Issues with Chicago knife Works ?

[Ruffinogold]

Ive not ordered from them before until a couple weeks ago . Is it customary for them to take and order and hold it for at least two weeks with out giving responses to emails , They are apparently unable to answer the phone . The message says , in a nut shell , due to more than usual calls they can help you quicker if you go to their site , which I have , and the recording just loops . Apparently there customer service closes at 3pm Chicago time
I dont mean to call them out but I'm honestly curious if this is normal for them , if you guys have done any ordering with them before . They seem to have a great stock of products and good prices . Their customer service is truly lacking , sadly . Its just weird that someone will take your money right away and then go silent for weeks , especially in this day and age

[Railsplitter]

I have never used their customer service but my orders from them always take several days or longer to ship.

I don’t believe they are located in Chicago. Every order I’ve made with them has shipped from Marion, Virginia which is home to a different dealer whose name I don’t remember.

I don’t know if they drop ship or how they operate but I have always received my orders eventually.

[Ruffinogold]

I have never used their customer service but my orders from them always take several days or longer to ship.

I don’t believe they are located in Chicago. Every order I’ve made with them has shipped from Marion, Virginia which is home to a different dealer whose name I don’t remember.

I don’t know if they drop ship or how they operate but I have always received my orders eventually.

I appreciate it . Eventually is fine by me . Its just after 2 weeks that just seems weird . I did get an email the day I ordered aking for me to verify the billing address on the card I used , which I did , but that was 2 weeks ago . Its just odd to me

Im looking forward to getting the three items I ordered and I was a bit bummed out because this past weekend I was going to put them to use . I was sure to have them by this past weekend , like 2 days ago .

Anyway , thanks for responding . Ill wait a while longer I reckon

[OLDE CUTLER]

"Always received my orders eventually" is not exactly a glowing endorsement. I have a few items in my cart to order from them right now. May have to reconsider.

[Railsplitter]

2 weeks does seem excessive and it’s odd that they asked for verification of the address on your card. Especially if the address was correct in the first place.

If it were my order, I would keep trying to call them. If you are getting an automated message when you call, try pushing zero on your phone’s keypad. It might not help but sometimes that will connect you with a live person.

Good luck. I hope you get your order soon.

[Runner 4 Knives]

Yes it’s completely the norm. I’ve bought a few from them. The first took two weeks to ship and another I bought June 4th and it shipped two days ago. But the knives were both under $100 each and purchased separately. I’m sure if they were $400 a piece they would have been quicker at getting them out, maybe not…

[Lars0729]

Too funny...I always thought it was just me. I've made several orders from them too...I took note that the more expesive the knife, the longer it took. It doesn't make sense to me, but then I don't make sense to a lot of folks either, so it balances out I guess. Like the others who have posted, I always received what I ordered, but I sure gotta wait for it.

[Gtrclktr-351]

Yes it’s completely the norm. I’ve bought a few from them. The first took two weeks to ship and another I bought June 4th and it shipped two days ago. But the knives were both under $100 each and purchased separately. I’m sure if they were $400 a piece they would have been quicker at getting them out, maybe not…

I, also, ordered a knife from CKW on June 4, 2026. My credit card was charged on June 4,2026. After what I felt was a reasonable time, I communicated, through email, with their customer service. There were several messages apologizing for the delay and thanking me for my patience. On June 23, 2026, I received an email with a tracking number, stating my knife had shipped. I have dealt with CKW, located in Morton Grove, IL, several times in the past and knew their products ship from Blue Ridge Knives in Marion, VA. I just rechecked the tracking number and found that the shipping label has been created, but USPS is awaiting receipt of the merchandise. Needless to say, I am disappointed. When, or is it if, I receive this knife it will, most likely, be my last transaction with CKW.

[robpa]

I made San order June 1, nothing yet,same as above postings. The tracking no does not work. I am out my money I assume. They are off my list for sure.

[Tinpanva]

Blue Ridge Knives is out of Marion, they are a wholesale distributor for a ton of other companies.

[Dinadan]

I have never dealt with CKW. After reading this thread I note that three folks have made multiple orders in spite of reporting slow shipping. They must do something right to get the repeat business.

