At KIREAJI, every knife is meticulously handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Sakai, Japan.

We understand that purchasing a handcrafted Japanese knife from overseas may involve questions or uncertainty. We are committed to supporting our customers with care and integrity from the time an order is placed through delivery and any concerns that may arise afterward.

Because each knife is individually handcrafted, minor variations in appearance and finish are a natural part of Sakai craftsmanship.

For customer complaints or product concerns, KIREAJI generally resolves eligible cases without requiring the knife to be returned to Japan.

This policy explains our guidelines for order changes, cancellations, product concerns, refunds, international shipping, and customs.

Changes or cancellations may be accepted only if the order has not yet entered the preparation, customization, or sharpening stage.

The following orders cannot be changed or canceled:

• Orders for which Honbazuke sharpening has already begun
  
• Custom or specially prepared items that have entered production
  
• Orders involving requested ferrule changes, special finishes, handle modifications, engraving, or other personalized specifications once work has begun
  
• Orders that have already been shipped
  
• Orders refused because the customer does not wish to pay import duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, or carrier fees
  

As each knife may be individually prepared for the customer, please contact us as soon as possible if you need to request a change or cancellation.

If you believe there is a problem with your knife, please contact KIREAJI within 7 days of delivery.

Please contact us before:

• Using the knife
  
• Sharpening or stropping it
  
• Polishing or refinishing it
  
• Disassembling or modifying it
  
• Attempting any repair
  

We may ask you to provide:

• Clear photographs of the entire knife
  
• Close-up photographs of the area of concern
  
• A video, when helpful
  
• A detailed explanation of the issue
  
• Information about the condition in which the knife was received
  

Submitting a concern does not automatically mean that the item is defective or that a refund or price adjustment will be provided.

Each case will be reviewed individually.

Every KIREAJI knife is individually handcrafted.

As a result, minor variations may occur from one knife to another.

Normal handcrafted characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

• Minor sharpening or polishing marks
  
• Slight variations in mirror polishing, kasumi finishing, or other surface finishes
  
• Fine scratches or marks resulting from hand-finishing
  
• Slight differences in blade shape, thickness, grind, engraving, or geometry
  
• Minor variations in handles, ferrules, natural materials, saya, and fittings
  
• Small visual irregularities that do not materially affect safety, durability, cutting performance, or normal use
  

These characteristics are part of the handmade nature of the product and are not automatically considered defects.

Minor cosmetic differences, normal finishing marks, or subjective preferences regarding appearance are generally not eligible for refund or price adjustment.

A concern may be considered a product issue when there is a clearly confirmed problem that materially affects:

• Safety
  
• Structure
  
• Durability
  
• Intended function
  
• Normal cutting performance
  

KIREAJI will review the photographs, videos, customer explanation, and other available information.

When appropriate, KIREAJI may consult Shiroyama Knife Workshop for its professional opinion.

The customer’s description of an item as defective does not by itself establish that a defect exists.

Final determination is made on a case-by-case basis after reviewing the available information.

For customer complaints or product concerns, KIREAJI does not require customers to return the knife to Shiroyama Knife Workshop in Japan.

Please do not send the knife directly to Shiroyama Knife Workshop unless KIREAJI has specifically instructed you to do so.

Unauthorized shipments may be refused, and KIREAJI cannot be responsible for shipping charges, customs charges, taxes, storage fees, or other expenses resulting from an unauthorized shipment.

This policy is intended to avoid unnecessary international shipping, customs complications, and additional risk to both customers and the artisans.

If KIREAJI determines that an appropriate remedy is warranted, we may offer one of the following, depending on the circumstances:

• A full refund
  
• A partial refund or price adjustment
  
• Another reasonable resolution agreed upon with the customer
  

The appropriate resolution will be determined by KIREAJI based on:

• The nature and severity of the confirmed issue
  
• Whether the issue affects function, safety, durability, or normal use
  
• The condition of the knife
  
• The information and evidence provided by the customer
  
• Any relevant input from Shiroyama Knife Workshop
  

A refund, partial refund, or price adjustment is not automatically provided simply because a customer raises a concern.

