How do I install a wa handle?
Fitting depends on your knife and the socket we have prepared. A starter socket is deliberately small and filed to fit by you. Read our installation guide before starting.
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. Blade length is optional context; tang measurements and photos help us review the handle, while handle-on junction numbers provide only partial evidence. Read the complete wa handle size guide.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes! We ship worldwide. Shipping is a flat $8.99 worldwide, and free on orders of $100 or more before the offer. 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. Choose your wood, ferrule, shape and size in the configurator, or choose a design from the shop. Every measurement and photo is optional before buying. After payment, your order page holds the details; add or correct numbers and photos until we start at the bench. We review every knife before work starts. Bench time is 5–10 business days once we have what we need. See our Custom Order Cancellation Policy before ordering.
What if I cannot measure my knife?
You can send up to six photos per handle from several angles, with a ruler in frame, and we’ll read the numbers. Or choose a deliberately small starter socket for an eligible knife type, filed to fit by you; the price is the same. Under the new terms, an eligible knife with nothing received three days after payment proceeds this way. Single-bevel knives, deba, honesuki, usuba and yanagiba need hand review; the owner emails you instead. Photos received before bench start replace a starter socket choice and go to the owner to read. Keep a secure handle fitted: visible-junction numbers are partial evidence, not hidden tang dimensions.
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, plus transit:
- North America, Europe, Asia Pacific: usually 7–15 business days in transit (15–25 in peak season)
- Rest of World: 20–30 business days in transit