[Ruffinogold]

Checked their website and my order is still on hold . Tried calling and the same message on loop today . No contact at all from email or anything else . Im glad I only spent 56 bucks . Yeah , unless I get a response soon with an apology or something , I will not ever order from them again .
I dont like being the guy to call out a business on a public forum , its really not my style . I can say this with certainty .... they need a business plan over haul because if this is how they operate , normally , they will go under and I hate to see a business fail . Especially if they have a good thing going and just drop the ball . Whomever is holding the reigns needs to go find an easier job they can get their head around . How hard is it to read an email and take literally 1 to 2 minutes responding to a concerned customer . What a s... show

[Ruffinogold]

So what ,other than this place , e-tailers do you guys have good luck with ? Ive ordered from knife center and its a quick turn around with absolutely zero issues .

Ive viisited BladeHQ , Grindworx , DLT tradingand a few others but have never ordered from an E tailer other than Knife Center and unfortunately CKW . I have ordered from Smoky Mountain [ who hasnt ] but those were catalog orders back in the day .
Im a couple hours from SMKW and if you havent been to their store youd probably really enjoy it . I know it has more than doubled in size since I was there last , which was around 1990
Im an hour from the Frost Cutlery factory/warehouse Retail store outside Chatanooga . They obviously have a ton of Frost stuff , which isnt my thing ,but they carry a number of brands like Buck ,Kershaw etc .... its not SMKW but it aint bad and Ive made a number of purchase there , generally for work knives . My most recent score there , which Ive already lost or misplaced , was a cold steel stockman ... and guess what .... it was really nice and I liked the hell out of it . Super surprised how nice it was for the money . I would recommend Cold Steel Slip joint stuff . geerally any cold steelknife is good , I remember not liking them when they came on the market years ago

[Railsplitter]

So what ,other than this place , e-tailers do you guys have good luck with ? Ive ordered from knife center and its a quick turn around with absolutely zero issues .

Ive viisited BladeHQ , Grindworx , DLT tradingand a few others but have never ordered from an E tailer other than Knife Center and unfortunately CKW . I have ordered from Smoky Mountain [ who hasnt ] but those were catalog orders back in the day .
Im a couple hours from SMKW and if you havent been to their store youd probably really enjoy it . I know it has more than doubled in size since I was there last , which was around 1990
Im an hour from the Frost Cutlery factory/warehouse Retail store outside Chatanooga . They obviously have a ton of Frost stuff , which isnt my thing ,but they carry a number of brands like Buck ,Kershaw etc .... its not SMKW but it aint bad and Ive made a number of purchase there , generally for work knives . My most recent score there , which Ive already lost or misplaced , was a cold steel stockman ... and guess what .... it was really nice and I liked the hell out of it . Super surprised how nice it was for the money . I would recommend Cold Steel Slip joint stuff . geerally any cold steelknife is good , I remember not liking them when they came on the market years ago

DLT Trading is my go to dealer. They ship the same day as long as the order is placed early enough. If you create an account with them, you earn points with each purchase that can be used towards future purchases. They obviously aren’t the only dealer that does that but I really like DLT. I have cashed in my points dozens of times. I wouldn’t be surprised if I have saved $300 - $500 over the years.

I like Knifecenter too. My most recent purchase was from them because they had the best price on the knife I wanted.

Blade HQ can sometimes take 2-3 days to ship but they are a good dealer too.

I’ve been to SMKW twice. Well, really 4 times. We visited the area twice but on our second visit I went to SMKW 3 days in a row. My wife was attending a convention for her hobby. I dropped her off each day and straight to SMKW I went among other places.

[Steve Warden]

So what ,other than this place , e-tailers do you guys have good luck with ? Ive ordered from knife center and its a quick turn around with absolutely zero issues .

Ive viisited BladeHQ , Grindworx , DLT tradingand a few others but have never ordered from an E tailer other than Knife Center and unfortunately CKW . I have ordered from Smoky Mountain [ who hasnt ] but those were catalog orders back in the day .
Im a couple hours from SMKW and if you havent been to their store youd probably really enjoy it . I know it has more than doubled in size since I was there last , which was around 1990
Im an hour from the Frost Cutlery factory/warehouse Retail store outside Chatanooga . They obviously have a ton of Frost stuff , which isnt my thing ,but they carry a number of brands like Buck ,Kershaw etc .... its not SMKW but it aint bad and Ive made a number of purchase there , generally for work knives . My most recent score there , which Ive already lost or misplaced , was a cold steel stockman ... and guess what .... it was really nice and I liked the hell out of it . Super surprised how nice it was for the money . I would recommend Cold Steel Slip joint stuff . geerally any cold steelknife is good , I remember not liking them when they came on the market years ago

Shepherd Hills Cutlery for my Case knives
www.casexx.com

[Gtrclktr-351]

I have never dealt with CKW. After reading this thread I note that three folks have made multiple orders in spite of reporting slow shipping. They must do something right to get the repeat business.

