# What about the warranty?

Almost all products we sell are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. However, how that warranty works and what the terms and conditions are can differ per brand or product. For that reason we love to tell you more about what we mean when we say warranty and what common exceptions and point of attention are. It may be a confusing amount of exceptions and differences so buckle up: here we go.

## What does your warranty apply to?

In nine out of ten cases you will receive a warranty on **material and manufacturing flaws** when you purchase a product. This means that if there is a defect in the product caused by a flaw in the material, or the manufacturing you are entitled to a warranty.

This also means that wear and tear never entitles you to a warranty. After a while each product will wear out, to a greater or lesser extent. This, however, doesn’t mean that the product or the manufacturer is to blame. Some products wear out faster because they are perhaps of lesser quality. As long as this is inherent to the product, and not an exceptional material or manufacturing flaw you won’t be able to invoke the warranty offered by the manufacturer.

## So what does warranty mean?

What a brand feels should be a part of a warranty differs as well. For instance, if a product breaks within the warranty period you are legally entitled to a repair or replacement. This means that a knife can sometimes be fixed and enhanced with a new blade or any other replacement part. Sometimes it means you will receive a completely new product. If the product is no longer produced the product can be replaced by a product of equal value. This is taken care of by the supplier or manufacturer.

Some manufacturers choose to replace the product with a refurbished product. This is a fixed and checked version of the product. As long as this product is of equal value as the product you sent in, the manufacturer may decide to do so.

## What about the warranty period?

Many products list a warranty period. Often a minimum of two years after purchase, up to life. Within that period you can claim the warranty offered.

It is important to know that for some products the conditions of the warranty differ from other products produced by the same manufacturer. Think of a bottle of oil or a tube of diamond paste for a strop. Fortunately these are also products for which the warranty is (almost) never claimed.

Some manufacturers can also decide to, for instance, offer a standard two-year warranty which they will extend to five years if you register online or send a postcard.

## What does life-long warranty mean?

What life-long warranty means differs per brand. While some brands consider life-long to be as long as the initial purchaser is still alive, some feel life-long actually applies without a limit. However, most common is that a warranty lasts as long as the expected life of the product.

There are American manufacturers who print a label saying ‘Lifetime Warranty*’ on the box. However, when you look up the star on the back of the box you will notice that life-long only means when you live in North-America, and that you ‘only’ get a 25-year warranty if you live elsewhere.

## Defects due to incorrect use

Sometimes something happens to a product because it isn’t correctly used. Defects caused by incorrect use are practically never a part of the warranty. Simply think before use if the product was intended for what you are about to do with it.

A favourite example is batoning with an outdoor knife where you cut or split a piece of wood by using a baton-sized stick to hit the spine of a knife. Yes, many knives can handle this. Some are even made for it. However, in the end it is a task which should be carried out with an axe.

We do have to state here that some brands give you a warranty on anything. No matter what you do with the product. These are, however, rare exceptions.

## Rust and warranty

Knives rust. That is a given. Even when a knife is made from ‘stainless’ steel it can still rust. It is, after all, not ‘stain free’. This is the result of external factors: moisture, acids or salt. Or a combination of the three. Think of salty sea air or fruit acids. Just clean and maintain your product well. You could, if need be, also use [Flitz](kato://product/FZ002) to remove the rust. It is never covered by the warranty.

## Modifications and disassembly

For many products the following applies: if you modify the product yourself your warranty will expire. Sharpening a knife is, of course, not included as it is necessary maintenance. But as soon as you start filing, painting, sanding, soldering, anodizing etc. your warranty will expire immediately. There are manufacturers who look at this a little more pragmatically: a small modification to the handle won’t affect the blade, which will make them lenient. But never assume they will be!

Disassembly could also lead to the warranty expiring. Think of the famous stickers on electronics: ‘Warranty void if seal broken’. It, however, really differs per brand how this is handled. First you should always check the website of the manufacturer before you bring out your toolbox.

## Transferability and warranty

Some brands are very strict in saying they will only hand out a warranty to the first owner of the product. One of the reasons being that they assume that during the first purchase a user manual was included in the box that attempted to assure good use. If it is a second-hand product this manual is not always still included.

## Batteries and warranty

When it comes to batteries things are slightly more complicated when it comes to warranties. For many lights, even those which include a battery, a five-year warranty is listed on material and manufacturing flaws. However, this applies to the light and not to the battery. Some manufacturers don’t even hand out a warranty on the battery at all, others only six months.

