Legal notice

TERMS OF SERVICE – DUST BOWL KNIVES LLC

Last Updated: October 2026

Preamble & Acceptance: 

Welcome to the website and online store of Dust Bowl Knives LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our").

These Terms of Service ("Terms" TOS) govern your access to and use of our website, cutlery, outdoor tools, geological sharpening stones, abrasive media, educational content, and in-person workshop registrations.

By purchasing an item, booking a workshop, submitting a custom order deposit, or accessing this site, you ("Customer," "Client," "Participant," or "User") agree to be legally bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to all terms and conditions set forth herein, do not purchase our products or register for our services.

1. Commercial Scope, Clickwrap & Legal Eligibility

Binding Clickwrap Agreement: 

Every order placed through our store, custom invoice paid, or service booked constitutes an irrevocable acceptance of these Terms.

By completing checkout, checking a confirmation box at payment, or submitting payment via our digital point-of-sale systems, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this contract in full.

Eligibility & Legal Age Representation: 

By purchasing any knife or edged tool, or by booking a workshop, Customer expressly represents, warrants, and covenants that Customer is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, possesses the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract, and is in full compliance with all applicable local, municipal, state, federal, and international laws, statutes, and ordinances regarding the purchase, ownership, receipt, importation, and carry of edged tools in Customer’s jurisdiction.

Customer assumes sole responsibility for verifying local knife laws prior to ordering.

2. Custom Cutlery, San Mai, Damascus & High-Carbon Reactive Steel Policies

Artisan Craftsmanship & Non-Defects: 

All cutlery and outdoor tools crafted by Dust Bowl Knives LLC are individually hand-forged, heat-treated, ground, and finished.

Natural aesthetic variations in forge scale, hammer marks, Damascus pattern topology, San Mai / Warikomi cladding boundary lines, bevel grinding facets, maker stamps, wood grain density, stabilized burls, ferrule tones, and metal spacer patinas are inherent hallmarks of sole-authorship artisan craft and do not constitute manufacturing flaws or defects.

Reactive Carbon Steel Acknowledgment: 

Customer acknowledges that non-stainless high-carbon steels (including, but not limited to, O1 tool steel, 1095, 52100, W2, antique wrought iron / 包丁鉄, and non-stainless Damascus cladding) are chemically reactive alloys.

Exposure to moisture, humidity, oxygen, cutting acids (citrus, nightshades, meats, onions), or water will naturally cause oxidation, surface discoloration, spotting, and patina formation.

Surface patina and cosmetic surface rust are natural metallurgical behaviors of high-performance carbon steel and are strictly excluded from all defect definitions and warranty claims.

Etched Finishes, Kasumi & Sharpening Abrasion: 

Damascus acid etches, San Mai contrast etches, and whetstone-polished Kasumi finishes are surface-level treatments.

Natural whetstone slurry, synthetic abrasive stones, diamond paste, metal polishes, or abrasive cleaning sponges will naturally alter, thin, scratch, or fade decorative surface etches and cladding lines.

Cosmetic scratching, polish alterations, or finish thinning resulting from regular sharpening, maintenance, or use constitute normal wear and tear and are non-actionable.

Exclusion of Misuse, Abuse & Field Failure: 

Dust Bowl Knives LLC provides zero warranty coverage against edge micro-chipping, rolling, blade warping, tip breakage, corrosion, or delamination caused by: 

Exposure to dishwashers, prolonged water soaking, caustic detergents, or damp sheath storage.

Cutting into or through bone, frozen foods, hard seeds, pits, coconut shells, dense rind, wood, or metal, unless the tool carries a specific heavy-duty field or cleaver designation.

Lateral prying, twisting, levering, throwing, dropping, tip-digging, or batonning kitchen cutlery.

Use of improper, unyielding cutting surfaces, including glass, marble, granite, ceramic, quartz, tile, or composite stone countertops.

One-Year Limited Craftsmanship Warranty: 

We warrant our cutlery exclusively against structural defects in initial forge welds (cladding delamination) and catastrophic metallurgical failure resulting from improper thermal treatment under normal, intended cutting use for a period of one (1) year from the verified carrier delivery date.

If a blade fails structurally under covered parameters, Dust Bowl Knives LLC will, at its sole discretion, repair, re-forge, or replace the blade, or issue a store credit.

Any aftermarket modification, torch heating, regrinding of blade geometry by third parties, re-handling, or destructive abuse immediately voids this warranty.

3. Japanese Natural Whetstones (JNATs) & Slurry Media Policy

Strict "As-Is" Geological Classification: 

All Japanese Natural Whetstones (天然砥石) (including, but not limited to, Awasedo, Suita, Uchigumori, Aizu, Aoto, Shoubudani, Nakayama, Okudo, Kizuyama, Ohira), Nagura slurry stones (Mikawa, Tomo, Botan, Tenjyou, Mejiro, Koma), and finger stone wafers (Hazuya/Jizuya) are natural, mined sedimentary or metamorphic minerals.