The following are generally not eligible for refund or price adjustment:

• Change of mind
  
• The knife being different from what the customer personally imagined or expected
  
• Ordering the wrong size, type, steel, handedness, finish, handle, or specification
  
• Normal handcrafted characteristics described in this policy
  
• Minor cosmetic differences that do not affect normal use
  
• Subjective dissatisfaction with polishing, sharpening marks, appearance, or finishing that falls within the normal range of handmade craftsmanship
  
• Damage caused after delivery
  
• Damage caused by improper use
  
• Damage caused by sharpening, stropping, polishing, modification, or repair by the customer or another party
  
• Rust, corrosion, staining, or damage resulting from improper cleaning, drying, storage, or maintenance
  
• Damage caused by using the knife for purposes for which it was not designed
  
• Issues reported after substantial use when the condition cannot reasonably be attributed to the original condition of the knife
  

If you are unsure whether your concern qualifies, please contact us. We will review the matter carefully.

When a refund or price adjustment is approved:

• Refunds will normally be processed through the original payment method whenever possible
  
• Processing time depends on the payment provider, bank, or credit card company
  
• Partial refunds or other approved adjustments may be processed through PayPal or another method selected by KIREAJI
  

Unless otherwise approved by KIREAJI, the following are generally non-refundable:

• Original shipping charges
  
• Import duties
  
• Taxes
  
• Customs charges
  
• Brokerage fees
  
• Carrier fees
  
• Currency conversion costs
  
• Other expenses paid to third parties
  

Payment processing fees, currency conversion, exchange-rate differences, or PayPal fees may result in a small difference between the original amount paid and the final amount received.

Customers are responsible for understanding the import requirements of their country or region before purchasing.

Unless otherwise stated by KIREAJI:

• Import duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and local handling fees are the responsibility of the customer
  
• Customs regulations and import requirements vary by country
  
• Customs authorities may inspect, delay, restrict, return, seize, abandon, or destroy a shipment
  
• KIREAJI cannot control the decisions or processing time of customs authorities
  
• Orders refused because duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, or carrier fees were not paid are not eligible for cancellation or refund
  
• Delays caused by customs inspections or local regulations do not automatically qualify an order for cancellation, refund, or other compensation
  

Orders are shipped using a tracked shipping service.

The carrier and expected delivery time may vary depending on the destination, available service, and international shipping conditions.

Estimated delivery times are not guaranteed and do not include delays caused by customs, local authorities, weather, transportation interruptions, or other circumstances outside KIREAJI’s control.

Customers who purchased a KIREAJI knife before this policy was updated are welcome to contact us if they have questions regarding a previously communicated service or support arrangement.

Each situation will be reviewed individually.

Please do not send any knife to Shiroyama Knife Workshop without prior consultation with KIREAJI.

Every KIREAJI knife represents the skill, tradition, and pride of Sakai’s artisans.

We take every customer concern seriously and will review each case with care, fairness, and respect.

At the same time, we believe it is important to distinguish between a genuine product issue and the natural characteristics of a handcrafted knife.

Our goal is to provide a fair and transparent process that protects:

• Our customers
  
• The artisans of Shiroyama Knife Workshop
  
• The cultural value of authentic Sakai craftsmanship
  
• The long-term trust between KIREAJI and every knife owner
  

When a genuine issue is confirmed, we will make every reasonable effort to provide an appropriate and fair resolution.

Thank you for helping us preserve the honesty, integrity, and craftsmanship that define KIREAJI.

Clear expectations help protect both the customer and the artisan.

By carefully reviewing each concern individually, we aim to provide a responsible and trustworthy experience while preserving the unique character of genuine handcrafted Sakai knives.

Nothing in this policy is intended to limit any rights that cannot legally be excluded under applicable consumer protection laws.