Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this website or entering into a commission agreement with Abyssal Moon Thread, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Website Use

The content on this website — including text, images, SVG graphics, and descriptive copy — is the intellectual property of Abyssal Moon Thread and is protected by Japanese and international copyright law. You may not reproduce, republish, or distribute any content without our prior written consent. You may share links to our pages freely.

3. Commission Agreements

A commission is formalised when Abyssal Moon Thread issues a written commission agreement and the client pays the required deposit (40% of the agreed price). The commission agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior verbal or written discussions. All commission prices are quoted in Japanese Yen (JPY) and are exclusive of shipping, insurance, and applicable taxes.

4. Deposit and Payment Terms

The standard payment schedule is as follows: 40% at commission confirmation; 40% at the polishing stage (upon photographic confirmation of the blade form); and 20% plus shipping costs prior to dispatch. Deposits are non-refundable once the steel has been cut and work commenced, except in cases of our material default as described in Section 6.

5. Delivery and Export

We manage all Japanese export documentation. The client is responsible for compliance with import regulations in their country of residence. We will advise on known requirements for the client's jurisdiction but cannot be liable for customs delays, seizures, or additional taxes imposed by the destination country beyond our reasonable knowledge at the time of advice. Estimated lead times are provided in good faith but are not contractually guaranteed.

6. Quality and Defects

Each blade is inspected and photographed before dispatch. In the rare event of a structural defect (cracking, warping beyond acceptable norms, or failure at the quench that is not aesthetically salvageable), we will offer the client: (a) a re-commission at no additional material cost, or (b) a full refund of all payments made. Minor variations in hamon appearance, surface texture, or curvature that fall within the natural range of traditional hand-forging are not considered defects.

7. Limitation of Liability

Abyssal Moon Thread's total liability to any client under a commission agreement is limited to the total amount paid by that client under that agreement. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental losses including but not limited to loss of investment value, damage from improper use, or import penalties.

8. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Japan. Any disputes arising from or related to these terms or a commission agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Kyoto, Japan, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

9. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. The effective date will be updated at the top of this page. Commission agreements already in progress at the time of any update are governed by the terms in force at the date the commission agreement was signed.

11. Warranty Disclaimer

Except as expressly stated in Section 6 (Quality and Defects), the website and our services are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. We make no warranty regarding the fitness of a blade for any particular purpose beyond its design specification. We are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use, misuse, or storage of any blade we produce.

12. Intellectual Property

All photography, designs, technical drawings, and documentation related to your commission remain the intellectual property of Abyssal Moon Thread. You may not reproduce, distribute, or display these materials without our permission. You may share a photograph of your own commission for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Abyssal Moon Thread, its employees, and its agents from any claim, loss, or damage arising from your breach of these terms, your misuse of a blade, or your violation of any applicable law regarding the importation or possession of swords in your jurisdiction.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court, that provision shall be severed, and the remaining terms shall continue in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with the individual commission agreement you execute and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Abyssal Moon Thread regarding the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions, whether written or verbal.

16. Contact

For any questions regarding these terms: info@abyssalmoonthread.com — 1-2-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074, Japan.