IMPORTANT INFORMATION

About Your NEW Kershaw Kitchen Knives

USE AND CARE

Using your knife correctly isn’t just about how to maintain the edge or sharpen the blade; it’s about how you use the knife on a daily basis.

Cutting Technique

Without proper cutting technique, chips can develop in your blade. Kitchen knives are designed to be used in a smooth, slicing motion—and never in a forceful, up-and-down “chopping” manner. The proper cutting motion is a “locomotive” motion, pushing the knife forward and down as you cut through the food, then pulling the knife up and back towards you (in order to position it for the next cut). This motion is also similar to cutting wood with a handsaw—forward and down, then back.

When you first begin using a knife, go slowly and enjoy the precision cutting ability of your new kitchen cutlery. As you gain experience, you will be able to work more quickly. No matter what your experience level, be careful and always pay attention to where your fingers are in relation to the knife.

Cutting Surfaces

One key to keeping your knife sharp is to use an appropriate cutting surface.

Appropriate Cutting Surfaces

Hinoki wood cutting boards are an excellent choice because they are softer and easier on your edges. Harder woods such as maple or oak are acceptable as long as proper cutting techniques are used.

Inppropriate Cutting Surfaces

Tile, ceramic, marble, granite, any kind of glass, and acrylic cutting boards are all very hard on your knives.

Washing

It’s important to take the best care possible in order to prolong the life of your knife. There are a variety of reasons that we do NOT recommend that you put your knife in the dishwasher.

1. Physical danger: Kershaw knives are incredibly sharp, which probably influenced your purchasing decision. In the dishwasher, these knives can pose a threat to other items, as well as the dishwasher itself, and anyone reaching into the dishwasher to unload.

2. Heat exhaustion: The dishwasher is hard on everything, but especially on the cutting edge of the knife.

3. Chemicals: Many dishwashing detergents have harsh chemicals, including bleach and citrus extracts, which can be harmful to both the metal of the blade and handles of your knives.

Kershaw recommends that you protect your knife by choosing to handwash your blades with gentle dish soap. Hold the knife flat against the back wall of the sink. Gently wash the exposed side with warm, soapy water. Turn the knife over and repeat. Rinse and towel dry immediately. Do not leave your knife sitting in a sink full of soapy water. It is hard on metals to be submerged in water for prolonged periods, but moreover it’s a danger when you reach in.

Drying

After handwashing your knives, dry them immediately using a soft and absorbent dishtowel. Leaving water or any dampness on your knives can cause rusting. A thorough drying will help maintain your knives properly. Allowing them to air dry for a little while before storing helps, too.

Storage

Store your knives in a block, knife case, in-drawer tray, or sheath. We do not recommend storing the knives unsheathed in a drawer, as this can be a potential hazard to the blade and your fingers.

Caring for your Kershaw Knife Block

• Keep clean by wiping with a damp cloth.

• After cleaning, dry block immediately; never soak.

• Do not put in dishwasher.

Blade and Handle Coatings

The technologically advanced coatings on the blades and handles of some Kershaw knives are designed to add beauty to the products and to enhance specific performance features. Although Kershaw coatings are designed to stand up to continual knife use, in time, all coatings will show some wear. Scratches and other signs of wear should be expected and considered normal.

Sharpening

Your knife comes with FREE lifetime sharpening. Just send the knife into our Tualatin, Oregon facility, we’ll sharpen it and return it to you. You can also sharpen your knife with the Kershaw Ultra-Tek Sharpener or aftermarket sharpener that can sharpen between 20° and 22°. Follow the included instructions when using Kershaw’s Ultra-Tek Sharpener.

1. Hold the blade against the Ultra-Tek at the original sharpened angle of 18°–22°.

2. Beginning at the base of the blade and tip of the sharpener, pull the blade down and toward you across the top of the sharpener in a slight arc as shown in the illustration. Do the same thing across the bottom of the sharpener as shown. This sharpens the top of your blade.