This is the first time I have had shipping delays. The CKW website used to say orders processed in 5 to 7 business days and that has been the case. I just checked and now has been changed to 6 to 8 business days, and they obviously can no longer live up to even that time frame. I'm beginning to think Blue Ridge Knives may be the supply chain problem.

[bestgear]

If your buying from CKW and orders are being fulfilled (drop-shipped) by BRK then delays should be expected. Personally I’d have a problem with that supply-chain because I don’t want to buy anything and anticipate delays when my hard earned cash has left my account.

BRK has hundreds if not thousands of wholesale dealers of their own so the service levels of drop-ships may be lower in priority and hence the extended delays.

[Ruffinogold]

So what ,other than this place , e-tailers do you guys have good luck with ? Ive ordered from knife center and its a quick turn around with absolutely zero issues .

Ive viisited BladeHQ , Grindworx , DLT tradingand a few others but have never ordered from an E tailer other than Knife Center and unfortunately CKW . I have ordered from Smoky Mountain [ who hasnt ] but those were catalog orders back in the day .
Im a couple hours from SMKW and if you havent been to their store youd probably really enjoy it . I know it has more than doubled in size since I was there last , which was around 1990
Im an hour from the Frost Cutlery factory/warehouse Retail store outside Chatanooga . They obviously have a ton of Frost stuff , which isnt my thing ,but they carry a number of brands like Buck ,Kershaw etc .... its not SMKW but it aint bad and Ive made a number of purchase there , generally for work knives . My most recent score there , which Ive already lost or misplaced , was a cold steel stockman ... and guess what .... it was really nice and I liked the hell out of it . Super surprised how nice it was for the money . I would recommend Cold Steel Slip joint stuff . geerally any cold steelknife is good , I remember not liking them when they came on the market years ago

DLT Trading is my go to dealer. They ship the same day as long as the order is placed early enough. If you create an account with them, you earn points with each purchase that can be used towards future purchases. They obviously aren’t the only dealer that does that but I really like DLT. I have cashed in my points dozens of times. I wouldn’t be surprised if I have saved $300 - $500 over the years.

I like Knifecenter too. My most recent purchase was from them because they had the best price on the knife I wanted.

Blade HQ can sometimes take 2-3 days to ship but they are a good dealer too.

I’ve been to SMKW twice. Well, really 4 times. We visited the area twice but on our second visit I went to SMKW 3 days in a row. My wife was attending a convention for her hobby. I dropped her off each day and straight to SMKW I went among other places.

Three days in a row !

That would give you the time to do it right , I bet . The owners collection that isnt for sale , if they still display that , is really something and I could do a day just looking at those . I not too far from SMKW and really need to make a day trip ... its been awhile

[Ruffinogold]

This morning a little after 7 am I received an email from them thanking me for my patience . No info on a ship date or reasoning .... but at least I know they know its sitting there . Ill wait and when it arrives , it arrives ,

Its funny because Im just really looking forward to the telescope . I have knives so I dont have to have the knife that I ordered right away or any time soon . I want the telescope for when Im on the ridges , which I wont be at until mid july

[Railsplitter]

I assume that the reason they aren’t giving you a ship date or an explanation is that they aren’t the ones shipping it.

The way this company operates, you don’t communicate with the people doing the picking, packing, and shipping. You communicate with people who can’t even see or touch the inventory.

That’s fine and dandy until there’s a problem.

[Gtrclktr-351]

I just contacted Blue Ridge Knives through their website. I explained the situation and asked for an update on the shipping delay. It will be interesting to see if I get a reply and if so, how long it will take. I'm not holding my breath.

[Ruffinogold]

Just an update .

