FAQ
How long does it take to make a knife?
This is a bit of a #slowlife kind of a process. I’ve never really taken any notice of the hours that go into each knife, all of my knifes likely take 15 hours? Probably more but it really doesn’t matter, if you’re waiting for a custom knife I really can’t say how long it will take but I can say that when I’m totally happy with the outcome, your knife will be ready.
What is the sharpening angle of Tòki knives?
15° double bevel on all knives unless otherwise specified.
What can I not cut with my Tóki knife?
Please never, ever cut anything frozen and avoid cutting bones. The hard steel and sharp edge that make your knife glide through food also results in an edge which is relatively brittle when faced with very hard items. Not to say that my knives are particularly fragile at all; this goes for any high end knife with a fine edge.
Where can I see your knives?
I only sell my knives direct, I do offer the Test Drive service to customers in New Zealand, otherwise you’e welcome to contact me and ask any questions if you’re not able to see one of my knives in person.
How do I wash and care for my knife?
See my Care page for details on caring for your knife.
Can I use a honing steel?
I don’t recommend it, if you’re set on it and understand what it’s doing, sure but the benefits are negligible in my opinion. Knife steels do not sharpen but only realign a blade with damage to it’s bevels. Generally this works well with softer steels and shallower bevels but the steel I use is at a hardness which means it holds an extremely sharp edge well. While it is easily sharpened on whetstones, a knife steel it may damage the edge of your knife or at the least it won’t serve any benefit. If you insist on using a steel, please only use light pressure. I recommend you learn to sharpen on whetstones and use a strop in between sharpenings.
Can I sharpen my own knife?
By all means, and I encourage it. Use whetstones rather than any mechanical sharpening device. I don’t have any instructions but there are many good videos on YouTube. Ignore the 2020 ‘Pandemic chic’ but I’d recommend starting with this video from Kenji Lopez-Alt.
Do you sharpen knives?
Not as a general service but I will service the knives I make if you need a tuneup – free of charge to the original purchaser for the life of the knife (within reason, and if your knife is damaged and needs a more significant repair, there will be a charge).
What is the warranty on your knives?
Each of my knives comes with a lifetime warranty protecting them from defects in materials and workmanship. I can fairly confidently say you should never need this but if you have any doubts, know that I will repair or replace any knife found to have a defect.
Can I provide material for the handle of my knife?
Yes – please come to me with your ideas! Some of my favourite knives are those with character and a story – Wood from a tree from a special property. Wooden panels from an old family home. Material from a missed loved one. Whatever your ideas, please get in touch.
Do you do custom engraving?
I can engrave names, logos, etc. Please contact me with your ideas. Here’s an example.