Masahiro VC 150mm hankotsu

Proper care is essential for Japanese kitchen knives. Here are some important points to consider:

• Use a whetstone to maintain sharpness. Avoid electric sharpeners and pull-through sharpeners, as they are not suitable for Japanese kitchen knives. Honing rods, typically used for western-style knives, may potentially damage the edge, particularly if you're a beginner.
  
  
• Choose a wooden or rubber cutting board instead of bamboo or poly boards to preserve the knife's edge.
  
  
• Keep the knife clean and dry, especially if it is made of carbon steel. Carbon knives are prone to rusting. If you prefer a lower-maintenance option, stainless or stainless-clad carbon knives are recommended.
  
  
• Avoid using the knife to cut through bones or frozen foods. It's best to use a separate knife specifically designed for these tasks.
  
  
• When cutting, use a smooth and fluid motion, avoid twisting or torquing the blade. This technique helps maintain control and minimizes the risk of damage.
  
  
• Never put Japanese kitchen knives in the dishwasher. Instead, hand wash them with mild soap, ensuring thorough cleaning, and then dry them completely before storing.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Japanese kitchen knives. Remember, proper care and attention will enhance your culinary experience and protect your investment.

We ship worldwide from Tokyo to over 150 countries.

Enjoy free shipping on orders over 19,000 JPY (approx. 140 USD) with code "ZKT20".

For customers in the Philippines, get free shipping on orders over 5,000 PHP with code "PH5K". Please note that we cannot ship to areas with the following zip codes: 5317, 5316, 5315, 5314, 5111, 5110.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
For USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia, we ship via DHL.
For Asia and Middle East, we use JapanPost EMS.
Upon order confirmation, we will ship out in 1-2 business days.

DELIVERY TIME
US, Canada, Australia, Europe: 3-5 days
Middle East: 5-10 days
Asia: 2-5 days

For Philippines:
Manila and nearby cities: 2-5 days
Visayas/Mindanao: 15-25 days

Note: These estimates are averages and not guaranteed delivery times. The actual number of days may vary due to factors such as transport, customs, and handling conditions in the destination area, which are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.

TRACKING YOUR ORDER
Once your order is shipped, we'll send you a confirmation email with a tracking link.

CUSTOMS AND IMPORT DUTIES
Item prices and shipping fees exclude import duties, taxes, and charges. Buyers are responsible for these fees. In the Philippines, there are no taxes regardless of the item's value.

RETURNS

• You can return products within 14 days of receiving them.
• To be eligible for return, the product must be unused, in the same condition as when you received it, and in the original packaging.
• You must provide a proof of purchase to complete your return.
• Buyers are responsible for the cost of returning products.
• Contact us at info@zahocho.com to arrange a return.

Please note:

• Knives damaged due to misuse, improper care, poor technique, mistakes in use or sharpening, or any other type of damage resulting from user error are not eligible for return, exchange, or refund.

REFUNDS

• We will notify you by email once we receive and inspect your returned item.
• If approved, a credit will be applied to your original method of payment within a certain amount of days.

LATE OR MISSING REFUNDS

• Check your bank account first if you haven't received your refund yet.
• Contact your credit card company if necessary.
• Contact your bank if you still have not received your refund.
• Contact us at info@zahocho.com if you have any further concerns.

EXCHANGES (if applicable)

• We only replace items if they are defective or damaged upon arrival (not due to misuse).
• Contact us at info@zahocho.com if you need to exchange a defective or damaged item.

Click here to fill out the GCash order form

Here are the most common questions from our customers, designed to provide quick and easy access to information. If you have additional inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

1. What types of Japanese knives do you offer?
   We offer a wide variety, including gyuto, santoku, bunka, nakiri, petty, yanagiba, and more.
   
   
2. Are your knives made in Japan?
   Yes, all our knives are sourced directly from renowned Japanese craftsmen and brands.
   
   
3. How do I choose my first Japanese knife?
   We recommend multipurpose options like gyuto or bunka/santoku. Reach out to our team for assistance or check out our guide.
   
   
4. How do I place an order?
   Choose your desired product(s), add-to-cart, complete the checkout process, and wait for our confirmation email. Philippine buyers can use our GCash/BPI order form.
   
   
5. What payment methods do you accept?
   We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and GCash/BPI (for Philippine buyers).
   
   
6. Where do you ship your products from?
   We ship our products from Tokyo, Japan worldwide via DHL or EMS.
   
   
7. How long does shipping take?
   US, Canada, Australia, Europe: 3-5 days
   Middle East: 5-10 days
   Asia: 2-5 days
   Philippines (Manila and nearby cities): 2-5 days
   Philippines (Visayas/Mindanao): 10-20 days
   Note: Actual delivery times may vary.
   
   
8. Is it door-to-door delivery?
   Yes, DHL and EMS provide convenient door-to-door delivery.
   
   
9. Are import taxes included in the price?
   Import taxes are not included. Buyers are responsible for any applicable taxes or customs duties. However, for customers in the Philippines, there are no import taxes regardless of the order value.
   
   
10. How can I track my order?
    Once shipped, we'll send a tracking link via email.