1. Shipping

We ship out the next business day on most orders in our current inventory and use 3 day priority USPS shipping.

We ship within the USA for $15 plus $5 per item.

International shipping is possible to most countries, usually costing around $40-$80. Import fees usually apply and vary based on your country.

• Local Laws: The Buyer certifies that they are at least 18 years of age and that the ordered knife is legal to own and import into their country, state, or local jurisdiction.

• Shipping Liability: The Maker is not responsible for items seized, confiscated, or delayed by customs or local law enforcement.

• Shipping Damage: Risk of loss passes to the Buyer once the item is delivered to the shipping carrier.

2. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

• Inherent Danger: Knives are inherently sharp and potentially dangerous tools.

• Liability Release: By purchasing this product, the Buyer assumes all risk of injury, death, or property damage resulting from the handling, use, misuse, or storage of the knife. The Maker shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

Our hand-made knives with natural wood handles will require a bit of special care and attention to maintain their beauty and utility over time.

Blade Care

1. Wash Immediately: After each use, promptly wash the blade with warm, soapy water. Avoid harsh detergents.

2. Dry Thoroughly: This is the most crucial step. Immediately and completely dry the blade with a clean cloth or paper towel. Pay attention to the tang where it meets the handle.

3. Oil Regularly: If your knife will go unused for more than a day or two, apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil, camellia oil, or another knife-specific oil to the blade after drying. This creates a barrier against moisture and air. Wipe off any excess oil. You might need to do this more frequently if you live in a humid environment.

4. Avoid Dishwashers: Never put your knife in the dishwasher. The high heat and prolonged exposure to water will cause rust and can damage the wooden handle.

5. Handle Acidic Foods with Care: Ingredients like lemon, tomatoes, and onions can react with steel and cause darkening of the metal. This discoloration will not affect its cutting ability.

6. Remove Rust Promptly: If rust spots appear, remove them as soon as possible using an oxalic acid-based cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend or a Miracle Clean. After removing rust, clean, dry, and oil the blade.

Wooden Handle Care

The wooden handle also needs care to prevent it from drying out, cracking, or warping due to moisture.

1. Avoid Soaking: Do not let the wooden handle soak in water for extended periods.

2. Dry the Handle: When washing the blade, also ensure you dry the wooden handle thoroughly.

3. Oil the Handle: Occasionally, treat the wooden handle with a food-safe oil or wax, such as mineral oil, linseed oil, beeswax, or a specialized wood conditioner. Apply a small amount to a cloth and rub it into the wood. This helps to moisturize the wood, prevent it from drying out and cracking, and can also offer some resistance to moisture. You might do this every few months or when the wood appears dry.

Sharpening

A sharp knife is safer and more effective.

1. Hone Regularly: Honing with a steel or ceramic rod between sharpenings can help maintain the edge. For an even keener edge, finish with a waxed leather strop. If honing and stropping do not return the blade to razor sharpness, it’s time to sharpen with a whetstone.

2. Use Appropriate Sharpening Tools: Never use an electric knife sharpener on this knife. If you are proficient with hand-sharpening, natural whetstones will do the job. If you are taking the knife to be sharpened professionally, make sure you take it to a service that is familiar with the steel type and can sharpen your knife by hand.

With proper care, our knives will last more than a lifetime and improve with use.

Yes!

Vonhelmick Knife Co.

Custom Order & Return Policy

At Vonhelmick Knife Co., each knife is a unique piece of art crafted to your specific requirements. Because custom knives are tailored specifically to you, we use a strict policy to balance fair customer service with the reality of bespoke craftwork.

1. All Sales Are Final on Custom Orders

Once work begins on your custom knife, the order cannot be canceled, refunded, or returned due to a change of mind. Custom items are inherently difficult to resell, so we ask that you review all design specifications carefully before confirming your order.

2. Non-Refundable Deposits

• We require a 25% non-refundable deposit before any custom work begins.

• This deposit covers initial design time and the cost of raw materials.

• If you choose to cancel your order before completion, Vonhelmick Knife Co. will retain this deposit.

