Warranty & Service

Warranty Eligibility

Rockstead knives are covered by Rockstead Corporation’s limited lifetime warranty when the knife is a genuine Rockstead product purchased from an authorized dealer and registered by the original purchaser. The warranty applies only to the original owner and is not transferable. Knives purchased second-hand or through unauthorized channels are not eligible for Rockstead warranty coverage. Rocksteadshop.jp is an authorized Rockstead dealer in Japan. If you purchased your knife through rocksteadshop.jp, we can help confirm your purchase details and guide you through the registration and service process. All inspections, warranty decisions, repair approvals, factory regrinding, and other service work are handled by Rockstead Corporation.

How to Request Service

Confirm that the knife has been registered by the original purchaser.
Contact Rockstead Corporation or rocksteadshop.jp before shipping the knife.
Obtain the current shipping instructions and confirm the required documentation.
Send the knife using tracked and insured delivery.
Rockstead Corporation will inspect the knife and determine whether the request qualifies for warranty repair, factory regrinding, or paid service.

* Do not ship a knife to rocksteadshop.jp unless we have specifically instructed you to do so.

How to Register Your Rockstead Knife

The original purchaser should register the knife through Rockstead Corporation’s official registration system after purchase. Registration requires the purchaser’s information and knife details, including:

Model
Serial number
Purchase dealer
Dealer country
Purchase date

If you purchased your knife through rocksteadshop.jp, keep your order confirmation and all documentation supplied with the knife. These records may help confirm the purchase when registering the knife or requesting service. Registration must be completed by the original purchaser. Warranty coverage cannot be transferred to a later owner.

Warranty Inspection and Repair

Rockstead Corporation’s warranty covers defects in manufacture, materials, or workmanship, as determined by Rockstead Corporation after inspection. If Rockstead Corporation determines that the issue resulted from a covered defect, the knife will be repaired free of charge. If the issue is not covered by the warranty, Rockstead Corporation may advise whether repair is possible and provide an estimated repair cost.

Factory Regrinding and Cutting Performance Service

Rockstead Corporation also provides factory service to restore cutting performance. If a Rockstead knife no longer cuts properly under normal use, it may be sent to Rockstead Corporation in Japan for inspection and service. Factory regrinding may be provided free of charge in accordance with Rockstead Corporation’s current service policy. Shipping costs remain the customer’s responsibility.

What Is Not Covered

The warranty does not cover damage caused by:
Abuse or misuse
Loss
Improper handling
Accident or neglect
Alteration or unauthorized repair
Improper sharpening
Unauthorized disassembly

Improper sharpening includes excessive grinding, sharpening at an incorrect angle, damage to the cutting edge, or abrasion of the original polished blade geometry outside Rockstead’s recommended maintenance method. Final warranty eligibility is determined exclusively by Rockstead Corporation after inspection.

Disassembly and Modification

Do not disassemble or modify your Rockstead knife unless Rockstead Corporation specifically permits disassembly of that model. Rockstead Corporation’s official warranty terms state that disassembly voids the warranty, with HIGO and HIZEN identified as exceptions. Customers should therefore not assume that every Rockstead model can be opened, adjusted, or disassembled without affecting warranty coverage. Even where disassembly is permitted, damage caused by incorrect disassembly, incorrect reassembly, lost or altered parts, improper adjustment, unauthorized repair, or modification may affect warranty eligibility. If you are unsure whether your model may be disassembled or serviced, contact Rockstead Corporation or rocksteadshop.jp before taking any action.

International Service Requests

Warranty inspection, factory repair, sharpening service, and regrinding for international customers are handled by Rockstead Corporation in Japan. Before shipping your knife, contact Rockstead Corporation or rocksteadshop.jp and confirm:

The current shipping method
The current service address
Required documents
Customs declaration wording
Return-shipping arrangements

When preparing the shipping invoice, clearly identify the knife as a repair or warranty return and include the model name and serial number.

Example: Repair knife for warranty return, SHIN-ZDP #001

Customers are responsible for preparing the shipment correctly and confirming that the knife may legally be shipped from their country to Japan.
If you purchased your knife through rocksteadshop.jp, we can help confirm purchase details and explain the general service process. Factory inspection, warranty decisions, repair approval, regrinding, and all final service decisions remain the responsibility of Rockstead Corporation.

Shipping Costs and Return Delivery

Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping the knife to Rockstead Corporation. Rockstead Corporation is not responsible for knives lost in transit. Tracked and insured shipping is therefore strongly recommended. Return shipping is also the customer’s responsibility. The cost varies depending on the destination, shipping method, insurance requirements, and current carrier rates. Rockstead Corporation will confirm the applicable return-shipping charge before dispatching the serviced knife. If you purchased your knife through rocksteadshop.jp and need assistance understanding the service process, please contact us before shipping the knife.