Strata Terms & Policies

Catalyst Cutlery, LLC (“Strata”, "We", "Our", "Us")

Thank you for your purchase—we truly appreciate your support.

Questions, concerns, suggestions? We’re happy to listen. Contact us at (207) 517-0034 or info@strataportland.com.

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General Terms of Service

General Disclaimer

• Strata is not responsible for typographical errors.

• Prices and policies may change without notice.

• No implied warranties unless explicitly stated.

• We are not responsible for misuse or infringement issues.

• We reserve the right to refuse service(s) and sale(s) for any reason(s).
  
  

• By submitting your goods, you agree to pay all associated fees for services rendered unless otherwise written or confirmed by a receipt.

• Any claim that Strata agreed to modify its standard Terms & Policies, if disputed by Strata, must be supported by written confirmation or a receipt.
  
  
• By submitting your item(s) for service(s) and/or purchasing some item(s) from us, you agree to Strata's Terms & Policies.
  

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Service Authorization

By submitting your goods for sharpening, repair, refinishing, or any related service, you authorize Strata to perform the requested services, as well as any additional services deemed necessary to restore the item to working condition—unless limitations are clearly specified in writing. You agree to pay the invoiced amount upon completion.

Please note: Services may alter the condition of your goods, including but not limited to:

• Cosmetic changes (e.g., scratches on metal, wood, or plastic)

• Adjustments to shape, weight, or geometry

• Material replacement (e.g., handles or components)

• Reasonable modifications necessary for functionality
  

Discounts or refunds are not provided for the above if within a reasonable degree considered acceptable within the industry.

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Service Scope

• Sharpening applies only to the blade edge. Additional work (e.g., chip removal, bolster grinding, refinishing, polishing, etc) incurs extra charges unless otherwise noted.

• If your request lacks detail or budget limits, Strata will use discretion to fully optimize the item and charge accordingly.

• Estimated costs and turnaround times are not guaranteed and may vary.

• Receipt of your serviced item confirms satisfaction with the work performed.

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Liability & Limitations

• Strata does not guarantee edge retention, sharpness duration, finish quality, or physical properties post-service.

• You must disclose any pre-existing damage (e.g., cracks, loose handles). Undisclosed issues may result in further damage, for which Strata is not liable.

• If a hidden defect causes injury to staff, you may be held responsible.

• Strata reserves the right to refuse service for any item(s) for any reason(s).

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Shipping & Insurance

• Customers are responsible for all shipping costs—including customs, tariffs, and insurance—unless otherwise specified in writing.

• Goods are returned via UPS or another carrier with standard shipping unless expedited shipping is requested and paid for.

• Insurance is optional but strongly recommended. Strata is not liable for lost, stolen, delayed, or damaged shipments if insurance is declined.

• Customers must package goods securely. Strata is not responsible for damage due to inadequate packaging.

• If an item is unserviceable, service charges will be refunded, but return shipping costs still apply.

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Payment & Claims

• Digital payment is required for mail-in services unless otherwise agreed.

• Items unclaimed for 90+ days may be considered abandoned.

• By submitting your goods, you agree to pay all associated fees.

• Pricing concerns or inquiries must be raised before service. Any policy exceptions must be confirmed in writing or by receipt.

• Strata does not accept pre-payment for services or products not yet in Strata's possession unless confirmed in writing or by receipt.
  
  
• Please see the General Disclaimer for further information

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Discounts, Exceptions & Disputes

• Strata may extend or discontinue discounts or other benefits at its discretion without written notice.

• Terms you propose, or terms you claim were accepted by Strata must be in writing or by receipt to be valid.

• Strata reserves the right to dispute chargebacks and may pursue legal action or collections for unpaid dues.

Legal representation: Drummond and Woodsum, Portland, Maine

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Knife + Product Care

Thank you again for your purchase!

We hope you love your new item(s). Below are general care guidelines to help you enjoy it for years to come.

For questions: info@strataportland.com

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General Use

• Use knives and all other items for appropriate tasks only—follow all use & care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

• Avoid using non-butcher knives on bones, shells, seeds, frozen items, rinds, woody stems and roots, metal wire, and other hard, tough products.

• Never twist, hit, pry, or poke anything with a knife and avoid scraping/dragging the edge.

• Only use knives on appropriate cutting surfaces (e.g., end-grain or soft long-grain boards). Avoid bamboo, hardwoods, or hard plastics.

• Do not expose any items not designed to handle temperature shock, excessive or prolonged heat, aggressive substances, sun or water exposure, undue force or weight, and so on.
  
  
• It is natural and expected that items and materials may change appearance and condition over time.
  

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Cleaning & Storage

• Most items, especially knives, should be hand washed with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or rag immediately after use.

• Dry with a clean towel immediately after washing.

• Store safely, away from heat and moisture.

• Apply a food-safe oil as needed.

• Never use a dishwasher for knives or any other items not intended for such.

• Do not use knives with chips or broken tips.

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Rust & Patina

All steel—including stainless—can rust if not properly maintained.

• Clean and dry knives promptly after use, not after meals.

• Patinas on carbon steel are normal and in fact protective against rust; however, red or orange rust should be removed with a non-abrasive metal-safe polish and soft cloth or paper towel.

• Never use anything abrasive to clean a knife from general use or rust removal unless absolutely required. 
  
