Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to over 200 countries. Please check our Shipping page for more details.
Are United States bound orders affected by the recent tariffs?
As of April 2025, orders under $800 are exempt from tariffs and duties. Orders over $800 may be subject to additional fees at the discretion of US customs. Please contact us with any additional questions.
Where are your products made?
All of our knives are made in Japan using Japanese steel. The Misono Carbon line uses EU Steel from Sweden. None of our products contain materials of Russian origin. Please contact us should you require any documentation related to materials of origin.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Amazon Pay and Apple Pay. All prices are in U.S. dollars.
To view pricing in your local currency, select it from the drop down menu at the top right of the page. Please contact us at info@chuboknives.com if you do not see your local currency.
Why Buy Japanese Knives?
Japanese knives are highly sought after by both professional chefs and home cooks for their exceptional craftsmanship, razor-sharp edges, and precision performance. Styles such as Gyutou, Santoku knives, and Petty knives are versatile and cater to a wide range of culinary tasks, making them indispensable in any kitchen.
What Makes Japanese Kitchen Knives So Special?
Japanese knives stand out due to their hand-forged construction, harder steel compositions, and thinner, lighter blades. They feature steep blade angles for unparalleled sharpness and precision, offering a smoother cutting experience. Popular options include Nakiri, Bunka, Slicers & Sujihiki, each designed with a specific purpose in mind.
What Is the Difference Between Stainless Steel and High Carbon?
Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easier to maintain, making it a good option for everyday use. High-carbon steel, on the other hand, offers superior sharpness and edge retention but requires more care to prevent rust. Whether you choose Sakai Takayuki, Takeda, or Saji Takeshi knives, understanding these differences can help you select the perfect blade for your needs.
How Do I Properly Care For and Maintain a Handmade Japanese Knife?
To maintain the quality and sharpness of a handmade Japanese knife, always wash and dry it by hand immediately after use. Use a whetstone for sharpening and avoid cutting on hard surfaces. Proper care ensures longevity, especially for knives like Deba, Kiritsuke, and Boning knives.
How Are Handmade Japanese Knives Different From Western Knives?
Japanese knives are typically lighter, thinner, and designed with a sharper edge compared to Western knives. They often feature single-bevel designs for specialized tasks. Styles such as Bunka and Sujihiki reflect the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese blacksmiths, ensuring superior performance in professional kitchens.
What Brands of Japanese Knives Does Chubo Knives Carry?
Chubo Knives offers a carefully curated selection of premium brands, including Sakai Takayuki, Shibata Kotetsu, Saji Takeshi, Takamura, and Takeda. Each brand brings unique craftsmanship and innovation, catering to a variety of preferences and culinary styles. From pairing and utility knives to specialized blades like Gyutou and Deba, our collection has something for everyone.
How can I check if an item is in stock?
Items are in stock unless it says 'out of stock' in the product description. You can contact us at info@chuboknives.com for lead times on out of stock products. We will reply to your request within one business day.
Will you confirm receipt of my online order?
You will receive a confirmation email once we have received your order. Please check all your email folders in the event it has gone to your junk mail.
How can I check status of an order placed online?
Log into your account, where you can check whether your order is in process or has shipped. Once your order has shipped, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking details.
How is sales tax calculated?
Chubo is obligated to collect sales tax on orders shipping to Florida.
Do you do special or custom orders on knives?
Yes, we are happy to accommodate any special requests or custom orders you may have. Please contact us at info@chuboknives.com with specific requests.
Can I save items in my shopping cart?
Yes, you can save items in your shopping cart and come back later to continue shopping.
How can I change or cancel my order?
Please email info@chuboknives.com to cancel your order.
When do you charge my credit card?
When you place an order online, a hold is placed on the funds on your credit card. The card is charged when the order ships out.
What is the Chubo return policy?
We accept returns on orders up to 14 days after delivery. Orders are eligible for exchange, store credit or refund. Please see Return Policy for more details.
Do you offer a warranty?
All of our products are guaranteed against defects for a lifetime of use. With proper care and maintenance our products can last a lifetime. Please get in touch with any product issues.
What shipping method do you use?
We ship directly from our Japan warehouse using FedEx (North and South America, Europe and Africa) or DHL (Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia). Orders are insured and ship in the fastest, most secure method possible. Once shipped most orders reach their destination in about a week.
Please contact us at info@chuboknives.com if you have questions about shipping to your country. For more information on customs and duties please visit our shipping page.
How do I track my package?
You will receive an email with a link to a tracking number as soon as your order ships.
How are shipping charges calculated?
Orders to the U.S. and Canada over $100 currently ship free. Orders under $100 are charged a flat $9 shipping fee.
Orders shipping outside the U.S. and Canada have a flat $7 shipping fee.
Is the credit card information I submit secure?
Absolutely. We use encrypted servers so that your credit card information is never at risk of being hacked or stolen.
Does Chubo do sponsorships?
Yes! We are open to partnering with like-minded brands, chefs and individuals. Generally, we are most interested in creating alliances with content creators who share similar aesthetics and complementary interests and audiences.
If you think you are a good fit and would like to discuss further, please email tara@chuboknives.com stating which product you are interested in, and what you can offer to promote it. Please include links to social media profiles and a portfolio or sample of your work.
We apologize that we are unable to respond to every sponsorship request.
What is Chubo’s privacy policy?
We will never sell or rent your personal information to any third parties.