserts, and moisture-barrier materials designed specifically for Japanese steel

• Transparent Pricing Structure – All shipping costs, shipping fees, and insurance charges displayed upfront with no hidden surprises at checkout

• Multiple Shipping Options – Choose from standard, expedited shipping, or international shipping based on your timeline and budget

• Real-Time Tracking Updates – Receive your tracking number immediately with detailed notifications throughout the shipping process

• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – High-value shipments include automatic coverage protecting your investment during transit

• Clear Delivery Estimates – Know exactly how many business days until your knife arrives, with estimated delivery times you can rely on

Instead of forcing you to decode confusing shipping information or worry about damage during transit, we give you a clear shipping policy that keeps you informed every step of the way.

How Our Shipping Process Works

Getting your Japanese knife from our facility to your kitchen doesn’t require complexity. Our three-step process ensures quality, protection, and transparency.

Step 1: Order Processing and Preparation

Once you complete your online purchase, our team begins processing your order within 24-48 business days. Every knife undergoes thorough quality inspection before packaging—we check blade geometry, edge sharpness, handle alignment, and finish integrity to ensure the piece you ordered meets our standards.

Orders placed before 2:00 PM PST on business days typically ship same-day. Weekend and holiday orders process orders the following business day. You’ll receive a shipment confirmation email with your tracking number as soon as your package ships.

Step 2: Professional Packaging and Protection

This is where our expertise truly matters. Japanese steel demands respect during transit—improper packaging leads to chipped edges, tip damage, or rust from moisture exposure.

Every knife receives:

• Individual blade guards – Rigid plastic or thick cardboard sheaths protecting cutting edges and tips

• Multi-layer wrapping – Foam and bubble wrap securing the blade from all angles

• Rigid box inserts – Custom foam or molded pulp preventing any movement during shipping

• Double-wall corrugated outer boxes – Industrial-strength protection against crushing and impact

• Desiccant packs – Moisture absorption for shipments over $150 value, protecting against humidity during transit

• Tamper-evident sealing – Security tape allowing you to verify your package wasn’t opened before delivery

For knife sets, individual separators prevent blades from contacting each other. For rare or exceptionally valuable pieces, we use reinforced packaging with additional shock absorption.

Step 3: Shipping and Delivery Tracking

We partner with carriers experienced in handling valuable, sharp items—UPS, FedEx, and USPS depending on destination and service level. You’ll receive automatic tracking updates at key milestones: pickup, in-transit, out for delivery, and delivered.

For orders exceeding $200, we require signature confirmation upon delivery. This protects both you and us from lost packages and ensures your knife reaches your hands—not a doorstep where it could be stolen.

If delivery attempts fail, carriers leave a notice with instructions for scheduling redelivery or picking up from a local facility. We provide clear guidance on these procedures in your shipment confirmation email.

Who Our Shipping Serves

Our shipping policy serves diverse customers with specific needs:

• Professional chefs requiring guaranteed delivery timing when outfitting new kitchens or replacing essential tools before service

• Knife collectors seeking the most secure shipping options for rare, valuable, and irreplaceable pieces

• International customers needing expertise navigating customs and import duties for blade shipments

• Gift purchasers wanting confirmed delivery dates to ensure knives arrive before birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays

• Local customers and those near our brick and mortar location looking for quick, affordable shipping

• First-time buyers wanting clear shipping information and managing customer expectations from order to delivery

If you want your Japanese knife delivered safely, on time, and without hidden charges, our shipping process was built for you.

Shipping Policy Questions

Do you ship internationally and what are the restrictions?

Yes, we offer international shipping to customers in Canada, most of Europe, Australia, Japan, and select other countries. However, significant shipping restrictions exist.

We cannot ship to countries with strict blade import laws including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, and several others. Even where we can ship, certain knife types may face restrictions—automatic-opening knives are prohibited from international mail entirely, and some countries restrict blade lengths or styles.