  
• Carbon steel knives may discolor certain products, especially acidic ones like citrus or onion, but they are completely safe to eat. Discoloration of products will subside as the patina forms and stabilizes. 
  
  

• Regular inspection will help prevent corrosion.

• We do not offer returns, discounts, or exchanges for issues concerning corrosion.

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Refunds & Returns

General Terms

• Strata does not accept returns due to misuse or misunderstanding of the products intended purposes. 

• Most products do not include manufacturer warranties unless explicitly stated. For items that do, any warranty coverage is provided and honored solely by the manufacturer, according to their stated terms and conditions. Warranty claims must be initiated and processed directly between you and the manufacturer. Strata does not offer warranties on any products or services.

• Handmade items may vary in appearance. These natural variations are not defects. We do not give discounts or refunds for inconsistencies in appearance.

• Most product photos on our website represent a single example of the product type. Due to natural material variation and handmade processes, the item you receive may differ slightly in appearance, weight, or dimensions. These differences are not considered defects, and we do not offer discounts, refunds, or exchanges for such variations.

• All concerns, questions, special requests, or service inquiries related to new purchases must be submitted before the order is processed. Strata does not offer discounts, refunds, or accommodations for issues arising from requests made after processing has begun.
  

• Products are inspected prior to sale yet may show minor, acceptable imperfections. We do not give discounts or refunds for such imperfections.

• Unless Strata is at fault or there is a legitimate manufacturing default, all return shipping is the customer’s responsibility.

• Any issues that arise during shipment are to be rectified by you and the shipping company.
  
  
• Strata inspects all Items returned before refunds, discounts, or exchanges are processed for items that are applicable for such.
  
• It typically takes 7-14 business days for refunds to be returned to your payment source once accepted and processed. Please contact your payment provider for any issues after this timeframe.

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Non-Returnable Items

• Mirror-polished items.

• Purchases made via Shop Pay Installments.

• Gift cards, sale items, second-hand or consignment goods, saya/guards, consumables, altered goods.

• Used or damaged items, or those not in their original and intact condition including packaging and presentation materials.

• Natural and synthetic stones and powders.

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Knives

• Eligible for store credit only (minus any fees).

• Requests must be submitted within 14 days of delivery or pickup.

• Items must be unused and in original packaging with proof of purchase.
  

• We do not offer returns, discounts, or exchanges for issues concerning corrosion and/or damage from misuse.

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Sharpening Stones

• Returns or exchanges are not accepted, used or unused.

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Wooden Products

• Changes in color or shape, such as warped cutting boards, are natural and not considered defects.

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Custom Orders

• All custom or special orders are final sale.

• Any incurred costs must be paid, even if the order is canceled.

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Other Products

• Must be returned within 14 days of delivery.

• Must be unused, undamaged, and in original packaging with proof of purchase.

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Order Modifications

• Email info@strataportland.com promptly to request changes.

• Modifications are not guaranteed.

• No refunds or discounts if changes cannot be made after order placement.

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Shipping Policies

Processing Time

• We try, but do not guarantee, to process shipments within 3–4 business days unless otherwise stated.

• Orders placed Friday–Sunday may not ship until the following Wednesday as we are not always able to process shipments during busy weekends, shipping companies are closed Sunday, and Strata is closed Monday & Tuesday.

• Orders with service requests may be delayed by 2–3 weeks or more.

• Shipping speed selected at checkout does not affect processing time. We do not give discounts or refunds for any misunderstandings between these two different time frames.

• No refunds or cancellations for delays unless pre-approved.

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Shipping Issues

• Strata is not liable for carrier delays, scanning issues, or tracking gaps.

• Contact the carrier directly for lost, delayed, or damaged packages.

• Signature confirmation is optional and available upon request for an additional fee.

• Tracking numbers are issued when shipping labels are created—not necessarily when the item ships.

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Domestic Shipping (USA)

• Carrier: UPS

• Insurance: Optional via EasyShip

• Oversized or irregular items may incur extra fees

• Additional fees may apply

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International Shipping

• Carriers: UPS or DHL

• Insurance: Optional via EasyShip
  

• Oversized or irregular items may incur extra fees
  
  

• Additional fees may apply

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Carrier Contact Info:

• UPS: 1-800-742-5877 | UPS Claims

• DHL: 1-800-225-5345 | DHL Claims

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Shipping Claims

• If Strata makes a fulfillment error, we will help resolve it.

• General shipping claims such as damage, loss, delayed packages, or any related issue(s) that occur once your package(s) have left Strata's possession, fall within the shipping company's scope of responsibilities and are to be resolved by the customer and shipping company.
  

• If a chargeback is initiated before a shipping claim is resolved, Strata will dispute the chargeback.

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Refund & Exchange Process

1. Submit request within 14 days of receipt to info@strataportland.com or call (207) 517-0034.

2. Ship approved items to:

   Strata — Returns

   67 Washington Ave

   Portland, ME 04101

   USA

3. You are responsible for return shipping and insurance.

      4. Once inspected:

• Store credit is issued for any applicable item(s) within 7–10 business days (via gift card)

• Refunds for any applicable item(s) are issued within the same timeframe

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Gift Purchases

Include a receipt for gift purchases.

• Returns or exchanges require proof of purchase

• Requests must be made within 14 days of delivery
  

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If you did not receive a tracking number but your order has been processed by us, please contact us at 207-517-0034 or info@strataportland.com for assistance.

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