This is because the battery is considered to be a consumer product. Like you also need vacuum cleaner bags to keep your vacuum working, you will need a battery to make your light shine. A vacuum cleaner bag won’t last forever, even though you occasionally empty it. The same applies to a battery. On average you charge a Li-Ion battery 500 times, after which it is basically done. The way you handle a battery also determines how well it keeps working. Whether you charge it completely and completely empty it. Or if you leave it out empty too long, or consequently overcharge it in a faulty charger. Do you store it in a hot environment or a really cold one? These types of things cannot be checked in case of a warranty claim. So keep in mind that batteries are almost never covered by the warranty.

## So many different opinions, what about names?

In this article we have talked about many different views amongst different manufacturers. It would make sense to say: but what are the names of these manufacturers? We will not say. Mostly because it would mean that this page would never be up-to-date. For that reason we always recommend to always visit the website of the manufacturer in case of a defect to see what type of warranty conditions they adhere to. After all, these may be subject to change.

## Product defective? Contact us!

Is your product defective? Please contact us. You can do so via our [service page](https://support.knivesandtools.com/hc/en-gb?w-warranty=1). It helps a lot if you can clearly describe how you used the product when it went wrong. It also helps if you can include photographs of the problem. Based on those we will be able to see how we can help you.

Warranty explained

Sharpening knives has become a true art form in the Japanese culture. For this reason they know exactly what type of tools you need to end up with razor-sharp knives. It is therefore not surprising that the best sharpening stones come from Japan.

Japanese sharpening stones

Japanese sharpening stones

The Naniwa Advance sharpening stones will help you achieve a razor-sharp edge. These stones offer great value for money and are available from 220 grit to the extremely fine 12,000 grit. The sharpening stones have very good polishing properties and wear out very slowly.

Naniwa Advance Stones

Naniwa Basic Stones sharpening stones are budget-friendly stones for beginners. These stones are of excellent quality, regardless of the price. The Basic Stones are made in Vietnam, where the production process is strictly supervised by Japanese sharpening specialists. The stones are dual-sided and relatively soft compared to the rest of Naniwa's range. That's why it's important to regularly use a flattening stone to keep the Basic Stones in tip-top condition. Because the stones are relatively thick, they will still last you many years.

Naniwa Basic Stones

The Naniwa Diamond Pro sharpening stones are Naniwa’s specialty stones. They are suitable for even the toughest steel types! These Japanese stones consist of an aluminium block, covered in a layer of diamond particles. The stones are bound by resin, optimally matched to the grit size of the abrasive particles. Naniwa Diamond Pro sharpening stones are tough, barely wear out and have a high concentration of sharpening particles.

Naniwa Diamond Pro Stones

Naniwa sharpening accessories enhance your sharpening experience with Naniwa sharpening stones. They assist you before, during, and after sharpening to get the most out of both your Naniwa stones and your knives. Naniwa sharpening accessories are aimed at sharpening enthusiasts who appreciate traditional Japanese sharpening products. Naniwa's sharpening accessories are designed for those who strive for the very best in the sharpening world.

Naniwa sharpening accessories

Naniwa sharpening accessories

A Chef’s Choice knife sharpener will make your knives razor-sharp again in no time. Since 1985, when EdgeCraft launched the brand, Chef’s Choice has been a staple in the world of knife sharpening. Thanks to smart technology and user-friendly designs, these sharpeners deliver the sharpness, precision and convenience you count on. Chef’s Choice stands for razor-sharp results, reliable quality and worry-free use.

Chef's Choice

A Zwilling chef's knife is a real workhorse for your kitchen. Ask any professional chef and they will tell you that a chef's knife is the most important knife in your kitchen. It's the knife you can use for practically anything. And what better brand to choose than Zwilling, a German brand that has been producing great knives since 1731?

Zwilling chef's knife

The Belgian sharpening stones of Ardennes Coticule are the epitome of craftsmanship. These natural stones have been mined by hand in the Belgian Ardennes since 1625. With an exclusive manufacturing process that extracts just 1 kilo of usable sharpening stone from a tonne of slate, each Coticule stone is a piece of history. The natural character, combined with razor-sharp results, makes these stones a must-have for any knife sharpening enthusiast.

