General Questions

Japanese knives are typically made with harder steel, allowing for a sharper edge and more precise cuts. They are often lighter, thinner, and designed for precision slicing, while Western knives tend to be heavier and more robust for tasks like chopping and rocking cuts.

Absolutely! While Japanese knives require careful handling, they offer exceptional sharpness and control, making them a great choice for both beginners and professional chefs. If you're new to Japanese knives, we recommend starting with a Santoku or Gyuto knife.

Yes, to maintain their sharpness and longevity:

  • Always hand wash and dry immediately after use.
  • Avoid cutting frozen foods or bones.
  • Use a wooden or soft plastic cutting board to protect the blade.
  • Regularly hone and sharpen your knife with the appropriate sharpening stone.

Knife Selection & Use

If you need an all-purpose knife, a Gyuto (Japanese chef's knife) is the best starting point. A Santoku is also a great multipurpose option for home cooks. If you specialize in delicate cuts, consider a Nakiri (vegetable knife) or a Yanagiba (sushi knife).

  • Carbon steel knives are razor-sharp and easy to sharpen, but they require extra care to prevent rusting.
  • Stainless steel knives are rust-resistant and lower maintenance, making them ideal for those who prefer easy upkeep.

No. Japanese knives are designed for precision cutting and should not be used on bones or frozen foods, as this can damage the blade. Use a cleaver or a specialized knife for such tasks.

Sharpening & Maintenance

This depends on usage, but regular home cooks should sharpen their knives every 2–3 months using a whetstone. Professional chefs may need to sharpen more frequently. Honing your knife with a ceramic rod in between sharpening sessions helps maintain the edge.

A whetstone is the best option for sharpening Japanese knives. We recommend a 1000-grit stone for routine sharpening and a 3000-6000-grit stone for fine polishing.

No, we strongly advise against using electric sharpeners, as they grind away too much metal and can damage the delicate blade edge. Always use a whetstone for sharpening.

Ordering & Shipping

Yes, we offer worldwide shipping. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on your location. Check our Shipping Policy for more details.

We accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment methods. All transactions are processed securely.

Delivery times depend on your location and chosen shipping method. Domestic orders typically take 4–7 business days, while international orders may take 7–10 business days.

Returns & Refunds

Our return policy is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. If more than 30 days have passed, unfortunately, we cannot offer a refund or exchange.

To be eligible for a return:

  • The item must be unused, undamaged, and in its original packaging.
  • The package must be undamaged and include all original materials.
  • A receipt or proof of purchase is required.
  • Do not send your purchase back to the manufacturer.

To start the return process:

  • Email us at support@echiknife.com with your order details and clear photos of the item for documentation.
  • Once your return is approved, ship your product to our return address.
  • After we receive and inspect your item, we will notify you about your refund or exchange status.

Once your return is approved, you should send your product to:

Echi Knife

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Yes, customers are responsible for return shipping costs. These costs are non-refundable unless the return is due to a defect or an error on our part. If a refund is approved, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from the refund amount.

  • If the item was marked as a gift and shipped directly to you, you will receive a gift credit once the return is processed.
  • If the item was not marked as a gift, the refund will be issued to the original purchaser.

If you receive a damaged or defective knife, please contact us at support@echiknife.com within 48 hours of delivery. Attach clear photos of the issue, and we will arrange for a replacement or refund.

Once we receive and inspect your returned item, we will send you an email notification regarding your refund approval or rejection.

  • If approved, the refund will be processed, and a credit will be applied to your original payment method within a few business days.
  • If rejected, we will provide details on why the return was not eligible.

If you haven’t received your refund:

Check your bank account again.

  • Contact your credit card company—refunds may take time to process.
  • Contact your bank, as some banks require extra processing time.
  • If the issue persists, please email us at support@echiknife.com.

No, engraved or personalized knives are non-refundable. However, if the item arrives with damage (such as rust, dullness, or manufacturing defects), we will replace it.

No, shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the return shipping cost will be deducted from your total refund.

If the item is valued at over $75, we strongly recommend using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We cannot guarantee that we will receive your returned item.