1. About this information
This page explains how Rutherford Forge handles delivery of knives, axes, tools, forged goods, custom items and related products.
Shipping costs and delivery times may vary according to the item, destination, size, weight, packaging requirements and courier availability.
2. South African deliveries
We will confirm the available delivery method and shipping charge before dispatch.
Where suitable and available, locker-to-locker delivery is currently offered at around R60-R100. The applicable shipping charge will be confirmed before the order is sent.
Customers must provide complete and accurate delivery or locker details. Rutherford Forge is not responsible for delays or failed delivery caused by incorrect or incomplete information supplied by the customer.
3. Processing and dispatch
Items are dispatched after payment has cleared and any required customer information has been received.
Custom-made, commissioned or made-to-order items are dispatched after completion, inspection and preparation for shipment.
Delivery estimates are not guarantees. Delays may occur because of courier operations, weather, public holidays, strikes, customs or circumstances outside Rutherford Forge’s reasonable control.
4. Tracking and delivery
Where tracking is available, tracking information will be provided.
The customer is responsible for monitoring tracking information and being available to receive or collect the parcel.
If a parcel is not collected within the courier’s permitted period, or delivery fails because the customer cannot be contacted or refuses delivery, additional delivery, storage, return or re-dispatch charges may apply.
5. Packaging and bladed goods
Knives, axes and other bladed goods are packaged securely and appropriately for transport.
The customer must handle, store and use all bladed goods responsibly and lawfully after delivery. The customer is responsible for ensuring that the recipient is legally entitled to receive and possess the item.
6. International deliveries
International delivery of knives, axes, blades and other forged goods is subject to the laws of South Africa, the destination country, any transit country and the requirements of the selected carrier.
Some items may be prohibited, restricted or subject to permits, licences, declarations, age requirements or special carrier conditions.
The customer must investigate and confirm that the item may lawfully be exported to, imported into, possessed in and used in the destination country.
Rutherford Forge may review information reasonably available to us, but cannot guarantee that a particular item will be accepted by a foreign customs authority, carrier or destination country.
7. UK age-verified delivery
For orders containing knives, axes or other bladed goods sent to the United Kingdom, the customer must comply with any UK age-verification and delivery requirements that apply to the item.
Where required by UK law or the selected carrier, delivery must be made using an adult-signature or age-verification service. The recipient must be at least 18 years old and may be required to provide valid identification and sign for the parcel.
The customer is responsible for providing a delivery address where an adult recipient can receive and sign for the parcel. Locker delivery, unattended delivery or delivery without age verification may not be suitable for these orders.
Any additional adult-signature, age-verification, customs, import-duty, tax or carrier charges are payable by the customer before dispatch. If the required service or documentation is unavailable, Rutherford Forge may refuse or cancel the order.
8. Import duties, taxes and customs charges
The customer is responsible for all import duties, taxes, customs charges, handling fees, storage fees, brokerage fees, return charges and other costs imposed by the destination country, customs authority or carrier.
Rutherford Forge will provide accurate descriptions and values on shipping and customs documents. We will not under-declare an item, misdescribe it or mark it as a gift to avoid customs charges or restrictions.
9. CITES and regulated materials
Some handles, sheaths or other materials may be subject to CITES or other wildlife, plant, animal-product or environmental regulations. Examples may include certain exotic woods, ivory, horn, bone, skins or other regulated materials.
Where Rutherford Forge knows that a regulated material is involved, we will identify it as accurately as reasonably possible and advise the customer where appropriate.
The customer remains responsible for checking whether CITES permits, export permits, import permits, certificates or other documents are required.
This includes costs arising from missing, incorrect or refused CITES permits, certificates or supporting documents.
10. Delayed, refused, seized or returned parcels
If an item is delayed, refused, seized, confiscated, destroyed, returned to Rutherford Forge or otherwise cannot be delivered because of destination-country restrictions, missing permits, unpaid charges, customs decisions, carrier rules, refusal to accept delivery or any other matter outside Rutherford Forge’s reasonable control, the customer remains responsible for the resulting costs.
In these circumstances, the purchase price, original shipping charges, return shipping, customs charges, duties, taxes and related costs are not automatically refundable.
Any refund, credit or alternative arrangement will be considered only after costs properly incurred by Rutherford Forge have been taken into account and subject to applicable law.
Rutherford Forge may refuse or cancel an international order if we reasonably believe that shipment would be unlawful, prohibited, restricted or unacceptable to the carrier.
11. Damage during delivery
The customer should inspect the parcel as soon as reasonably possible after delivery.
If the parcel or item appears damaged, the customer should photograph the packaging and item before altering, repairing or discarding anything and contact Rutherford Forge promptly at admin@rutherfordforge.co.za.
We will assess the matter and, where appropriate, assist with a courier claim.
Damage caused after delivery, misuse, improper storage or failure to follow care instructions may not be treated as transit damage.
12. Contact
For shipping questions, address changes, tracking queries or international-order enquiries, contact:
Please include the customer’s name, order details and destination information.
13. Changes to this information
Rutherford Forge may update this Shipping / Courier Information when courier services, prices, laws or operating arrangements change.
Nothing on this page limits any consumer right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded.