FAQ

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. I ship everywhere via DHL Express — fastest and safest shipping available. Shipping cost is calculated in the cart. Free worldwide shipping on all orders over 1500 DKK (ex VAT). For orders under 1500 DKK the shipping is quite high because I only use DHL Express — no slow budget shipping options.

Do I need to pay customs or import fees?

For customers outside the EU: you do not pay EU VAT (25%). Look for the ex-VAT price at checkout.

For USA customers: all tariffs and taxes are included in the price at checkout. Orders ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) via DHL Express — no surprise fees at delivery.

I want to add something to my order. How?

Message me before the order ships and I will add it. I will send you a PayPal invoice for the extra item. Or place a second order and I will refund the shipping on one of them.

Can I return a stone or knife?

Please read the Terms and Conditions for the full returns policy. In general — if there is a problem with your order, contact me and I will work it out. I want you to be happy with what you buy from JNS.

What payment methods do you accept?

PayPal and all major credit cards. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by card — at the PayPal checkout choose "Don't have a PayPal account" and fill in your card details directly.

The prices look different in my currency. Why?

All prices on the site are in DKK. The currency conversion you see is approximate and updated monthly — it is just to give you an idea. The actual amount you pay is determined by PayPal's own live exchange rate at the moment of payment, which will be slightly different. If you want the exact amount beforehand, use PayPal's currency converter.

PayPal payment is not going through. What to do?

First check that your PayPal account has a phone number in the address — this is the most common reason payments fail. If it still does not work, message me and I will send you a PayPal invoice directly to your email.

What does Lv 1, Lv 2, Lv 3 etc. mean?

It is the JNS hardness rating. Lv 1 is the softest and fastest cutting, Lv 5 is the hardest and finest. Harder stones release finer particles more slowly — better for razors and advanced work. Softer stones are easier to use and better for kitchen knives. See the JNS Grit, Fines and Hardness page for the full explanation.

Which stone should I buy first?

For kitchen knives: a Lv 2–3 stone. Soft, fast, forgiving, easy to learn on. Do not start with an expensive Lv 5 stone — you will not know how to use it and you might think it is bad when it is not. See the Stones Recommendations page for specific setups. If you are still not sure, message me and describe what you sharpen — I will tell you exactly what to get.

What is Asagi, Kiita, Karasu? Do they perform differently?

These are color and appearance names. Asagi = grey-blue, Kiita = yellow, Karasu = black. They describe how the stone looks, not how it performs. A hard gray Asagi and a hard yellow Kiita from the same mine perform essentially the same. Kiita is more expensive because it is almost gone, not because it is better. Read the Glossary and Appearance page for all terms explained.

Do I need to flatten my stone?

Yes, before first use and when it gets dished (hollow in the middle). A dished stone gives uneven results. Use an Atoma 140 for heavy flattening or Atoma 400 for light maintenance. Read the How To Use Guide.

Do I need nagura?

For soft stones (Lv 1–2) you usually do not need nagura — the stone raises slurry on its own. For harder stones (Lv 3+) a Botan nagura makes a big difference. For razors on hard stones, the Asano nagura set is not optional. See the Naguras page.

My hard stone scratches the jigane. What am I doing wrong?

Most likely: too much water (washes away the slurry), too much pressure, or the stone is not flat. Read the Kasumi on Hard Jnats page — it covers this exact problem with step-by-step technique. The short version: use less water, lighter pressure, and always use nagura slurry first.

Can I sharpen stainless steel knives on natural stones?

Yes, but natural stones work best on carbon steel. Stainless steel is harder and the stone will cut it slower. A harder Jnat (Lv 3+) works better on stainless than a soft one. For regular stainless kitchen knives, synthetics are honestly more practical. For high-end stainless like SLD or Swedish steel — natural stones are excellent.

Should I soak my natural stone before use?

No. Natural finishing stones are splash-and-go. Just wet the surface with a few drops of water. Soaking natural stones can damage them over time. Only synthetic stones need soaking.

Do you take custom orders for Shigefusa or Kato?

No. I do not take preorders, custom orders, or maintain waiting lists for Shigefusa or Kato knives. When I get them they go on the website and that is it. Follow on Instagram or check the shop regularly — they go fast.

My carbon steel knife is getting dark spots. Is it rusting?

Dark gray or brownish color is patina — this is normal and actually protects the steel. Do not try to remove it. Orange spots are rust — clean those off immediately with a cork and powder cleanser or fine sandpaper, then dry and oil the blade. Read About Our Knives for full carbon steel care.

Which knife is best for a beginner?

For someone new to Japanese knives: Tanuki (carbon, kurouchi, great value) or Kaeru (SLD core, stainless cladding, no rust worry). Both are made in Sanjo with excellent geometry and are easy to sharpen. Message me if you want a recommendation based on what you cook and how you prefer to maintain your knives.

Can I put my Japanese knife in the dishwasher?

No. Never. Heat and detergent will damage the steel, the handle, and any glue joints. Always hand wash and dry immediately after use.

At what angle should I sharpen my knife?

For most Japanese double bevel kitchen knives: 10–15 degrees per side. Much lower than western knives. The spine height method is the easiest way to find the right angle without a guide. Read the Knives Sharpening Angles page for the full guide.

Still have a question? WhatsApp is fastest. Or email: maks@japanesenaturalstones.com