They inherently contain structural strata lines, varying harness gradations, inclusion veins (toxic and non-toxic), organic pockets, uneven sharpening speed, and irregular aesthetic formations.

ALL NATURAL STONES AND GEOLOGICAL MEDIA ARE SOLD STRICTLY "AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS."

Absolute Final Sale & Non-Refundable Policy: 

ALL SALES OF NATURAL WHETSTONES, NAGURA, AND FINGER STONES ARE 100% FINAL.

Dust Bowl Knives LLC enforces a zero-tolerance policy regarding post-purchase discount extraction, buyer remorse, subjective feedback (e.g., perceived softness/hardness, slurry speed mismatch, tactile feel), or claims based on natural geological inclusions.

Under no circumstances will partial refunds, price reductions, courtesy discounts, or store credits be issued post-shipment.

Pre-Shipment Digital Archiving: 

Every individual natural stone is weighed, measured, critically inspected for structural integrity, and documented via dated, high-resolution photographic and video records immediately prior to final packaging and seal application.

These time-stamped digital records serve as definitive proof of the stone's physical condition, dimensions, and structural state prior to transfer of custody to the shipping carrier.

Irreversible Modification & Immediate Claim Forfeiture: 

The application of water, honing oil, water stone slurry, flattening plates (Atoma, DMT, diamond media, silicon carbide flattener), nagura rubbing stones, sandpaper, lapidary equipment, chisels, urushi lacquer, cashew sealant, or any topical synthetic or natural coating constitutes an immediate and irreversible physical modification of the item.

Any physical testing, sharpening, conditioning, or moisture exposure immediately voids any right to initiate a return, insurance dispute, damage claim, or allegation of non-conformity.

Transit Damage Protocol: 

If a stone arrives fractured or broken due to carrier mishandling in transit, Customer must notify Dust Bowl Knives LLC in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of the carrier-marked delivery timestamp.

Notification must include unedited, high-resolution photographs showing the shipping label, external container damage, interior protective packaging, and the damaged stone in its unwashed, dry state.

Transit damage claims will be summarily denied if the stone exhibits any evidence of post-delivery water contact, slurry generation, flattening, surface grinding, or attempted repairs.

4. Forge Workshops, On-Site Classes & Safety Regulations

Assumption of Dangerous Activity Risks: 

Registering for or attending any on-site blacksmithing, knife forging, heat-treating, grinding, or whetstone sharpening workshop at Dust Bowl Knives LLC involves serious inherent industrial hazards.

These hazards include, but are not limited to: contact with open flames, gas forge temperatures exceeding 2,000°F, red-hot ferrous metal, molten forge welding flux, flying hot slag and scale, razor-sharp cutlery, high-speed abrasive belts, mechanical power hammers, hydraulic forging presses, hazardous airborne particulates, intense acoustic levels, and trip hazards.

By purchasing enrollment or entering the premises, Participant voluntarily, knowingly, and freely assumes all risks of property loss, severe personal injury, burns, permanent disability, disfigurement, blindness, hearing impairment, and death.

Release of Liability & Mandatory On-Site Execution: 

To the maximum extent permitted under Oklahoma law, Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges Dust Bowl Knives LLC, its members, managers, officers, employees, independent contractors, instructors, agents, successors, and assigns, as well as the underlying real property owners, from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, or causes of action arising out of negligence, personal injury, property damage, or medical expenses incurred on the premises.

All attendees are required to review, execute, and deliver an in-person, standalone physical Liability Waiver & Release Agreement before touching any equipment or entering active forge zones. Refusal to execute the standalone waiver results in immediate forfeiture of the seat without refund.

Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Code of Conduct: 

Participants must comply with all shop safety standards at all times, including wearing 100% natural fiber apparel (cotton, denim, or leather; zero synthetic or polyester blends), high-ankle closed-toe leather work boots, ANSI-approved eye protection, and hearing protection.

Dust Bowl Knives LLC reserves the absolute right to immediately eject any participant exhibiting unsafe practices, reckless tool handling, alcohol or drug impairment, or failure to obey direct instructor commands, without refund, credit, or legal recourse.

Workshop Cancellations, Transfers & Forfeitures: 

Workshop seats require upfront scheduling, fuel commitment, consumable allocations, and metal preparation.

All workshop registrations and seat purchases are non-refundable.

Cancellations submitted in writing more than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the scheduled start date may receive a one-time class credit applicable toward an open session scheduled within twelve (12) months of the original date.

Cancellations submitted fourteen (14) calendar days or fewer prior to the scheduled start date, as well as no-shows on the day of the event, result in the immediate and total forfeiture of all registration fees.

5. Custom Orders, Commissions & Production Timelines

Non-Refundable Design & Material Deposits: 

Custom knife commissions, batch builds, and dedicated production slots require an upfront, non-refundable deposit.

This deposit covers initial design layout, pattern calculations, dedicated steel/handle procurement, and forge scheduling.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable once steel procurement, billet forging, or shop design has commenced.

Lead Time Estimates & Force Majeure Delays: 

Quoted completion windows and lead times are good-faith estimates based on current forge volume and material availability.

