Robertson’s Custom Cutlery Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Incoming Knives and the In Case you Missed It at the bottom of the Home Page?
The Incoming is a list of both fixed and folding knives the custom knife makers are currently working on that will be arriving soon. We list these so customers can budget for and order even before they come in. When this happens, however, they are sold before they arrive and are placed in the “In Case You Missed It” category under the blog. Everyone can still see the new knife photos and place future orders of these one-of-a-kind knives. If you would like to place a future order for one of these, please fill out the form and we will reply with an estimate on delivery time after contacting the maker.
How do I place an order?
Simply click the Add to Cart. This will take you to the secure order form where you can complete and place your order.
How do I place a future order?
If you see a knife that is not in stock at this time and you would like to place a future order, click the Place Future Order. This will take you to the order form for future delivery. There is no payment information required.
May I customize a knife or place a custom knife order?
Yes, in most cases. If you see a knife you like, but would like to change the handle material or “customize” it to your specifications, please note this on the order form. If you wish to order a custom knife we do not currently have on our website, use this order form. Complete as many details as possible and we will contact you to discuss your future custom order.
What are my payment options?
We offer a wide variety of payment options. We accept Pay Pal, checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, wire transfers, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards are all acceptable forms of payment.
What do you recommend for shipping within the United States?
Our preferred shipping method is FedEx 2nd day. We also offer USPS Priority.
What do you recommend for international shipping?
For overseas shipments our preferred method is USPS Priority Mail Express. FedEx is also an option.
Is there an inspection period?
Yes, you have 5 day inspection period. If the knife is returned for any reason, other than a defect, the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. You must contact us prior to returning the knife.
May I receive notification when a knife by a particular maker is available?
If you are interested in knives by a certain maker that we work with, please let us know and we will try to let you know when we expect their knives.
Is there a guarantee on the knives you offer?
The makers stand behind their work 100% with normal use. (Folding knives are not pry bars. Knives are not screwdrivers, etc.) For damage to a knife outside its intended use, there will be a repair fee.
If I return the knife is there a 'restocking fee?'
No. A restocking fee is nothing more than a technique to get your money. Reputable dealers will not have this as part of the return process.
Do you carry production knives?
No, only custom made knives are offered.
Do you buy custom knives or collections?
Yes, we may buy a single knife or a collection. Each knife will be evaluated on several criteria. Condition: The knife or knives should be in mint condition or near mint; meaning the maker of the knife could bring the knife back to mint condition. Demand/Desirability: What is the knife maker’s current position in the market? These, combined with other factors, will determine the amount offered for the knife and/or collection.
Do you offer consignment services?
Yes. If we feel it is a knife that we can sell in a reasonable period of time and the selling price is commensurate with the knife maker’s current position in the market. We charge 25% of the final sale price. Remember, once the knife is sold, the buyer has 5 days to review. If the knife is not returned, the consignee will receive a check for the cost of the knife minus 25%. Collections will be handled on a case by case basis.
What criteria do you use when selecting knives for Robertson's Custom Cutlery?
A combination of what I call the “Four F’s”…Fit, Finish, Function and Flow. The first three are fairly self-explanatory relating to the quality. For me, “flow” is the design from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle. Do the lines of the knife look right and complement each other?
Materials: Custom knives are always evolving and moving in a cyclical motion. Consequently, it is important for makers to keep pace with what materials the collectors want and what is best suited for the type of knife.
Value: Too many makers guess or take advice from other makers as to what they should charge for their knives. This may or may not have any relevance on what their final price should be. To help me better understand what knives should really sell for 25 years ago, I developed what I call my “Maker’s Matrix.” Utilizing information from several sources, I can determine a maker’s place in any market they are active in. This determines what the price the maker should be charging for their knives.
Trends: While I follow trends like every other dealer, I don’t buy a knife just because it is part of the trend. There is a fine line between “trends” and “fads.” Fads are generally short lived and after it is over, the collector will be lucky to get half their money back should they decide to sell the knife.
No matter what type of knife or what materials are utilized, every knife I purchase for resale will have to meet the criteria that have been established for my clients for the last 30 years.