
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes SKWARE kitchen knives different from other brands?
SKWARE kitchen knives are forged from high quality high-carbon German stainless steel for lasting sharpness and durability. Designed by industry veterans, our knives combine professional-grade craftsmanship with everyday usability—without the inflated price tags you get from other "luxury" knife brands.
Are SKWARE knives dishwasher safe?
We recommend hand washing all SKWARE knives to maintain the edge and protect the ergonomic handle. While the materials can technically withstand the dishwasher, the high temps from drying cycles and harsh detergent can cause damage over time, especially to the handle longevity, and the blade edge.
Where are SKWARE kitchen knives made?
SKWARE knives are thoughtfully designed in the USA and precision-crafted using imported premium German steel.
Nearly all kitchen knives are manufactured in Asia, including ours, and our global manufacturing partners follow strict quality control standards to deliver exceptional tools at an accessible price point.
What type of steel is used in SKWARE knives?
SKWARE kitchen knives are made from 1.4116 German stainless steel—a trusted, high-carbon alloy known for its balance of sharpness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. It's the ideal steel for both professional chefs and home cooks and the most popular knife material used by the most well known knife brands globally.
Does SKWARE offer a warranty on its kitchen knives?
Yes! All SKWARE knives are backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. We stand behind our blades—because quality shouldn’t come with compromise.
What should I look for in a high-quality kitchen knife?
A quality kitchen knife should be made from a tempered high-carbon stainless steel, have a full tang for balance, a comfortable ergonomic handle, and a reliably sharp, durable edge that holds up to repeated use.
What is the best steel for kitchen knives?
The best steel for kitchen knives come from high-carbon stainless steel, such as German 1.4116 or Japanese AUS-10 or VG-10. These materials offer excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and durability, but each offers unique properties that can cater to the user depending on what their preferences are.
Are German knives or Japanese knives better?
German knives are known for durability and versatility, while Japanese knives offer precision and sharpness. Choosing the best kitchen knife depends on your cooking style—German knives for heavy-duty tasks, Japanese for fine slicing.
Also important to consider is German knives generally feature a curved blade profile ideal for rocking motions, while Japanese knives tend to have straighter edges, better suited for push cuts and slicing. This difference in blade shape influences the cutting techniques best suited for each type of knife.
What does “full tang” mean in a knife?
A knife described as "full tang" means the blade extends through the entire handle, providing better balance, control, and strength—key features of premium kitchen knives. Very often you'll see full tang knives have rivets as part of the handle design.
How often should I sharpen my kitchen knife?
Depends on the knife material of the blade. For home use, sharpen your kitchen knife every 3–6 months. Regular honing is highly recommended between uses as it keeps the edge aligned and prolongs sharpness.
What’s the difference between honing and sharpening?
Honing utilizes a special honing rod which realigns a knife’s edge and should be done frequently to maximize the sharpness. Sharpening removes metal to create a new edge and should be done less often using a whetstone or sharpening system.
Softer steels are typically easier to manage when honing or sharpening, and harder metals stay sharper longer but are more complicated to sharpen and hone.
How should I properly store my kitchen knives?
Aim to store quality kitchen knives in a knife block (preferably one that's ventilated well), on a magnetic strip, or within protective sheath to prevent dulling and ensure safety.
Can kitchen knives go in the dishwasher?
Technically anything can go in the dishwasher... but that doesn't mean it should. Even high quality stainless steel kitchen knives should be hand-washed. Dishwasher detergents and high heat can dull the blade and damage the handle over time.
What is the ideal weight for a chef’s knife?
The best chef’s knives balance both weight and maneuverability. Most quality 8-inch chef knives weigh between 6–10 ounces, depending on design and steel. Always check on the fulcrum for the knife (balance point) as well - not just the overall weight.
What size kitchen knife should I use?
In terms of the most popular - a solid and reliable 8 inch chef’s knife is the most versatile for everyday use.
Small knives like a 3 or 4 inch paring knife are ideal for precision work, while longer knife blades can help with slicing or carving.
What is a serrated knife best used for?
Serrated kitchen knives (like bread knives) are ideal for slicing bread, tomatoes, citrus, and other foods with tough exteriors and soft interiors.
There are many types of serrated knives - some have sharper tips, some have more teeth per inch, etc. You'll want something that can bite quickly into the food, slices cleanly, and won't tear (examples being when you have a lot of crumbs cutting bread a ragged cut with softer foods).
Explain to me the difference between a forged vs. stamped knife?
It comes down to the manufacturing process used. Forged knives are made from a single piece of steel and offer superior strength and balance. Stamped knives are laser-cut and typically lighter and more affordable.
Do I need a full knife set or just a few good knives?
Most home cooks only need 3 essential kitchen knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. Invest in quality over quantity.
What handle material is best for kitchen knives?
Knife handles made from TPE, pakkawood, or micarta offer excellent grip, comfort, and durability. Look for ergonomic designs that feel secure in your hand.
Also pay attention to handle dimensions - a handle that's either too large or too small may make the knife feel akward when using it.
SKWARE's modern line for example has a handle the is slightly larger than average and perfect for medium to large hands. Whereas our premier line is more in line with what an average knife handle would feel like.
What’s the best cutting board to use with kitchen knives?
Use wood or BPA-free plastic cutting boards. Glass or ceramic boards dull knives quickly and should be avoided for quality kitchen blades.
Do you offer promotional codes?
Occasionally we offer code-based promotions (“promo code”) that can be redeemed online. These promotions, including discounts and/or free shipping, will be communicated through the website, emails, and direct marketing channels.
Once the promotion is applied to your order, the prices and/or shipping charges will be adjusted accordingly, with the discount reflected in your order subtotal.
**Please note that only one promotional code may be used per order, and offers are typically valid for one-time use unless otherwise specified.
How do I request a refund or exchange?
If your item was received damaged or defective, please contact our Customer Support team to receive a replacement or open up a warranty request ticket.
If you wish to return your item and receive a refund, we accept returns for unused and unopened merchandise within 30 days of purchase. Please contact our support team to receive a return label for the item.
**Returns sent with an approved return authorization will not be accepted and shipping costs for the return will not be refunded. Damaged or used items will be rejected on receipt and will not qualify for a refund.
All refunds will be issued to the original payment method.
When should I expect to receive my refund for a return?
Approved refunds will be issued once returned merchandise is received at our warehouse and checked-in by the team. If the return is in acceptable condition, a refund will be issued to the original payment method. While we try to process returns as swiftly as possible, please allow up to 14 days for this to reflect on your account from the date of the return receipt.
How do I cancel an existing order?
Once your order has been placed, we begin processing it immediately to ensure swift delivery. As a result, once your order has been authorized and processed, unless you contact us to request a cancellation within 60 min of placing the order, we regret to inform you that we are unable to accommodate any modifications or cancellations.
If your order has been canceled by us due to an inability to fulfill the order, please note that there might be a temporary charge on your account. Rest assured that once your order is canceled, a refund will be immediately issued back to the original payment method. However, it may take up to 3-5 business days for the refund to be processed and reflected in your account.