Ardennes Coticule

The Wicked Edge sharpening system can be set perfectly, making sure you always sharpen with the correct angle. This makes is basically impossible to make sharpening mistakes! 


## Everything for optimal sharpening


Every sharpening system by Wicked Edge is equipped with all necessities to sharpen your knife optimally. Of course, you can always extend your set, with a nice range of handy accessories. The system is very well though through, which makes Wicked Edge suitable for everyone, whether you are experienced or beginning with sharpening.


## Wicked Edge Generation III: big innovations


In 2015 the Wicked Edge Generation 3 has come out. A great improvement over the Pro Pack 2. It has a jaw that works via a simple lever. You don’t need to operate the system with an Allen wrench anymore.


The way the angle can be set is also improved. By shifting the lever the angle of both arms can be adjusted at the same time. You will never sharpen asymmetrically again and you can go back to the previous settings easily.


The Generation 3 also looks tighter. It takes up less space on the table and the grinding wheels can be stowed away in the system itself. It's incredibly well-organized. The Wicked Edge Generation III is a mature sharpening system that is even more user-friendly and creates an incredibly sharp result.

Wicked Edge sharpening systems

Wicked Edge sharpening systems

Based in Sweden, EKA has earned an excellent reputation among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. These knives combine an attractive price with 3 important basic requirements: 1) high-quality steel, 2) a minimum hardness of 57-59 HRC, and 3) a sharp and strong blade. Thanks to the use of 12C27 steel and a 20-degree sharpening angle, EKA knives meet these requirements and offer long-lasting performance.

EKA knives

EKA knives

Work Sharp is a company located in Ashland, Orlando, which is where they design, test and calibrate their products to perfection. Work Sharp is mainly famous for their sharpening systems. This American brand makes high-precision sharpening a piece of cake. Their range includes many options, like sharpeners that are suitable for kitchen knives, sharpeners for on to go or sharpeners for your workshop. There's something for everyone!

Work Sharp

Case products have been produced by hand in Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA for hundreds of years. When you think of traditional pocket knives, it's likely Case you'll picture. These classic pocket knives are sometimes also lovingly called the knives your grandfather would carry. Case pocket knives are compact and perfect for tasks in and around the farm or on the factory floor. This is what Case does best. It is sometimes said that these are the most collectible pocket knives in the world.

Case

Böker is a knife brand with a long history that dates back to the 17th century. Böker kitchen knives can be recognised by the chestnut tree logo. This tree stood in front of the original factory, and founder Heinrich Böker thought it would make a nice symbol for the company. When looking at Böker's kitchen knives, it's clear that this knife brand has its roots in the outdoor market. The designs and materials show distinctive elements that Böker also uses for their pocket knives.

Böker kitchen knives

Böker kitchen knives

Imagine: you are in the kitchen preparing some delicious food, but you also want it to look nice when you present it. In that case, grab your turning knife. Whether you're turning a courgette or removing the back of a carrot; the turning knife is the right choice. The curved shape of the blade also makes it the perfect knife for peeling work. With a good turning knife, you can work a lot faster!

Turning knives

Turning knives

Spyderco is one of the largest and most famous knife brands in the world. Models like the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Delica 4 and Tenacious are true classics. Spyderco offers a wide range of functional EDC knives, knives for first responders and premium gentleman's knives. What do these knives all have in common? The signature hole in the blade, an innovation introduced by Sal Glesser in 1981. Today, Spyderco continues to pioneer and is an indispensable brand in the knife world.

Spyderco knives

Spyderco knives

Naniwa sharpening stones are the best of the best. Japan's age-old sharpening traditions combined with Naniwa's 80 years of experience guarantee unparalleled quality. Naniwa performs constant quality checks to ensure only the best products are sold. It's this high quality that makes these sharpening stones so popular among those who love to sharpen their own knives.

Naniwa

Bark River Knives

Pocket knife sharpeners

KA-BAR

CRKT neck knives

Almost all knives are made of steel. However, pieces of steel differ. To understand the differences, we have listed some basic facts about tooling steel below.

Knife steel information

Having your knife sharpened sounds like a fast and easy solution. However, you can also easily do it yourself! And perhaps even better!


