Whetstone Row ("we", "us", "our", whetstonerow.com) uses a limited number of cookies and browser storage technologies to operate this site and, where you allow it, to understand how our content on kitchen knives and cutlery is used. This page explains what we use, why we use it, and how you can control or withdraw your consent at any time.
What Are Cookies and Local Storage?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites you visit. Local storage (specifically, HTML5 localStorage) is a similar browser technology that allows a site to store small amounts of data on your device, but unlike cookies it is not automatically sent to our servers with every request. We use a mix of both, as described below.
Cookies and Storage We Use
- Consent preference (localStorage) — When you first visit Whetstone Row, a banner asks whether you accept or decline non-essential cookies. Your choice ("accepted" or "declined") is saved in your browser's localStorage under a key such as
wr_cookie_consent. This storage item does not identify you personally; it simply remembers your preference so we don't show the banner on every page load. It remains on your device until you clear it or change your choice. - Strictly necessary cookies — A small number of cookies may be used to keep the site functioning correctly, such as remembering that a page has loaded securely or maintaining basic site security. These are not used for tracking or advertising and do not require consent under applicable law, as they are essential to delivering the site you requested.
- Analytics cookies (only if you accept) — If you click "Accept" on our cookie banner, we load a web analytics tool that sets cookies to help us understand which knife reviews, buying guides, and comparison articles are most useful to readers. These cookies collect information such as pages visited, time spent on the site, approximate location (country/city level), device and browser type, and referring website. If you click "Decline" or take no action, these analytics cookies are never set and no analytics script is loaded.
Third-Party Analytics Cookies
When analytics cookies are active, they are set by our third-party analytics provider, not by Whetstone Row directly. These providers process data on our behalf under their own privacy and cookie policies, which govern how long their cookies persist and how the underlying data is used. We do not sell the information collected through analytics, and we use it solely to improve our reviews, site structure, and content about kitchen knives and cutlery.
We do not use third-party advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or social media tracking cookies on Whetstone Row.
How Long Do These Cookies and Storage Items Last?
- The consent preference stored in localStorage persists indefinitely until you clear your browser storage or manually change your settings.
- Strictly necessary cookies are typically session-based and expire when you close your browser, or shortly thereafter.
- Analytics cookies, when enabled, generally persist for a defined period (commonly between 24 hours and 2 years, depending on the cookie type) as set by our analytics provider.
How to Withdraw or Change Your Consent
You can withdraw or change your cookie consent at any time using one of the following methods:
- Clear your browser storage — Clearing your browser's cookies and site data for whetstonerow.com will remove the stored consent preference (including the localStorage entry) and any analytics cookies. The next time you visit, you will be shown the cookie banner again and can make a new choice.
- Use your browser settings — Most browsers let you block or delete cookies and site data for specific websites through their privacy or settings menu. Instructions vary by browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.), so consult your browser's help documentation for exact steps.
- Decline on the banner — If you have not yet accepted, simply click "Decline" when the banner appears to prevent analytics cookies from being set in the first place.
Please note that because our consent choice is stored in localStorage rather than a traditional cookie, standard "clear cookies" options in some browsers may not remove it unless you also clear "site data" or "local storage" — check that this option is included when clearing your browser data.
Browser Controls
In addition to managing storage directly, you can configure most browsers to refuse cookies altogether or to alert you when a cookie is being set. Please be aware that blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of some features on Whetstone Row, such as remembering your cookie preference, which could cause the consent banner to reappear on each visit.
Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. Because there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals, Whetstone Row does not currently alter its behavior based on DNT settings. Instead, we rely on the explicit accept/decline choice you make through our cookie banner.
Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the technologies we use or for legal and regulatory reasons. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how Whetstone Row uses cookies and local storage, please contact us at [email protected].