FAQ
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
🔪 About Our Knives
What steel are your knives made from?
Our Tidal Series knives feature a 10Cr15CoMoV cutting-core steel — a high-carbon alloy in the same chemistry class as premium Japanese knife steels — wrapped in 67 total layers of real forged Damascus (33 layers per side plus the cutting core). Hardness testing to HRC 60±2. Our Majesty Series uses high-carbon stainless steel with a laser-etched Damascus pattern — honestly labeled, sharp, and durable at a more accessible price point.
What is real forged Damascus (and how is it different from laser-etched)?
Real forged Damascus is layers of steel folded and welded around a high-carbon cutting core. The wave pattern is inside the steel — it doesn't wear off. Laser-etched Damascus is a decorative pattern printed on the surface of a single-piece stainless blade. Both are legitimate, but they perform differently. Our Tidal Series is real forged. Our Majesty Series is laser-etched — and we say so plainly.
What is the hardness rating?
Tidal Series: HRC 60±2. This is the sweet spot professional chefs look for — hard enough for excellent edge retention, tough enough to survive real daily prep. Majesty Series is not hardness-rated (it's kitchen-grade stainless).
What angle are the blades sharpened to?
Both series are precision-ground to a 15° double-bevel edge, significantly finer than the 20–25° edges on most Western knives.
Are the handles food-safe?
Yes. Tidal Series handles are pressure-stabilized burl resin around real wood, riveted through. Majesty Series handles are ergonomic Pakkawood (resin-stabilized layered hardwood).
What knives come in each 8-piece set?
Each Tidal Series 8-piece set includes:
- 8-inch chef's knife
- 7-inch santoku
- 7-inch nakiri
- 7-inch cleaver (produce, not bones)
- 8-inch bread knife (serrated)
- 6-inch boning knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 4-inch paring knife
Each knife comes with an individual fitted sheath, presented in a matte-finish gift box.
🛡️ Warranty — The 2-Year Epicurean Promise
Are the knives warranted?
Yes. Every knife we sell is backed by our 2-Year Epicurean Promise. If a handle fails under normal residential kitchen use within 2 years of purchase, we cover the cost of that knife — replacement or refund, your choice. No fine print, no receipts required. Read the full 2-Year Epicurean Promise.
What does the warranty cover?
Handle failures (cracks, splits, separations, loose rivets), blade edge chipping under normal use, and manufacturing defects. It does not cover damage from dishwasher use, cutting bone or frozen food, or commercial/restaurant use — all documented in the full policy.
📦 Ordering & Shipping
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Every US order ships free, with no minimum purchase required.
How long does shipping take?
Standard knife sets ship within 1–3 business days and arrive within 5–7 business days. Personalized engraved sets require approximately 14 business days for production and shipping.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we only ship within the United States.
Can I change my order after placing it?
Please email Support@epicureancook.com as soon as possible. If your order hasn't shipped yet, we can make changes. Once shipped, modifications are not possible.
✍️ Personalized Engraving
What can I engrave on my knife set?
You can engrave a name, date, short message, or monogram on select sets. Enter your engraving text during checkout.
How long does engraving take?
Approximately 14 business days from time of purchase to delivery.
Can I return an engraved set?
Engraved sets are custom-made and final sale. If your set arrives damaged, email us within 7 days for a replacement.
🛠️ Care & Maintenance
How should I care for my Damascus knives?
Hand wash only with warm water and mild soap. Never dishwasher. Dry immediately after washing. Store on a magnetic strip, in a wooden knife block, or in the included fitted sheaths.
How do I sharpen my knives?
Use a whetstone (1000/6000 grit works well). Hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain the edge between sharpenings. Avoid pull-through sharpeners — they damage the 15° edge geometry.
📞 Contact Us
Still have a question? Email us at Support@epicureancook.com and we'll respond within 1 business day.