“Santoku Knifes.UK presents themselves as an authentic Japanese knife retailer, but in reality, they engage in dropshipping and source their products from AliExpress. They employ a deceptive marketing strategy, featuring famous chefs, including those from MasterChef, to create an illusion of authenticity and trust. However, the knives they offer are nothing more than cheap Chinese replicas.
When I discovered this, I immediately contacted Santoku Knifes.UK on August 4, demanding the cancellation of my order. They responded promptly, assuring me that my concern would be escalated to upper management. On August 5, they claimed they would request a refund on my behalf, giving me a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, that hope was short-lived.
Despite my bank's real-time refund notification feature, I received no notification regarding the refund from Santoku. This raised suspicions, which were confirmed on August 7 when I received an unauthorized charge attempt. Thankfully, I had disabled international transactions to protect myself, preventing the fraudulent charge.
Out of frustration and disappointment, I left a one-star review on August 7, expressing my experience. Astonishingly, just 18 minutes later, Santoku Knifes.UK contacted me, completely sidestepping the issue of the unauthorized charge. Instead, they focused solely on requesting the removal of my review, displaying a lack of accountability and professionalism.
In an attempt to find a fair resolution that would benefit both parties and minimize further inconvenience, I proposed specific terms to Santoku Knifes.UK. These terms included a clear explanation for the unexplained charge, a satisfactory clarification regarding the lack of communication, and a gesture of goodwill in the form of their abalone knife set sent to me at no cost. Unfortunately, they outright denied my proposal.
Despite providing them with undeniable proof of the charge they attempted to make, Santoku Knifes.UK refused to admit their fraudulent actions. It became clear that engaging further with a company that knowingly attempted to defraud me would be a waste of time.
While I eventually received a refund on August 10, the distress caused by Santoku Knifes.UK's deceptive practices, lack of transparency, and unprofessional conduct cannot be ignored. I strongly caution all of you in the chefknife community against doing business with this store. There are reputable retailers out there who genuinely offer authentic Japanese knives and value customer satisfaction over deceitful tactics.
Please learn from my experience and be cautious when considering any purchases from Santoku Knifes.UK. Stay vigilant and protect yourselves from falling prey to their deceptive practices.”
“If I could, I’d leave 0. Absolutely devastated, ordered these the 27th November and was assured they would be in Time for Christmas, followed this up on a bi weekly basis all the way through to today. No updated tracking throughout and refusing to refund as they’re not convinced the ‘item is lost’ absolutely obscene and I will have no choice but to go to trading standards and attempt a back charge from my bank because they haven’t delivered on the goods.
Never again would I trust this company, I have been more than lenient and understanding over these past two months and they have failed to deliver time and time again.”
“They are not original Japanese knives while the Santoku.co.uk website is branded as such. The finish of the knives is of very poor quality, worse than standard brand from any shop...”
“This is a scam. I ordered a whetstone on 2nd Jan and have still not received it and its late March at the time of writing. The goods come from China, not the UK as you lead to believe.
I've asked for a refund several times and they never acknowledge my asking in any correspondence and now they ignore me completely.
STAY AWAY FROM THESE FRAUDSTERS AT ALL COSTS.”
“Should have read the reviews prior to purchasing.
After a few days of buying a knife, was told that the item would be delayed. A month as passed and received a generic E-mail that shipments are delayed due to Covid. So unsure when i will receive the knife and only get generic responses to E-mails to SantokuKnives.
Disappointed with this purchase experience :(”
“I ordered a knife on 5th Dec. I received an acknowledgement and then an email with a tracking number. The item has not arrived. The tracking number does not work...they do not respond to any emails. I have written 4 times and clearpay has written to them. There are no responses in junk mail. I am forced to conclude this company may jot exist”
“I wonder if this company actually exists. I ordered a knife on the 5th of December, received an acknowledgement and then a tracking number. The knife has not arrived... the tracking number does not work and they never respond to emails. (that are not in junk)”