## Why sharpen your own knives?


* Sharpening your knives is a quick and easy job. And, you can even do it from the comfort of your own home, so you won’t be without your knives for a couple of days.
* It might take a little bit of practice but before you know it you will be better at it than your local knife sharpener.
* Sharpening knives yourself is a lot cheaper than having your knife sharpened for you. You will have earned your money back in no time.
* When you sharpen your own knives you can also sharpen your knives a little in between cutting jobs.
* Sharpening is an artisanal job. It is a great feeling to learn and master a new skill such as sharpening.


When you sharpen your own knives you will quickly learn that there are different ways to sharpen knives. Some more suitable for kitchen knives while others are perfect for pocket knives. Making a distinction between the two might be a little tricky which is why we will help you out!

Sharpening your own knives!

Sharpening your own knives!

26 years ago, it all started with a love for Next Level Gear.
More than two decades later, that same passion has only grown stronger. Knivesandtools has become the specialist in knives, awesome gear and outdoor products. And that’s thanks to everyone who has ever bought, sharpened, tested or used one of our products with joy. That’s why we’re celebrating this anniversary with six days full of discounts, gifts and surprises.

From Sunday 26 October until Friday 31 October, a different category takes the spotlight each day.
Keep an eye on our website over the coming days for the best deals!

## Sunday 26 October – Back to where it all began

Our first love? Pocket knives.
That’s where it all started. And if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed in 26 years, it’s our appreciation for a good pocket knife. One that grows with you, collects stories and is always ready for use.

That’s why we’re kicking off our anniversary week with:

Free #OneKnifeStand with every pocket knife order over £65
while stocks last

But in those 26 years, we haven’t stopped at pocket knives alone. Over the years, many more categories have been added. This year, our newest pride: Woodworking.

That’s why you’ll get 10% off Woodworking tools on Sunday, October 26th.

From our first category to our newest; a beautiful bridge between then and now.

## Monday 27 October – Sharpening stones 

Anyone who uses knives knows sharpening is part of the deal. Even the best knife needs a little care now and then. On Monday 27 October, you’ll get 15% off all sharpening stones. The perfect time to get your knives and your sharpening skills back in top shape.

## Tuesday 28 October – Multitools

A multitool is one of those pieces of gear you only miss when you don’t have it with you. Compact, smart and always useful. On Tuesday 28 October, get 10% off all multitools.

## Wednesday 29 October – Axes

Whether you’re splitting firewood or working on a bushcraft project, a sharp axe makes all the difference. With a well-honed edge, chopping becomes almost relaxing.
That’s why on Wednesday 29 October, for every axe order over £60, you’ll receive a free Skerper axe sharpening stone, while stocks last.

## Thursday 30 October – Knife sets

With the holidays just around the corner and all those festive dinners coming up, a good knife set is essential. On Thursday, October 30th, all knife sets on [this page](kato://category/kitchenknifesets) are available with 10% off.

## Friday 31 October – Halloween special: flashlights

We’re ending our celebration week with light in the darkness. On this spooky day, a reliable light is a must. So we’re offering 10% off all flashlights.
Whether you’re going for an evening walk, upgrading your camping kit or just want to be ready for mysterious noises in the dark: today is your day.

## How it works

Every day, a new deal appears on Knivesandtools.com. Discount codes are published on the website and apply to the selected category on the date mentioned.
The promotions are visible on the website, in the newsletter and on social media. Some deals are limited, so early birds get the best bargains!

26 years of Knivesandtools

In December 2014 we have done a new comprehensive test with ceramic knives of multiple manufacturers. We have tested the knives on sharpness, how long they remain sharp, user-friendliness, how it holds under pressure and how it reacts to sharpening. In this test we have compared the ceramic knives with comparable [steel kitchen knives](kato://category/kitchenknives).

Ceramic knives

Ceramic knives

Sharpening on a sharpening system is easy once you know how it works, but sometimes a little explanation is needed. In this how-to guide, we explain how the [TSPROF sharpening system](kato://category/tsprofbrand) works and how you can get your knives back to their razor-sharp best!

