Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering
Which sharpening stone should I start with?
If you are new to freehand sharpening, a combination water stone in a medium/fine grit (around 1000/6000) covers most kitchen and pocket knives. For repairing chipped or very dull edges, add a coarse stone or a diamond plate. Our guided systems are the easiest way to get a repeatable angle while you learn.
What is the difference between a water stone, an oil stone and a diamond plate?
Water stones cut fast and give a fine finish but need flattening over time. Oil stones are slower and very forgiving and last a long time. Diamond plates cut every steel, never dish, and are ideal for reprofiling and for flattening your other stones.
Do you offer gift options?
Yes — our presentation kits and boxed sets make excellent gifts for makers, cooks and woodworkers. Add a note at checkout and we can leave the price off the packing slip.
Shipping
How long will my order take?
We dispatch most orders within one to two business days, and standard U.S. transit is typically three to seven business days after that. You will get a tracking number by email when it ships.
Do you ship internationally?
At this time we ship within the United States. If international shipping becomes available it will be shown at checkout.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is calculated at checkout by weight and destination. Any free-shipping offer is shown in your cart before you pay.
Returns
What is your return policy?
Unused items in original condition can be returned within 30 days. Used stones, opened compounds and charged strops cannot be returned for hygiene reasons unless defective. See our Refunds & Returns page for full details.
My item arrived damaged — what do I do?
Photograph the item and packaging and email us within seven days. We will replace it or refund you, including shipping, at no cost to you.
How long do refunds take?
Once we receive and inspect your return we issue approved refunds within five to seven business days to your original payment method; your bank may take a few more days to post it.
Product care
How do I keep my water stone flat?
Flatten it regularly with a coarse diamond lapping plate or flattening stone — a dished stone rounds your edge. Rinse and dry stones after use and store them where they can breathe.
How do I use a strop?
After your finest stone, load the strop lightly with compound and draw the blade edge-trailing (spine first) at a low angle, alternating sides. A dozen light passes removes the burr and brings up the polish.
What angle should I sharpen at?
Most kitchen knives do well at 15–20° per side; outdoor and heavy-use blades at 20–25°; tools and chisels vary. Our angle guides and cubes let you set and repeat an exact angle.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards through our secure, PCI-compliant checkout. Card details are handled by our payment provider and are never stored on our servers.
Is checkout secure?
Yes. Our checkout runs over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection and is processed by a PCI-compliant provider.