Huusk knives are advertised as if they are made in Japan. Yet, they are not.
Has anyone purchased these knives - or researched them? There are several Youtube reviews which convinced me that advertising for them is misleading and , if this is so, I am wondering why they are allowed to run such advertising? Any insights would be appreciated.
It does seem misleading. They also claims they make their knives out of Japanese steelā¦but there are online reports they have them manufactured elsewhere (the knives have āMade in Chinaā when the product is received). It would also be impossible for one to verify that the steel is in fact Japanese steel.
The company is located in:
Lithuania (company reg. No. 305049890) with a registered office address at K. Donelaicio 60, LT-44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
This raises concerns in itself as there are many websites with ācompaniesā run out of eastern Europe/Russia which primary purpose is to sham/scam consumers. While it is possible that this may be a genuine business, there is enough information to steer clear of it.
In relation to be misleading, as they company is based and operates outside Australia, the ACCC will have little jurisdiction to take action against them. As a result, they could make claims which could be seen as being misleading and get away with it. Such misleading claims can dupe a consumer to paying for products which arenāt what is advertised.
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The last day (but never ending) sale is a bad sign. The images that are supposed to be of chefs are from all over. The huge (apparent) discount looks bad. Bad reviews of quality and service all over. My guess is these are cheap steel from China that will not hold an edge.
I would not buy any knife that I cannot hold and feel the balance anyway.
As for the reason why they get away with all this: they are outside Oz consumer law.
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Possibly worth considering they donāt look like or align with the names of the knives typically offered by Japanese manufacturers, or described in Japanese food preparation (aka cooking to others)?
P.S.
Itās also useful to learn that Lithuania is both a Baltic State and now part of Northern Europe.
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Hi @bobhoat18, further searching indicates that Huusk knives, from the Lithuanian company are a sham to say the least, a scam at their worst. This bloggers investigation provides some valuable readingā¦
The Lithuanian company makes many claimsā¦but the same āJapanese steelā knives are available through a number of different sellers on AliExpress, a Chinese selling platform. This should immediately ring alarm bells. Maybe if you are interested in the knife, find it and buy it on AliExpress as it will be cheaperā¦and potentially more reliable place to source it (just search AliExpress Japanese Chef Knife).
As indicated above, be wary of buying from websites where the business is located in a Eastern European country. This forum has other examples of sham/scam Lithuanian online businesses and why such advice is prudentā¦
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I get it,
There are many reasons to consider carefully whether buying a Japanese inspired knife made in the PRC. It can be purchased as you point out from a number of sources including a Lithuanian based company.
Does the fact it is Japanese inspired advise we should avoid Japanese products?
Does the fact it is made in the PRC (China) advise we should avoid buying anything made in China?
Does the location of one promoter being Lithuanian advise we should avoid it because they use a Lithuanian identity?
Three potential reasons not to purchase anything that has an association with Japan, China or Lithuania.
A better reason not to purchase the product has zero to do with culture, ethnicity of those making it or nationalities. We live in a global economy. If the product works and meets the purpose it is sold for it may be a great purchase. If the seller is unreliable, there are many from across the globe avoid them. As others have pointed out purchasing from an overseas seller is not advisable as the consumer provisions of Australian Consumer Law are unlikely to be readily enforceable. That applies to sellers in the USA, UK or just about any country other than Australia.
Should we judge others individually and in business based firstly on the nation they are from and lastly for the product? It appears we would answer that differently.
It is clearly not an exclusive product of a seller in Lithuania.
The product speaks for itself, irrespective of where the sellers are located. 
Danoz Direct (that well known Aussie) may be equally upset of the missed opportunity of offering a knife with a precision laser cut finger hole.
P.S.
Is Danoz Direct reputable or reliable?
At least ACL may be useful if the Danoz precision laser cut product does not perform. Currently Danoz do not offer a precision cut Japanese inspired Samurai knife in their catologue.
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Just go to Amazon Australia. and get them. At least you can be comforted that you will have some sort of protection under the ACL.
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Amazon - the Huusk Viking Knife, every nationality should have one. It retains that critical precision laser cut finger hole! 
US web site referenced.
It says the blade is stainless steel.
Some would suggest not a traditional Japanese knife material, and inferior to a hand worked carbon steel blade.
There is no mention of whether the precision laser cut finger hole comes in a choice of sizes or M/F options.
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Note: Iāve deleted a few replies to this thread to keep it on topic.
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