## Step 1: do you have the right knife and the right accessories?

Before you start sharpening, it's useful to know whether you have the right clamp for your knife. The first question if you're using the TSPROF [K03](kato://category/TSPROFK03) and [Kadet- sharpening system](kato://category/tsprofkadet): are you going to sharpen a pocket knife? Then use the single clamp. Are you going to sharpen a kitchen knife? Then use the double clamp. The double clamp prevents the blade from bending and keeps the sharpening angle consistent, even with long and flexible blades. In addition to the normal clamps, you also have the option of 'fillet' clamps. These are extra thin clamps that allow you to sharpen at a very small sharpening angle. The [TSPROF Blitz sharpening system](kato://category/tsprofblitz) is less complicated. This uses two model-specific clamps as standard.

How to: Sharpening on a TSPROF sharpening system

How to: Sharpening on a TSPROF sharpening system

Sharpening on a sharpening system is easy once you know how it works, but sometimes a little explanation is needed. In this how-to guide, we explain how the [KME sharpening system](kato://category/kmesharpenersbrand) works and how you can get your knives back to their razor-sharp best!

## Step 1: which knife?

As a first step, it's important to make sure that your knife is suitable for the KME sharpening system. A big advantage of the KME knife sharpeners is that the clamp can open wide. A thick bushcraft knife is therefore no problem at all. A very long blade can cause problems, though. Due to the length of the guide rod, it's possible that the sharpening stone won't be able to sharpen the entire edge of a long knife in one go. This is why we don't recommend sharpening knives with a blade longer than 25 cm with a KME sharpening system.

How to: Sharpening on a KME sharpening system

How to: Sharpening on a KME sharpening system

The advantages of sharpening your own knives

Sharpening: the basics. Sharpen anything from knives to axes and scissors.

Sharpening: the basics. Sharpen anything from knives to axes and scissors.

You might not realize it but your pair of kitchen scissors is one of the most frequently used tools in the kitchen. You use it to cut paper, cardboard or aluminium foil, but perhaps also herbs, vegetables and even meat and fish. Not that surprising then that in time the blades of scissors lose their sharpness. You notice it when you need to apply more pressure and you can no longer cut from the beak to the tip of the scissors in one go. In that case there is only one thing left to do: sharpen your pair of scissors.


For sharpening scissors the same applies as when sharpening knives: you can easily do it yourself. How you do it mostly depends on the state of the edges. If you notice that cutting is not that easy anymore but still possible, grinding paper could sometimes already be enough. Use both sides of the pair to cut five to ten times in a piece of grinding paper (the grain size is not that relevant) and you will notice that the pair will work a whole lot better.  However, if you are looking for razor-sharp results or if your pair is so blunt you won’t be able to cut through a piece of paper it is time to bring out the big guns. To bring out your sharpening stone.


## Sharpening on a sharpening stone


Sharpening scissors on a sharpening stone is not the same as when you sharpen knives. After all, most (kitchen)knives, aside from Japanese knives, have a two-sided blade. The edge will have a V-shape. Scissors are different as they have two blades. Both are ‘only’ sharpened on the inside, also called a ‘chisel grind’. If you want to sharpen a pair of scissors it is best if you take it apart and use both sides as individual ‘knives’. As such sharpening the entire edge will be a lot easier. In addition, you ensure that while sharpening you don’t cut yourself with the other side of the pair.

How do you sharpen scissors?

The [Leatherman Charge+ TTi](kato://product/LE6015) is a multi-tool that seamlessly combines versatility with durability. Crafted from top-tier materials and engineered with precision, this multi-tool is a big hit among DIYers and outdoor enthusiasts.
 
## History of Leatherman 
When the American Timothy Leatherman went travelling around Europe with his girlfriend in the 1980s, they bought a Fiat 500 in the Netherlands. During this trip, Leatherman regularly used his pocket knife to make repairs to the car. He noticed that he would also like to have a full-sized pair of pliers at hand for some tasks. This is how the idea was born to combine a pair of pliers with a pocket knife, creating a multi-tool with a pair of pliers as its main tool. Back in the US, Timothy immediately started working on a prototype, which took 3 years. 

By 1983, Timothy Leatherman released his first multi-tool: the Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival Tool). This was the first multi-tool built around a full-sized pair of pliers. This marked the beginning of what would later grow into a successful and iconic brand. The PST was followed by dozens of models, including the Charge+ TTi, with improved designs and more features every time. Even after all these years, this is still one of Leatherman's best designs.

Spotlight: Leatherman Charge+ TTi multi-tool

The chef's knife is one of the most famous knives. A European chef's knife is characterized by the pointed tip and convex edge. How do you accurately use a chef's knife, and what do use it for?

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