Before placing an international order, we strongly recommend researching your country’s import regulations. You assume responsibility for ensuring the knife you’re ordering can legally enter your destination. If customs seizes your package due to local law violations, we cannot issue refunds for the item value—though shipping fees may be partially recoverable depending on circumstances.

For international shipping rates and specific country availability, contact our shipping team before ordering.

How do you package knives to prevent damage?

Our packaging process specifically addresses the vulnerabilities of Japanese steel:

Blade Protection: Every knife ships with a rigid blade guard—either molded plastic or thick cardboard—covering the entire cutting edge and tip. For thin, delicate blades like yanagiba or usuba, we add extra tip protection.

Shock Absorption: Blades are wrapped in multiple layers of foam and bubble wrap, then placed into rigid boxes with custom foam inserts that eliminate all movement. Your knife cannot shift, bounce, or contact box walls during transit.

Moisture Control: Japanese steel, especially carbon variants, responds to humidity. Shipments over $150 value include desiccant packs absorbing moisture during transit. We also use moisture-barrier wrapping for knives traveling to humid destinations or during summer months.

Outer Protection: All packages use double-wall corrugated cardboard with appropriate strength ratings for the contents. Heavy knife sets or fragile items receive triple-wall boxes. We never use flimsy mailers or inadequate padding.

Security Sealing: Tamper-evident tape allows you to verify package integrity upon arrival. For high-value shipments, we add serialized security seals.

What happens if my knife arrives damaged?

Despite our protective measures, transit damage occasionally occurs. Here’s our clear process:

1. Document immediately: Take photos of the damaged item, packaging, and outer box before discarding anything

2. Contact us within 48 hours: Email our shipping team with your order number and photos

3. Retain all packaging: Keep original boxes, inserts, and wrapping materials—carriers require these for insurance claims

4. We handle the claim: For insured shipments, we file carrier claims on your behalf and keep you informed of progress

For orders over $200 (which include automatic insurance), we typically offer immediate replacement while pursuing the carrier claim. For lower-value orders without additional insurance, resolution depends on carrier investigation findings.

If damage clearly results from carrier mishandling, we won’t require you to pay return shipping for the damaged item—we’ll send a prepaid label.

Can I track my knife shipment in real-time?

Absolutely. Every order receives a tracking number via email within hours of shipment. You can monitor your package through carrier websites or our order tracking page.

Tracking updates include:

• Pickup confirmation from our facility

• In-transit scans at carrier facilities

• Out for delivery notification

• Delivery confirmation with signature (where applicable)

For expedited shipping, you’ll receive more frequent updates and narrower delivery windows. International shipments show customs clearance status when available.

If you notice unusual delays or tracking issues, contact us immediately—we’ll investigate with the carrier and provide updates until your package arrives.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. We offer free shipping on domestic orders within the continental United States. This free shipping policy applies to standard shipping (5-7 business days).

Expedited shipping and international shipping do not qualify for free shipping thresholds, though we occasionally run promotions reducing or eliminating those fees.

What about lost packages?

Lost packages are rare (under 0.3% of our shipments), but they happen. If tracking shows “delivered” but you haven’t received your package:

1. Check with neighbors and household members

2. Look in alternative delivery locations (back porch, garage, building mailroom)

3. Wait 24-48 hours—sometimes “delivered” scans precede actual delivery

4. Contact us with your order number and delivery details

For confirmed lost packages, we file carrier claims immediately. Insured shipments receive replacement or refund once carrier confirms the loss. Uninsured shipments depend on carrier liability limits (often minimal) and investigation outcomes.

We recommend choosing signature-required delivery for valuable orders—this virtually eliminates “delivered but not received” disputes.

 

* This shipping policy page was last updated March 2026. Shipping rates, carrier partnerships, and international availability may change. For the most current shipping information, contact our team directly. This comprehensive shipping policy serves as a sample shipping policy template reflecting our actual practices—your experience may vary based on carrier performance, customs procedures, and local regulations. While we strive to provide clear shipping information, this page does not constitute professional legal advice regarding knife shipping regulations in your jurisdiction.