3. Repeat this “over and under” motion approximately three to five times on each side to fully sharpen your knife.

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Kershaw knives from Kai USA Ltd. carry a limited warranty for the lifetime of the original owner, except when stated otherwise. We guarantee our knives against manufacturing defects in material and construction and to perform as advertised when properly used and maintained. The Limited Lifetime Warranty is non-transferable and does not extend to normal signs of wear, rust, damage, or breakage due to improper use, improper maintenance, accidents, loss, or theft. This warranty is void on products that have been modified in any way. Any product we determine to be defective will be repaired or replaced solely at our discretion. To receive warranty repair or replacement, the owner must send the product to be evaluated by Kai USA Warranty Services in our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. In addition to the provisions of this warranty, the owner may also have other rights that can vary by state. No other warranties are implied or expressed other than what is specifically stated here. Kai USA Ltd. reserves the right to determine what constitutes normal wear, improper use/maintenance, and modification. We reserve the right to make changes to this warranty at our discretion and without notice.

For warranty information, shipping tips, and the Warranty/Service Form required for warranty service, please visit our service and warranty page.

Vouchers

There may be cases when your knife has been evaluated and is eligible for warranty service but is not able to be repaired or replaced. This can be true with discontinued models of which we no longer have stock. In such cases, at our discretion, we will offer a voucher for a replacement knife of equal or lesser value, as defined by the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The voucher can only be used through the Kai USA Warranty Department and some exclusions apply. If you prefer to have your original knife returned instead of using the voucher, please call our warranty team toll-free: 1-800-325-2891. We will retain the knife for 30 days from the date the voucher is issued. If you do not call us to let us know by then, the knife will be recycled.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

Kershaw/Zero Tolerance/Kai/Shun knives are intended and sold for legitimate everyday carry and/or sporting purposes only. The purchase, use, and ownership of knives are subject to a wide variety of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Always comply with all laws and regulations in effect in your area. Due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area. You, the Customers are solely responsible for any claims resulting from violation of these laws and/or regulations.

Knives are extremely sharp tools and should only be used or handled with the utmost care and caution and the use and possession of knives carry certain risks that may cause personal injury, property damage, or even death. Customers assume all such risks and agree to use the Knives in a safe and legal manner consistent with applicable laws and common sense. Kershaw Knives/Kai USA Ltd., its subsidiaries, parent companies, divisions, heirs, employees, shareholders, affiliates, and agents will not be liable for any damages of any kind including, but not limited to all claims of personal injury, property damage or any other harm including any claims arising from the use of this site, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental punitive and consequential damages. You, “the buyer”, agree to all the “condition of sale” when making a purchase from Kershaw/Kai USA, Ltd.

WARNING!

Knives are extremely sharp tools and should only be used or handled with the utmost care and caution. Any use other than cutting (such as prying or twisting) is considered misuse and abuse—and will void your warranty. Kershaw Knives/Kai USA Ltd. is not responsible for any injuries resulting from misuse or abuse of the product. Kitchen knives are intended to be used for cutting purposes only. Do not use this knife for stabbing or piercing. Use your Kershaw knives on meats and vegetables only, not on bones or very thick-skinned vegetables like butternut squash or melons.

We reserve the right to change shipping terms, specifications, materials, warranty policies, or discontinue products at any time, without notice.

Kershaw Products are covered by one or more pending and issued U.S. patents. Here is the list of past and present patents that we have utilized: 4,715,121; 4,741,106; 5,802,722; 5,815,927; 6,006,385; 6,397,476; 6,388,431; 6,412,130; 6,145,202; 6,223,372; 6,338,431; 6,378,214; 6,397,476; 6,427,334; 6,591,504; 7,086,158; 7,370,421; 7,395,599; 9,120,234; D303,748; D316,802; D317,390; D321,818; D329,185; D348,818; D351,328; D365,725; D366,605; D375,243; D392,131; D410,833; D437,197; D438,085; D450,228; D454,043; D454,768; D455,062; D467,783; D474,669; D479,104; D479,114; D484,770; D488,045; D565,918; D566,222; D569,212; D570,180; D572,542; D572,562; D575,614; D576,466.

If your Kershaw knife needs repair, please see information about the Limited Lifetime Warranty.