Knife Buyback Program

At Element Knife Company, we are committed to craftsmanship, quality, and tools that elevate your culinary journey. Our Buyback Program is designed to keep your collection evolving without compromise.

Knife Buyback Program

Trade In. Level Up. Stay Sharp.

Whether you're trading up to a new favorite or letting go of a blade that no longer fits your workflow, our Buyback Program makes it simple. Earn store credit for eligible knives and apply it toward anything we carry - from chef-approved upgrades to specialty accessories. It’s our way of helping you refine your kit, one great tool at a time.

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Program Details

To be considered for our Knife Buy Back program, your knife MUST have been purchased at Element Knife Company, either online or in-store at our Denver, Colorado location. We will not accept knives purchased from any other retailer. All knives purchased outside of Element Knife Company can be brought into the retail location for consideration, but cannot be processed online.

Knife Buyback Value Chart

Condition Store Credit What It Means
Like New 50-60% of original price Gently used with minimal wear, in original packaging.
Good 40–45% of original price Signs of use, moderate wear. May need sharpening or minor repairs.
Fair 25–30% of original price Heavier use or damage. Chips, scratches, or reconditioning required.
Poor 10–15% of original price Extensive wear. May be accepted as a project or backup knife.
Unsellable No credit offered Extensive wear. May be accepted as a project or backup knife.

Bonus: Receive an additional 10% in store credit when you apply your trade-in toward a same-day purchase of equal or greater value.

Buyback Program FAQ

What knives are eligible for the Buyback Program?

All knives purchased from Element Knife Company within 2 years of the original purchase date, with valid proof of purchase are eligible. Knives must be assessed in person or through our online submission process, and must meet minimum condition and quality standards.

Can Element Knife Company refuse to buy back my knife?

Yes. All buybacks are subject to a final condition assessment and resale viability. In rare cases, even if a knife was originally purchased from Element Knife Company, we may decline the buyback if we determine there is no reasonable resale market for that specific item – for example, discontinued or low-demand models we are unlikely to "move."

Can I use my Buyback credit toward anything at Element Knife Company?

Yes! Buyback Program store credit can be used toward any product sold at Element Knife Company - including knives, sharpening stones, accessories, and more.

Can I trade in a knife I didn’t buy from Element Knife Company?

In most cases, we only accept trade-ins for knives originally purchased from Element Knife Company. On rare occasions, we may consider select high-end, Japanese-made knives in-store only, and strictly on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us in advance or stop by if you believe your knife qualifies.

How is the buyback value determined?

For knives originally purchased from Element Knife Company, we evaluate the condition and offer a trade-in value based on your original purchase price.

Condition is assessed as: Like New | Good | Fair | Poor, with trade-in credit ranging up to 60%.

We do not typically accept knives purchased elsewhere. In rare cases, we may consider select high-end Japanese-made knives in-store, evaluated individually and based on current retail value.

How do I start an online buyback?

If you purchased your knife from Element Knife Company, simply fill out our Online Buyback Request Form, upload photos and proof of purchase, and mail your knife to us. Once assessed, we'll issue a digital gift card.

What happens if my knife is declined?

If your knife is not eligible for buyback - due to damage, condition, or resale limitations - we’ll notify you after inspection. You can choose to have it returned at your shipping expense, or we can responsibly dispose of it on your behalf.

Can I use my buyback credit immediately?

Absolutely! In-store customers can apply their credit toward a new knife right away. Online customers will receive a digital gift card valid for any future purchase.

Is there a limit to how many times I can trade in knives?

There’s no limit! You’re welcome to trade in and evolve your collection as often as you'd like - unless your trade-in credit is used to purchase a refurbished knife, which is considered a final sale.

Can I return a knife I purchased using Buyback credit?

Yes - with a few important notes. Purchases made using Buyback Program store credit can be returned within 14 days if the knife is unused, in original condition, and was purchased as a new (not refurbished) item.

Refunds are processed as follows:

  • Any amount paid by cash or card will be refunded to the original payment method.
  • Any amount paid using Buyback store credit will be reissued as store credit (non-expiring).

**Please note: Buyback credits and reissued store credits are not eligible for cash refund.

Can I return or exchange a used/refurbished knife that I bought (such as through the Buyback Program)?

No. All knives sold as used or refurbished (including those bought through our Buyback Program) are final sale, meaning we cannot accept returns or exchanges for these items. We thoroughly inspect and service each pre-owned knife to ensure it is in excellent functional condition, but they are sold as-is, with any normal wear from prior use. This policy is different from our policy for new products – new, unused knives can still be returned or exchanged within 14 days of purchase (provided they meet our standard return criteria). We appreciate your understanding.