Refund policy

Returns & Refunds

Here's the short version: everything at Dept 81 is made in Japan after you order it. That changes how returns work compared to a normal shop, so please read this before you buy.

Before your order goes into production: cancel anytime, full refund.

Because we make things to order, there's a window after you buy — before the order closes and we send the batch to our makers in Japan — where you can cancel for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked. Just reply to your order confirmation email. This is the easiest way to change your mind, so if you're unsure, this is your moment.

After production starts: we can't cancel or accept a change-of-mind return.

Once the order window closes, your item is being made specifically for you by hand in Japan. At that point we can't cancel it, and we can't accept a return simply because you changed your mind — there's no shelf to put a made-to-order piece back on. We'll always tell you when that window is closing, in advance, by email.

If something's wrong, we fix it — free.

Inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If your item is defective, damaged in transit, or it's not what you ordered, contact us within 14 days of delivery at steven@allstarsteven.com with a photo, and we'll make it right — a replacement or a full refund, our cost, including return shipping. Handmade goods carry small natural variations in grain, finish, and color; that's a feature of real craft, not a defect. But a genuine flaw is always on us.

A note on knives.

For hygiene and safety reasons, knives can't be returned once they've been used or had their protective packaging opened — unless they arrive defective or damaged, in which case the paragraph above applies. Please check the blade carefully before first use.

Non-returnable items.

Beyond the made-to-order terms above, we can't accept returns on sale items, gift cards, or used knives (except where defective).

How to reach us.

For anything — a cancellation, a damaged item, a question about your order — email steven@allstarsteven.com. We read every message.

Refunds.

Once we've approved a cancellation or a damage claim, your refund goes back to your original payment method within 10 business days. Banks and card companies can take a few more days to post it on their end. If it's been more than 15 business days since we confirmed your refund and you still don't see it, email us at steven@allstarsteven.com and we'll chase it down.

European Union: 14-day cooling-off period.

If your order ships to the European Union, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of receiving it, for any reason, even after production. Your item must come back in the same condition you received it — unused, with any original packaging — and you'll need your proof of purchase. Contact us at steven@allstarsteven.com to start an EU cancellation. (Return shipping for a change-of-mind EU cancellation is the customer's responsibility; a defective or wrong item is always our cost.)