FAQ

Laminated steel, pattern welded steel, or best known as Damascus steel is a type of steel where we take two or more types of steel, typically one of those steels having a nickel content, and forge weld several alternating layers to produce a light and dark contrasting design. There are ways to manipulate the process to get a desired pattern, or the layers can just be forged down to get a random pattern. I typically use 1084 for the black steel and 15N20 for the silver steel.

The bolster of the knife is the front area of the handle that transitions into the blade, where your index finger and thumb hold the handle in a regular knife grip. Many knife’s bolsters are made from the handle material, but some bolsters are shaped from the blade steel; we call these integral bolsters. Integral bolsters are more difficult and time consuming, but they have an aesthetic that you can’t get from a typical bolster, and typically aid in a better balanced knife.

A tang is the part of the steel that into or between the handle. The majority of tangs are one of two different styles; the hidden tag and the full tang. Hidden tang: A hidden tang is completely surrounded by the handle material. Think of the tang as a popsicle stick, and the handle as a popsicle. Full Tang: A full tang is shaped in the exact profile as the handle, and is sandwiched between two pieces of handle material. The edges of the full tang are completely exposed between the two pieces of handle material, which are called handle scales. This style tang can produce some great aesthetics when using Damascus steel.

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Hathenbruck Steelworks uses carbon steel—it will naturally oxidize and develop a protective patina (charcoal gray in color), which helps guard against corrosion. To keep your knife in good condition and prevent corrosive ruse, it is vital to wash and hand-dry after each use—putting your carbon knives in the dishwasher will almost guarantee rust. To help further protect, a good habit is to rinse with water and wipe the blade with a towel between foods. If your blade develops rust, please refer to the FAQ section for tips on removing rust. It's also a good idea to care for your handle. If your handle is a synthetic material, it should take care of itself; if your handle is a natural material, it may require a paste wax or polish from time to time. Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions.

At Hathenbruck Steelworks, we stand behind our products and want our customers to be satisfied with their purchase. If for any reason you are not completely happy with your purchase, we offer a 14-day return policy. Note: Hats, t-shirts, and stickers are final sale. To be eligible for a return, the knife must be postmarked within 14 days of the date you received it and be in new condition. The knife must be unused, unaltered, and in its original packaging. Any product that has been damaged or shows signs of wear will not be eligible for a return. Please note, shipping costs are not included in the refund and will not be reimbursed. If you would like to start the return process, please contact us through our website. We will provide you with instructions on how to send the knife back to us safely. Once we receive the knife and verify that it meets our return policy standards, we will process your refund within two business days. Thank you for choosing Hathenbruck Steelworks. We appreciate your business and hope you enjoy your knife!

Warranty Policy for Handmade Knives At Hathenbruck Steelworks, we take pride in crafting high-quality handmade knives that are built to last. We stand behind the craftsmanship and durability of our products and offer a warranty that reflects our commitment to your satisfaction. Warranty Coverage: We offer a lifetime warranty on all handmade knives. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship under normal, non-abusive use. We are confident in the quality of our knives and their ability to withstand regular use over an extended period. Exclusions: Please note that our warranty does not cover damages resulting from normal wear and tear, abuse, neglect, improper care, or accidents. We differentiate between intentional misuse or abuse and genuine product defects. Understanding Care and Maintenance: To maintain the longevity and performance of your knife, it is important to practice proper care and maintenance. Most of our knives are constructed using carbon steel, which can rust if not cared for properly. However, this steel naturally forms a patina, which safeguards it from rust. Any patina formation is not considered a defect but rather a characteristic feature of the steel that enhances its performance. In addition, the handle material used may experience natural changes with age, continuous use, and humidity exposure. Discoloration or slight shrinking is considered normal and does not affect the functionality of the knife. Warranty Claims: If you suspect that your knife is defective and falls within the warranty coverage, please send us a message through our website describing the issue, including photos or videos. We will carefully assess your claim and determine the best course of action, which may include repair, replacement, or other appropriate resolution measures. Please note that depending on the nature of the claim, return shipping charges may apply. We will inform you of any associated costs or procedures during the warranty evaluation process. If you have any further questions regarding our warranty policy or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.