Term and Conditions

1. Introduction

Knives From Japans (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates the website knivesfromjapans.com. We specialise in providing high-quality Japanese knives, sharpening tools, and accessories to professional chefs, collectors, and discerning home cooks worldwide.

These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“customer”, “user”, “you”) and Knives From Japans. Please read them carefully before using our website or placing an order.

2. User Obligations and Responsibilities

2.1 Account Registration

When creating an account with us, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security of your password and accept all risks of unauthorised access
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account

2.2 Age Restriction

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase from our website. By placing an order, you confirm that you are of legal age to form a binding contract.

2.3 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use our website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of our website or systems
• Interfere with the proper working of our website
• Use our website to infringe upon any intellectual property rights
• Make fraudulent or speculative purchases

3. Products and Services Description

3.1 Product Information

We take great care to ensure that product descriptions, specifications, and prices are accurate. However, slight variations may occur due to the handmade nature of many Japanese knives. Product images are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect the exact appearance.

3.2 Product Categories

Our product range includes:

• Japanese Knives: Featuring various steel types including Aogami Blue/Super, AUS 8, Carbon Steel, and others
• Knife Sets: 2 or 3-piece sets for various culinary applications
• Sharpening Tools: Including 1000 Grit Whetstones, CERAMIC WATER SHARPENERS, and Diamond Sharpening Steels
• Accessories: Related products to complement your knife collection
• Speciality Items: Boning knives, carving sets, and other specialised tools

3.3 Product Availability

All orders are subject to product availability. If an item is out of stock, we will notify you promptly and offer alternatives or a full refund.

4. Orders and Payment Terms

4.1 Order Process

Placing an order involves the following steps:

1. Select products and add them to your cart
2. Review your cart and proceed to checkout
3. Provide shipping and billing information
4. Select shipping method
5. Review order summary and accept these Terms and Conditions
6. Submit payment
7. Receive order confirmation email

4.2 Order Acceptance

Your order represents an offer to purchase. Acceptance occurs when we send you an order confirmation email. We reserve the right to refuse any order at our discretion.

4.3 Pricing

All prices are in British Pounds (£) and include VAT where applicable. We reserve the right to adjust prices at any time, but price changes will not affect confirmed orders.

4.4 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• JCB
• PayPal

All payments are processed securely through encrypted connections. We do not store your full payment card details on our servers.

4.5 Shipping and Delivery

Order Processing: All orders are prepared and packed within 1-2 business days of payment confirmation.

Shipping Options:

• Standard Shipping: £12.95 via DHL or FedEx. Delivery within 10-15 business days after dispatch.
• Free Shipping: Available for orders over £50 via EMS. Delivery within 15-25 business days after dispatch.

Shipping Regions: We ship globally except certain remote areas and specific Asian countries due to logistical constraints. Please contact us if you have questions about delivery to your location.

5. Returns, Refunds and Exchanges

5.1 Returns Policy

We offer returns and exchanges for most items within 15 days of delivery, provided that:

• The item is unused and in its original condition
• The original packaging is intact with all protective materials
• All manuals and certificates are included
• You have obtained a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) number

5.2 Return Process

1. Contact us within 15 days of delivery at [email protected] to request an RMA
2. Receive RMA number and return address instructions
3. Securely repack the item with all original materials
4. Include a copy of your invoice inside the package
5. Clearly write the RMA number on the outside of the package
6. Ship using a tracked and insured service (return shipping costs are your responsibility unless the return is due to our error)

5.3 Non-Returnable Items

The following items are final sale and cannot be returned unless damaged or defective:

• Custom or personalised items
• Used sharpening stones and tools (including CERAMIC WATER SHARPENERS and whetstones)
• Opened or used accessories where the hygiene seal is broken
• Gift cards

5.4 Refunds

Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days after we receive and approve the returned item. The refund will be issued to the original payment method. Original shipping costs are non-refundable.

5.5 Damaged, Defective or Incorrect Items

If you receive a damaged, defective, or incorrect item, contact us immediately at [email protected] with clear photos. We will arrange a prepaid return label and expedite a replacement or full refund at no cost to you.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1 Ownership

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Knives From Japans or our suppliers and is protected by international copyright and trademark laws.

6.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and make personal use of this website. This license does not include:

• Any resale or commercial use of the website or its contents
• Collection and use of any product listings, descriptions, or prices
• Derivative use of the website or its contents
• Use of data mining, robots, or similar data gathering tools

6.3 Trademarks

“Knives From Japans” and our logo are trademarks of our company. All other trademarks appearing on our site are the property of their respective owners.

7. Liability Limitations

7.1 Product Use

Japanese knives are precision tools that require proper handling and maintenance. We are not liable for:

• Injuries resulting from improper use, handling, or maintenance of our products
• Damage to knives resulting from improper sharpening techniques
• Consequences of using knives for purposes other than their intended culinary applications

7.2 Website Availability

We strive to ensure our website is available 24/7 but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. We are not liable for any losses resulting from website unavailability.

7.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Knives From Japans shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use of our website or products.

7.4 Maximum Liability

Our maximum liability to you for any claim, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall not exceed the purchase price of the product(s) in question.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. Our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms and Conditions, explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

We encourage you to contact us first with any concerns at [email protected]. We are committed to resolving disputes amicably and efficiently.

10. Changes to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our website after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

11. Contact Information