Route 83 Knife Warranty & Care

Route 83 knives are handcrafted from carefully selected materials and designed for lasting performance. Correct use, cleaning and storage will help preserve the blade, handle and finish for years.

Warranty and consumer guarantees

If you believe your Route 83 knife has a manufacturing fault, please contact us with your order details, a description of the issue and clear photographs of the knife. We will assess the product and provide an appropriate remedy in accordance with Australian Consumer Law.

Manufacturing faults may include defects in materials or workmanship that were present when the knife was supplied. Normal wear, natural variation in handle materials and hand-hammered detailing are not manufacturing defects.

Damage resulting from misuse, accidental damage, incorrect sharpening, unsuitable cutting surfaces, dishwasher use, prolonged exposure to water, improper storage or failure to follow the care instructions below may not constitute a manufacturing fault.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have goods repaired or replaced if they fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

To discuss a warranty concern, please contact Route 83 through our Contact page.

Cleaning your knife

Hand wash the knife using warm water, mild liquid detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it immediately with a soft, dry cloth.

Do not soak the knife or place it in a dishwasher. Prolonged heat and moisture can damage natural wood and antler handles and may affect the blade’s finish.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, steel wool and harsh or citrus-based detergents. Knives with titanium-plated finishes should be cleaned gently to avoid scratching or wearing the surface.

Rinse the blade promptly after contact with acidic, salty or strongly coloured foods.

Caring for natural wood handles

Route 83 wood handles are individually shaped from solid natural hardwood and are not sealed with synthetic resin. Natural variations in grain and colour are part of each handle’s character.

To help preserve the wood, occasionally apply an equal blend of olive oil and white vinegar. Rub a small amount into the handle and gently remove any excess with a soft, dry cloth.

Natural wood may respond to significant changes in temperature and humidity. Do not soak the handle or leave the knife close to direct heat.

Caring for antler handles

Natural antler handles should be hand washed, dried immediately and protected from prolonged exposure to heat or moisture.

Do not soak an antler handle or apply abrasive cleaners. Natural differences in colour, texture and form are characteristic of the material and do not affect the knife’s quality or performance.

Caring for Damascus steel

Route 83 Signature knives use VG-10 67-layer Damascus steel with stainless-steel cladding. They do not require oiling after every use, but they should always be hand washed and dried immediately.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which may damage the hand-finished surface and distinctive Damascus pattern.

Cutting surfaces

Use a quality wood or food-safe plastic cutting board. Avoid glass, ceramic, marble, granite and other hard surfaces, which can dull or damage the cutting edge.

Use each knife only for its intended cutting purpose. Standard kitchen, boning and carving knives should not be used to cut bones, frozen foods or other hard materials. Route 83 cleavers are purpose-built for heavier work but should still be used with appropriate technique and care.

Sharpening

Maintain the edge with a suitable honing tool or quality sharpening stone. Follow the existing blade angle and avoid removing more steel than necessary.

If you are uncertain about sharpening, use an experienced professional knife-sharpening service.

Storage

Store the knife in its Route 83 presentation box, a suitable knife block, protective sheath or magnetic knife holder. Do not store it loose in a drawer where the blade can be damaged or cause injury.

Always ensure the knife is completely clean and dry before storing it.