Ordering & Shipping Information
How orders are processed, made, and shipped from Water Oak Forge.
Handmade, Made-to-Order Tools
At Water Oak Forge, every tool is hand forged in a one-person blacksmith shop in Upstate South Carolina.
We do not mass produce inventory or maintain large stock quantities. Instead, each order is made individually as it enters our production queue.
This means every tool receives direct attention from start to finish, ensuring it meets the standards required for real forging and shop use.
Because of this process, lead times are longer than off-the-shelf products—but the result is a tool built specifically for your order.
Order Processing
- Once your order is placed:
- Your order is entered into the production queue
- Materials are selected and prepared
- Tools are forged, heat treated, and finished by hand
- Each item is inspected before packaging
- Orders are shipped in the order they are received
- We work through orders sequentially and prioritize quality and consistency over speed.
Lead Times
Most orders containing forged tools ship within 4–5 weeks, depending on order volume, seasonal demand, and the complexity of the tools ordered.
If your order includes multiple tools or custom variations, processing time may vary slightly.
We always recommend ordering with your project timeline in mind.
Shipping
Once completed, your order is carefully packaged and shipped from our shop in Upstate South Carolina.
Tracking information is provided once the order has shipped.
We ship throughout the United States and internationally where available.
Delivery times vary based on carrier and destination after shipment.
Delivery & Security Notice
Because many of our tools are hand forged, specialty items, and may be considered high-value or workshop tools, we strongly recommend selecting a secure delivery location.
Water Oak Forge is not responsible for packages once they are marked as delivered by the carrier.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages after confirmed delivery to the shipping address provided at checkout.
If you have concerns about delivery security, we recommend shipping to a secure location such as a business address or place where someone can receive the package.
Orders/Shipping FAQ
When will my order ship?
Made to Order/Tools will ship within 4–5 weeks depending on demand and complexity.
Other orders typically ship in 3-7 business days.
Do you keep tools in stock?
No. Due to order volume and demand, most tools are made to order in a one-person blacksmith shop.
Can I rush my order?
We do not currently offer expedited production. Each tool is made in the order it is received.
What happens after I place my order?
Your order enters a production queue and is forged, finished, and shipped once completed. You will receive email updates as we work.
Order Confirmation - Order received and in the queue.
In-Process - Your order is in production.
Shipping Confirmation - Order completed and awaiting pick-up from the carrier.
What happens if my package is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit?
Water Oak Forge is not responsible for packages once they are marked as delivered by the carrier to the shipping address provided at checkout. Please ensure your delivery location is secure and able to receive packages safely.
We strongly recommend selecting a shipping method that includes insurance or delivery protection offered by the carrier, when available.
Once an order has been handed off to the shipping carrier, responsibility for transit, delivery, loss, or damage transfers to the carrier. This includes packages that are marked as lost in transit, stolen after delivery confirmation, or damaged during shipping.
We are unable to replace or refund orders that are lost, stolen, or damaged after shipment has been fulfilled and transferred to the carrier.
If you experience a shipping issue, we recommend contacting the carrier directly with your tracking number to initiate a claim.
Water Oak Forge hand forges blacksmithing tools in Upstate South Carolina with typical lead times of 4–5 weeks. All tools are made to order in a one-person blacksmith shop.