Refund policy

Because every Oak Bay Knives commission is made to order by a master blacksmith, our cancellation, refund, and return policies reflect the nature of custom, handcrafted work. We want you to feel completely confident commissioning a knife with us, and this page explains what to expect at every stage — from deposit to delivery.

Deposit

A 50% deposit of the estimated price is required before your commission begins. Because work on your commission begins as soon as the deposit is received, the deposit is non-refundable, even if you later cancel. In turn, you are not obligated to pay the remaining balance.

How to Cancel

Cancellations must be requested by email to support@oakbay.jp. We are unable to accept cancellation requests by phone or verbally, to avoid any misunderstanding across language or time zones.

A cancellation is only considered final once we confirm receipt of your request by email. Please wait for our confirmation before considering your order cancelled.

On Timelines

The delivery estimate we provide is a guide, not a guaranteed date. Each Oak Bay knife is entirely hand-forged, and the time required can vary depending on the piece, the blacksmith's schedule, and the nature of custom work. We will keep you updated if there is a meaningful change to the estimated timeline for your order.

Returns for Defects or Shipping Damage

Because each knife is a one-of-a-kind commission made specifically for you, we do not offer returns or exchanges for change of mind. However, if your knife arrives with a defect — meaning damage that existed before shipment, or damage that occurred in transit — we will make it right.

Please notify us by email at support@oakbay.jp within 10 days of the knife's arrival, describing the issue and including photos where possible. If the damage resulted from shipping, please keep the entire item along with all original packaging and packing materials intact, so that the carrier can inspect it if needed. Please wait for our reply with return instructions before sending anything back to us. 

Because each blade is entirely hand-forged, natural variations in hamon pattern, grain, or hammer texture are part of its individual character and are not considered defects.

Refunds

Once we confirm a defect or shipping-damage claim, we will offer a repair, replacement, or refund of the amount you paid — whichever best fits the situation — in consultation with the blacksmith who made your knife. Refunds are issued to your original method of payment.

Outside of a confirmed defect or shipping damage, all custom orders are final once the deposit has been received, in line with the Deposit policy above.

Proof of Purchase

Please keep your order confirmation email. We're unable to process a return, exchange, or defect claim without it.

Questions about a specific order can always be directed to support@oakbay.jp.