• Payment must be paid in full before irreversible processes are completed, such as stamping, etching, shaping, or custom handle work.

3. Exceptions for Maker Defects & Shipping Damage

We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship. We will accept returns, offer free modifications, or issue a replacement only under the following conditions:

• Maker Defects: If the knife arrives with a structural flaw (e.g., improper heat treat, warped blade, or loose handle fittings), notify us within seven days of delivery.

• Shipping Damage: If your knife is damaged during transit, please take photos of the packaging and the knife immediately and contact us within 48 hours of delivery so we can file an insurance claim.

4. Natural Material Variance

Many of our knives utilize natural handle materials, including wood, bone, horn, and antler.

• Variations in grain, color, and texture are natural characteristics, not defects.

• We cannot accept returns or offer refunds based on the unique visual patterns of natural materials.

5. Conditions that Void this Policy

We will not accept returns, repairs, or replacements if the knife shows signs of:

• Modification or alteration by anyone other than Vonhelmick Knife Co.

• Improper maintenance, rust, or corrosion.

• Misuse, abuse, or use outside the knife's intended purpose (e.g., prying, throwing, or batoning with a non-bushcraft knife).

How to Initiate a Claim

If you believe your knife has a maker defect or was damaged in transit, please contact us at vonhelmick@gmail.com with your order number, a detailed description of the issue, and clear photographs.

Custom Order- Terms of Service

By placing a deposit or purchasing a custom knife from Vonhelmick Knife Co.,(hereafter referred to as "the Maker"), you (the "Buyer") agree to the following terms and conditions.

1. Deposits and Payment Schedule

• Non-Refundable Deposit: A deposit of 25% is required to secure your spot in the build queue and cover initial material costs. This deposit is strictly non-refundable.

• Final Balance: The remaining balance, including all applicable shipping fees, taxes, and insurance, is due within 7 days of completion notification.

• Forfeiture: If the final balance is not paid within the specified timeframe, the Maker reserves the right to retain the deposit and sell the knife to another buyer.

2. Lead Times and Customization

• Estimated Delivery: Production timelines provided at the time of ordering are estimates only. Handmade craftsmanship is subject to variables and delays. The Maker will communicate major delays but is not liable for missed estimated deadlines.

• Design Approval: Final specifications must be agreed upon before production begins. The Maker reserves the right to make minor artistic or functional adjustments during the build process to ensure the integrity of the tool.

3. Cancellations and Returns

• Cancellations: If you cancel your order after production begins, your deposit is forfeited to cover labor and materials.

• No Returns on Custom Work: Because custom knives are made to unique specifications, all sales are final. Returns or refunds are not accepted unless a verifiable defect in materials or workmanship exists.

We use a variety of steels. Some are stainless steel with non-stainless steel cores. So, yes, they will rust.

It is best to always hand wash and dry your knife immediately after each use. Never place it in the dishwasher as the wood handle will deteriorate and glues will weaken.

We finish our knives by hand on sequential whetstones. Our blades will arrive shaving sharp, meaning it will cleanly shave arm hair or slide through a piece of paper. (Don’t worry, we will clean off the arm hair before shipping)

It is important for you to maintain your knife regularly and use it properly so that it retains sharpness.

Yes, you can fly with a knife, but it must be packed in your checked luggage. Knives of any kind—including pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, custom kitchen blades, and multi-tools—are strictly prohibited in carry-on bags or on your person.

If you attend our knife making class or pick up an order locally and need us to ship your knife home to you because you only have carry on bags, please let us know. Shipping fees apply.

No cancellations on custom orders after custom work has begun.

We may accept returns on non-custom knives, and will charge a 10% restocking fee on the refund.

Knife making classes will be assessed a 3% fee on cancellations if the cancellation is done within seven days of the scheduled appointment.

We offer knife making classes year round. Please check our schedule regularly as we often open new dates. We typically offer classes for booking three months in advance.

Our half day classes are about four hours and we like to offer them Friday afternoons and Monday mornings. Full day classes are about nine hours and offered several days a week. Saturdays are our most popular days and they fill up fast.

We reserve Sundays for family time.