I placed the order on June 15th . Its currently July 16th .On july 12th I received this .....

" Hi John,

Thank you for your patience.

Our shipping team is currently reviewing your order to determine why it has not yet been shipped. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and will provide you with an update as soon as we have more information.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for the delay. "

I wonder how long it will take them to review and determine , lol . I honestly think whatever business model they have and whomever came up with it ... needs to be let go permanently with no chance of rehire . I mean if it were 1975 this wouldn't be that big of a deal . Remember those days when youd order something from a catalog or whatever and it would state a general amount of time to expect shipment etc .... Its 2026 and I understand this isnt Amazon but jeezus . No doubt the worst customer service Ive experience possibly in my lifetime . Even back in 1975 I could have called them on the phone , which this place is incapable of doing

Anyway , Im curious at this point to see how long it will take

Anyone wanna play a betting game [ no actual bets , lol ]

Im guessing another month before I get anything from them , if at all .

What do you guys think

[robpa]

I think they are crooks. They got my money and they ain't my honey.End of story.

[Gtrclktr-351]

Update on the continuing saga:
June 4, 2026: Order received and the charge showed up on my credit card

June 12, 2026: After calling Customer Service twice I emailed but got no response

June 15,2026: I received my credit card statement showing the CKW purchase and emailed them again
.
June 16,2026: I received a response thanking me for my patience and assuring me my order had been expedited

June 23, 2026: I received an email stating my order was complete and the tracking number was forthcoming.
Later that day I received an email stating my order had shipped. I checked the tracking number and found the shipping label had been
and USPS was awaiting the item.

July 4, 2026: I contacted Blue Ridge Knives, in Marion, VA, CKW's warehouse and shipping facility asking for an update on the shipment and was told, on
I needed to contact CKW for any update.

July 5, 2026: I contacted CKW by email, yet again, asking them for a true update on the status of my shipment and telling them not to thank me, again,
for my patience as it was wearing quite thin.
July 8, 2026: I emailed CKW requesting to cancel my order and refund my money.

July 9, 2026: I received notification my return request had been received, and they would look into it within 1 business day

July 13, 2026: I emailed CKW, AGAIN, requesting an update on the RMA

July 15.2026: I received an email stating my RMA was complete. My response was when can I expect my refund? Hopefully it will be quicker than the
resolution of my complaint.

July 17, 2026: I received an email stating my return was complete and applicable refund has been finalized. Also, an attached not stating it normally
takes 7-10 business days for a refund to show up on a credit card. Ten "business days", disallowing Saturdays and Sundays, will be
Wednesday, July 29. We'll see.

[Jeepergeo]

Update on the continuing saga:
June 4, 2026: Order received and the charge showed up on my credit card

June 12, 2026: After calling Customer Service twice I emailed but got no response

June 15,2026: I received my credit card statement showing the CKW purchase and emailed them again
.
June 16,2026: I received a response thanking me for my patience and assuring me my order had been expedited

June 23, 2026: I received an email stating my order was complete and the tracking number was forthcoming.
Later that day I received an email stating my order had shipped. I checked the tracking number and found the shipping label had been
and USPS was awaiting the item.

July 4, 2026: I contacted Blue Ridge Knives, in Marion, VA, CKW's warehouse and shipping facility asking for an update on the shipment and was told, on
I needed to contact CKW for any update.

July 5, 2026: I contacted CKW by email, yet again, asking them for a true update on the status of my shipment and telling them not to thank me, again,
for my patience as it was wearing quite thin.
July 8, 2026: I emailed CKW requesting to cancel my order and refund my money.

July 9, 2026: I received notification my return request had been received, and they would look into it within 1 business day

July 13, 2026: I emailed CKW, AGAIN, requesting an update on the RMA

July 15.2026: I received an email stating my RMA was complete. My response was when can I expect my refund? Hopefully it will be quicker than the
resolution of my complaint.

July 17, 2026: I received an email stating my return was complete and applicable refund has been finalized. Also, an attached not stating it normally
takes 7-10 business days for a refund to show up on a credit card. Ten "business days", disallowing Saturdays and Sundays, will be
Wednesday, July 29. We'll see.

On July 5th, I would have filed with my credit card company. CC companies seem to have a knack for getting a non-responsive merchant's attention and you either your item or a refund.