Refund policy
Returns & Exchanges Policy
SAKU KNIVES PTY LTD | ABN 13 671 721 074
Trading as Japanese Knife Studio
Effective 15 May 2026
Your rights under Australian Consumer Law
Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) are not affected by this policy.
If a knife you purchase has a manufacturing defect, fails to meet a consumer guarantee, does not match its description, or is not fit for the purpose we agreed it would serve, you are entitled to a remedy under the ACL regardless of the timeframes or conditions set out below.
For major failures (for example, a knife substantially different from its description), you may choose between a refund, replacement, or keeping the item with compensation for reduced value.
For minor failures, we will work with you to repair, replace, or refund the item where appropriate.
These rights apply to all products we sell, including sale items, configured knives, and engraved knives.
Change of mind — exchanges or store credit within 14 days
We do not offer refunds for change of mind. However, we may offer an exchange or store credit within 14 days of delivery for standard-stock knives that meet all of the following conditions:
- Unused and unsharpened
- Not used for food preparation
- Free from scratches, marks, chips, rust, patina, or other signs of use
- Returned with all original packaging, saya, accessories, and care materials in resalable condition
- Proof of purchase provided
- Not configured with a selected handle, engraved, customised, or otherwise personalised
A handling or repackaging fee may apply where packaging or included materials are damaged or missing.
Store credit issued under this policy is valid for 3 years from the date of issue unless otherwise required by law.
To request a change-of-mind exchange or store credit, please contact us by email (preferred) or Instagram DM with your order number before returning the item.
Configured and engraved knives
Knives configured with a selected handle from our collection, custom handle work, engraving, or any other personalised modification are made specifically for your order and are not eligible for change-of-mind exchanges or store credit.
Your rights under Australian Consumer Law still apply. If a configured or engraved knife has a manufacturing defect, does not match the agreed specification, or otherwise fails a consumer guarantee, please contact us and we will arrange an appropriate remedy.
The nature of hand-forged knives
Every knife we stock is hand-forged by individual blacksmiths and artisans in Japan. Unlike mass-produced knives, hand-forged blades naturally vary from one knife to another, and these characteristics are part of the nature and appeal of handcrafted knives.
The following characteristics are typical of hand-forged knives and, where within normal artisanal variation, are not considered manufacturing defects:
- Variation in the tone, depth, and coverage of kurouchi (forge scale) finishes
- Asymmetry or irregularity in tsuchime (hammer mark) patterns
- Minor file marks, grind lines, or surface artefacts from hand finishing
- Slight variation in spine straightness or symmetry
- Slight variation in blade height, weight, or balance between individual knives of the same model
- Natural variation in wood grain, colour, figure, and handle materials
- Patina development on carbon steel during normal use
Many Japanese kitchen knives are designed for precision cutting and may be thinner or harder than Western-style knives. Chipping or edge damage may occur if the knife is used on inappropriate materials or surfaces.
These characteristics are shown in our product photography and described in our listings. By placing an order, you acknowledge that you have read the product description and understand the nature of handcrafted knives.
Damaged or faulty knives — consumer guarantee claims
If your knife arrives damaged, has a manufacturing defect, or develops a fault under normal intended use:
- Photograph the issue clearly
- Email us at contact@japaneseknifestudio.com.au or contact us via Instagram DM with:
- your order number
- photos of the issue
- a description of the problem
- We aim to respond within 2 business days
- Please do not return the knife until we confirm the return instructions
We may request additional photos or information to assess a consumer guarantee claim before approving a return.
For confirmed consumer guarantee claims, we will cover reasonable return shipping costs.
For damage in transit, please contact us within 48 hours where possible and photograph the packaging before opening so we can assist with carrier claims efficiently. This timeframe does not limit or replace your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
What is not covered
Consumer guarantees do not cover damage caused by misuse, improper care, accidental damage, modifications, or use inconsistent with the knife’s intended purpose.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Cutting bone, frozen food, shellfish, or other excessively hard materials
- Use on glass, stone, ceramic, marble, or metal cutting surfaces
- Dishwasher use
- Rust caused by failure to dry and properly care for the knife
- Drops, impact damage, twisting, prying, or lateral force
- Improper sharpening techniques
- Third-party sharpening, thinning, refinishing, or modifications
Returning a knife
Once a return has been approved:
- Return the item using registered and tracked shipping with appropriate insurance
- Provide us with the tracking number once shipped
- Please allow:
- 1–2 business days for inspection after delivery
- up to 5 business days for processing of exchanges, store credit, or refunds where applicable
Shipping costs
Original shipping charges are not refunded for change-of-mind exchanges or store credit.
For confirmed consumer guarantee claims, we will cover reasonable return shipping costs and refund any original shipping charges paid by you where required under Australian Consumer Law.
Gift cards
Gift cards are non-refundable and non-exchangeable except where required by law.
Visit us
You are welcome to visit our Brisbane store to view our knife and handle collection in person before ordering online.
Japanese Knife Studio
Lot10/198 Adelaide St
Brisbane City QLD 4000
Australia
Store details and opening hours are available on our website.
Contact
Email: contact@japaneseknifestudio.com.au
Instagram: @japaneseknifestudio
We aim to respond within 2 business days.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:
- Queensland Office of Fair Trading — qld.gov.au/fairtrading
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) — accc.gov.au