ORDERING
How to Acquire My Work
How to Buy My Knives & Swords
After many years as a custom knife maker and now blade smith, I’ve tried to keep my Ordering Process as uncomplicated as possible. If you are interested in acquiring any of my work, please see below for details.
Available Knives & Signature Collection Pieces
These pieces are only available once I have made them. They cannot be Pre-Ordered.
Each of these pieces is individually listed. Availability is indicated on the items’ individual listing page. Some items may be listed as “Reserved for X Show” meaning it is going to be available on the table at an upcoming show or exhibition.
In some cases, a piece may be available via a Dealer. In this case a link to the dealer’s website will be placed on the listing.
If the item is available directly from me, you can simply contact me to claim it and make arrangements.
Available Swords & Masterworks Collection Pieces
Pieces from my Sword Collections are also only available when the pieces are completed and listed.
Pieces in the Available Swords category are typically sold as bare blades (Shirasaya) or mounted pieces (Koshirae). While Masterworks Collections pieces are only in Koshirae.
Bare Blades in Shirasaya may be purchased and shipped as is, or be set aside for custom mounting and shipped when the Koshirae is completed.
All swords are held by me and purchased through Akitsu Forge, unless otherwise specified on the individual listing page. Some Masterworks pieces may be held in reserve for specific shows, competitions or auctions. Details will be public under the “Availability” note.
If you are interested in a Sword or custom Koshirae, please contact me directly for discussion.
Studio Custom Commissions
I allow for a very limited number of Studio Custom Commissionss per year.
For Custom Knives, these are made to Signature Collection standards and prices start at R15 000.00 / US$950.00 excluding shipping or duties and taxes.
I am currently not accepting Studio Customs Commissions for Japanese Sword Blades.
Custom Koshirae can be commissioned on any of my bare blades in Shirasaya, and I am happy to also work on other blades. I have limited capacity for these commissions however, so a waiting list should be expected.
I accept Koshirae commissions on the basis that the artistic concept and execution of that concept remains my decision. I am of course happy to follow basic themes and colour palettes, as well as work within specific budget constraints. I am also happy to use the work of other Tsogu artists or incorporate antique elements into the design. However, I prefer that the direction and execution of the project be at my discretion.
Any Studio Custom Commissions are only accepted after due consideration of the project and its implications on my time constraints. Studio Custom Commissions require a 50% Deposit on acceptance, with the balance paid before shipping.
Payment
No Knives or Swords will be shipped before payment in full.
For Order Values below R8000.00 or Approximately US$ 500.00:
Card Payments via Yoco (Local Card Payment Provider)
PayPal Friends & Family
Larger Order Values:
Direct Bank Transfer / EFT to my local Bank Account
Wise Transfer
Any international payments are only considered “received” once they reflect in my local bank account.
Shipping & Returns
I ship orders once a week. I live in a rural location 3 hours from a major city and logistics just take a bit longer. For high value shipments, I prefer to deliver the package to my International Shipping Handler directly, which means a 6 hour round trip for me. Please be understanding of this.
I ship my work locally though insured Courier Services.
I ship internationally to most destinations around the world through a specialised Art Shipping Handler. In nearly a decade of shipping custom knives around the world, this is the most reliable service I’ve used. Shipping costs will vary depending on the size of any consignment.
General Shipping Costs on Custom Knives:
USA = R1500.00 / US$100.00
EU = R1000.00 / US$60.00
The above prices are indicative only. Final shipping cost will be determined based on your destination and total order size.
For Japanese Swords a shipping Quote will be generated on enquiry.
Taxes, Duties & Tariffs:
Buyers are entirely responsible for the payment of any Taxes, Duties or Tariffs applied by your country’s port of entry.
If you would like a less complicated shipping experience, I am happy to handle these payments on your behalf, but the cost will be incorporated into your shipping bill. This may also add slightly to the time it takes me to ship your order.
Returns:
While I pride myself on providing high quality knives and swords, and try to ensure each pieces is perfect before leaving my forge, sometimes mistakes happen. I am happy to right any issues that may occur due to my own negligence or poor workmanship and do so at my own expense.
The only exception to this is the subject of Sharpness.
Unfortunately this is a very subjective topic and highly contextual to the purpose of the knife / blade in question. Blades which are used regularly are also expected to dull and require periodic sharpening. I test every edge that leaves my forge and ensure it is suitably sharp for its task, and up to my standards. You are welcome to disagree with me on this matter. But “it isn’t sharp enough” is not a valid Return Claim.
For Sword Polishing / Sharpening please see my Services page.