Return & Refund Policy - Handmade Knives & Rattan
Return & Refund Policy
At Iron and Hammer, we take pride in the quality of our handmade chef knives and Vietnamese rattan cane webbing. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we want you to be completely happy with your purchase.
Our Commitment to Quality
Every hand-forged knife (Gyuto, Santoku, Nakiri, Serbian, Kiritsuke, Petty) and every roll of rattan webbing is carefully inspected before shipping to ensure it meets our high standards. However, if you're not satisfied, we're here to help.
Return Policy
Eligibility for Returns
You may return your handmade chef knife or rattan cane webbing within 30 days of delivery if:
- ✅ The item is unused and in original condition
- ✅ Original packaging is intact
- ✅ All accessories (sheaths, care instructions) are included
- ✅ The knife has not been sharpened, modified, or used for cutting
- ✅ Rattan webbing has not been cut, soaked, or installed
Non-Returnable Items
Due to the handmade and custom nature of our products, the following cannot be returned:
- ❌ Custom or personalized knives made to your specifications
- ❌ Used knives that show signs of cutting, sharpening, or wear
- ❌ Cut rattan webbing (once cut to size, it cannot be resold)
- ❌ Items damaged due to improper use or care
- ❌ Sale or clearance items marked as final sale
How to Initiate a Return
To return your Japanese-style chef knife or rattan product:
- Contact us within 30 days of receiving your order
- Provide your order number and reason for return
- Wait for return authorization - we'll send you return instructions and address
- Pack the item securely in original packaging
- Ship the item back using a trackable shipping method
Important: Do not ship items back without contacting us first. Unauthorized returns may not be accepted.
Return Shipping Costs
Customer Responsibility
- If you're returning due to change of mind or ordering error, you are responsible for return shipping costs
- We recommend using a trackable shipping service with insurance for valuable handmade knives
Our Responsibility
- If the item is defective, damaged during shipping, or incorrect item sent, we will cover return shipping costs
- We'll provide a prepaid return label or reimburse your shipping costs
Refund Policy
Refund Processing Time
Once we receive and inspect your returned chef knife or rattan webbing:
- Inspection: 2-3 business days after receiving the return
- Refund Issued: Within 5-7 business days after approval
- Credit to Account: 5-10 business days depending on your payment method
Refund Method
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method used for purchase
- Credit card refunds may take 5-10 business days to appear on your statement
- PayPal refunds are typically processed within 24-48 hours
Partial Refunds
In some cases, partial refunds may be granted:
- Items returned after 30 days (at our discretion)
- Items not in original condition or with missing accessories
- Rattan webbing with minor damage that doesn't affect usability
Exchanges
Product Exchanges
We accept exchanges for:
- Different knife model - Exchange your Gyuto for a Santoku, for example
- Different rattan size or type - Swap hexagon weave for radio weave, or change width
- Defective items - We'll send a replacement immediately
To request an exchange:
- Contact us with your order number and exchange request
- Return the original item following our return process
- We'll ship the replacement once we receive the return
Exchange Shipping
- For defective items: We cover all shipping costs
- For preference changes: Customer pays return shipping; we cover shipping for the new item
Damaged or Defective Items
Report Immediately
If your hand-forged knife or rattan cane webbing arrives damaged or defective:
- Contact us within 48 hours of delivery
- Provide photos showing the damage or defect
- Include order number and description of the issue
Our Resolution
For damaged or defective items, we offer:
- ✅ Full refund including original shipping costs
- ✅ Free replacement shipped at no charge
- ✅ Partial refund if you wish to keep the item with minor defects
Wrong Item Received
If we sent you the wrong chef knife model or rattan webbing size:
- Contact us immediately with photos of the item received
- We'll arrange for pickup or provide a prepaid return label
- We'll ship the correct item at no additional cost
- You may receive the correct item before returning the wrong one
Quality Guarantee
Handmade Chef Knives
Our 52100 carbon steel knives, Aogami #2 Blue Steel knives, and stainless steel knives are built to last a lifetime with proper care. If you experience any manufacturing defects within the first year:
- Contact us with details and photos
- We'll repair or replace the knife at no charge
- This does not cover damage from misuse, improper care, or normal wear
Rattan Cane Webbing
Our handwoven rattan is carefully inspected for quality. If you receive rattan with significant defects (broken strands, inconsistent weave, mold):
- Report within 7 days of delivery
- Provide photos of the defect
- We'll send a replacement or issue a full refund
Care-Related Issues
Important: Returns or refunds are not available for issues caused by improper care:
Chef Knives
- Rust on carbon steel knives due to not drying after use
- Chips or damage from cutting bones, frozen foods, or hard materials
- Handle damage from dishwasher use or prolonged water exposure
Rattan Webbing
- Mold growth due to storage in humid conditions
- Warping or damage from improper installation
- Color changes from sun exposure or chemical contact
Please follow our care instructions to ensure your products last for years.
Cancellations
Before Shipping
- Contact us as soon as possible to cancel your order
- If the item hasn't shipped, we'll cancel and issue a full refund
- For made-to-order knives already in production, cancellation may not be possible
After Shipping
- Once shipped, orders cannot be cancelled
- You may refuse delivery and the item will be returned to us
- Refund will be issued minus original shipping costs
Contact Us
Have questions about returns or refunds for your handmade Gyuto knife, Santoku knife, Nakiri knife, or rattan cane webbing?
We're here to help! Contact us via email or our contact form, and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Your satisfaction is our priority. Thank you for choosing Iron and Hammer!