Handcrafting custom cutlery entails metallurgical variables, heat-treatment cycles, and artisanal yielding factors.

Unforeseen production delays, thermal adjustments, power outages, equipment repairs, or raw supply delays do not constitute a breach of contract and do not entitle the Client to order cancellation or deposit refunds.

Client Abandonment & Liquidation Rights: 

Upon notification that a custom commission or service is completed, Client must remit all outstanding balances and shipping costs within thirty (30) calendar days.

If the final balance remains unpaid, or if the Client fails to communicate after thirty (30) days following written notification, the commission is declared abandoned, the initial deposit is forfeited in full, and Dust Bowl Knives LLC reserves the unencumbered right to sell, auction, or liquidate the completed work.

6. Disclaimer of Implied Warranties & Limitation of Monetary Liability

DISCLAIMER OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES: 

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS ONE-YEAR LIMITED CRAFTSMANSHIP WARRANTY SET FORTH IN SECTION 2, ALL GOODS, CUTLERY, TOOLS, NATURAL STONES, ABRASIVE ACCESSORIES, AND WORKSHOP SERVICES PROVIDED BY DUST BOWL KNIVES LLC ARE DELIVERED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE," WITH ALL FAULTS.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY OKLAHOMA LAW (INCLUDING 12A O.S. § 2-316), DUST BOWL KNIVES LLC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR ORAL, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, USAGE OF TRADE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

LIMITATION OF MONETARY LIABILITY: 

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL DUST BOWL KNIVES LLC, ITS MEMBERS, MANAGERS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AFFILIATES, OR UNDERLYING REAL PROPERTY OWNERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF REPUTATION, COMMERCIAL LOSS, OR PERSONAL INJURY) ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO OUR PRODUCTS, NATURAL STONES, SERVICES, CLASSES, OR WEBSITE CONTENT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, DUST BOWL KNIVES LLC’S MAXIMUM TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY CLAIM OR DISPUTE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL NET MONETARY AMOUNT PAID BY THE CUSTOMER FOR THE SPECIFIC PIECE OF CUTLERY, NATURAL STONE, OR WORKSHOP SEAT AT ISSUE.

7. Contractual Fulfillment, Payment Disputes & Recovery

Fulfillment Verification & Documentation: 

Dust Bowl Knives LLC maintains meticulous commercial fulfillment records, including carrier tracking confirmations, delivery signatures, weight receipts, and pre-shipment photographic/video archives.

Delivery to the shipping address supplied at checkout, verified by carrier proof-of-delivery data, constitutes complete and satisfactory commercial fulfillment of the contract by Dust Bowl Knives LLC.

Resolution Protocol & Enforcement Costs: 

Customers agree to submit any billing questions, transit issues, or concerns directly to Dust Bowl Knives LLC in writing prior to initiating an inquiry with third-party payment gateways.

In the event a Customer files an unauthorized, fraudulent, or bad-faith payment reversal, cardholder dispute, or claim contrary to the final-sale and as-is provisions of these Terms, Dust Bowl Knives LLC will submit all stored fulfillment proof, digital logs, and signed clickwrap acceptances to the banking network.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Dust Bowl Knives LLC reserves the right to pursue civil remedies to recover unlawfully withheld funds, chargeback fees levied by processors, collection agency commissions, court costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in the collection of delinquent balances or the defense against bad-faith claims.

8. Governing Law, Exclusive Venue, Class Waiver & General Provisions

Oklahoma Governing Law: 

These Terms, all online purchases, custom commissions, on-site workshop agreements, and all associated legal relationships shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Oklahoma, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Exclusive Venue (Mayes County, Oklahoma): 

The Customer and Company irrevocably agree that any legal action, suit, claim, small claims action, or judicial proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms, our products, or our services shall be instituted exclusively in the District Court of Mayes County, State of Oklahoma (or, if federal subject-matter jurisdiction strictly exists, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma).

Customer expressly waives any objection to personal jurisdiction, venue, or inconvenient forum in said courts.

Class Action Waiver: 

ALL CLAIMS, DISPUTES, AND PROCEEDINGS MUST BE BROUGHT IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF, REPRESENTATIVE, OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PROCEED WITH DISPUTES ON A CLASS OR CONSOLIDATED BASIS.

Force Majeure: 

Dust Bowl Knives LLC shall not be liable or deemed in default for any delay or failure in performance resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, severe weather, regional electrical grid failures, equipment breakdown, shop fires, fuel supply disruptions, labor shortages, carrier delays, embargoes, or government actions.

Severability: 

If any provision, clause, or sentence of these Terms is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by an Oklahoma court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible or severed, and all remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Entire Agreement & Integration: 

These Terms, together with specific invoice terms and any standalone on-site liability releases executed by Participant, constitute the entire, integrated agreement between the Customer and Dust Bowl Knives LLC regarding the subject matter hereof, superseding all prior discussions, emails, social media communications, representations, or oral agreements.