How do I install a wa handle?
Most wa handles install with a friction fit — heat the tang of your knife, then press the handle onto it. The tang burns into the wood and creates a tight, custom fit. We recommend watching our installation guide on the blog for step-by-step instructions.
What size handle do I need?
There is no universal S/M/L standard for wa handles. Use your blade length as a starting point, then confirm the handle from the tang dimensions and the balance you want:
| Knife / blade length | Typical handle-length starting point |
|---|---|
| Petty, 120–150 mm | 105–115 mm |
| Santoku, nakiri, or bunka, 165–180 mm | 115–125 mm |
| Gyuto, 210 mm | 125–135 mm |
| Gyuto or sujihiki, 240 mm | 130–145 mm |
| 270 mm and longer | 140–150 mm or more, confirmed from the knife |
These are starting ranges, not guarantees. Send the blade and tang measurements so the cross-section, insertion depth, and finished balance can be confirmed. Read the complete wa handle size guide.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide. Shipping is a flat $15 worldwide, and free on orders over $120. You’ll see the exact cost at checkout.
What is your return policy?
If your handle arrives damaged or isn’t what you expected, contact us within 14 days and we’ll make it right. Custom orders follow our Custom Order Cancellation Policy.
How should I care for my wooden handle?
Keep it dry — don’t soak it or put it in a dishwasher. If the wood feels dry over time, a light application of food-safe mineral oil or tung oil will keep it looking its best. Most handles develop a beautiful patina with regular use.
What wood should I choose?
It depends on what matters to you:
- Ebony: Dense, dark, premium. For the purist.
- Rosewood: Warm tones, flowing grain. The crowd favorite.
- Wenge: Bold stripes, great grip texture. For the adventurous.
- Walnut: Subtle, versatile. A great everyday handle.
- Ironwood: Extremely hard and durable. Built to last.
Read our full wood guide on the blog for detailed comparisons.
Do you accept custom orders?
Yes. Use our handle configurator to choose your wood, ferrule, shape and size, see the price as you build, and check out directly. The configurator asks for your blade and tang measurements before you pay; if you choose a design from our shop instead, we ask for the tang on your order page straight after checkout. Either way we confirm your build sheet within 2 business days of having what we need, and the handle is 5–10 business days at the bench. If you cannot measure your knife, choose Starter Fit — see the next question. See our Custom Order Cancellation Policy before you order.
What if I cannot measure my knife?
Choose Starter Fit from your order page after checkout. We cut a deliberately small starter socket for your knife type (about 8 × 2 mm at the machi for most kitchen knives, 9–10 × 2 mm for the longer sizes) and you file it out to your tang. It is not exact, so your own two measurements always beat it; single-bevel knives, deba, honesuki, usuba and yanagiba are fitted by hand review instead. We ask for two or three photos of the knife after you order, and the price is the same.
How long does shipping take?
Every handle is made to order. Allow 5–10 business days at the bench once we have what we need to start, then transit on top — about 4–7 weeks door to door. We quote the slow end on purpose:
- North America, Europe, Asia Pacific: 15–25 business days in transit
- Rest of World: 10-21 business days