Important notice for certain EU countries - IOSS shipments under EUR 150 Due to recent changes in EU import procedures, temporary shipping restrictions may apply to IOSS shipments under EUR 150 to the following countries: - Austria - Germany - Finland - France - Belgium - Luxembourg - Portugal Shipping availability may change depending on Japan Post and the destination country's postal procedures. Please consider this possibility before placing a bid. Vintage Japanese all-purpose and Yanagiba kitchen knife set - Registered Sakai Takumi Saku and unidentified maker - 2 traditional Japanese knives Offered here is an attractive set of two vintage Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a traditional Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife bearing the inscription "登録堺匠作" and a long, slender Yanagiba knife with an unidentified maker's inscription. These two knives offer an interesting contrast in traditional Japanese blade design. The broad, versatile profile of the all-purpose knife complements the elongated, pointed form of the Yanagiba. Both knives retain Japanese-style wooden handles and dark ferrules. They display visible signs of age, previous use, and long-term storage, giving them the distinctive character associated with vintage Japanese culinary tools. This set is intended for collectors of traditional Japanese kitchen knives and experienced restorers who appreciate historical blade forms, surviving inscriptions, and the opportunity to preserve older Japanese craftsmanship. 1. Japanese all-purpose knife - Registered Sakai Takumi Saku The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife featuring a relatively broad blade, a gently curved cutting edge, and a pointed tip. The blade bears the Japanese inscription "登録堺匠作", which may be rendered as "Registered Sakai Takumi Saku". The inscription includes the characters "堺" (Sakai), a name associated with one of Japan's traditional cutlery-producing regions. However, the inscription alone does not independently establish the knife's actual place of manufacture. The word "登録" (registered) forms part of the original marking and should not be interpreted as proof of any currently valid registration. The blade has a practical, traditional Japanese all-purpose profile, combining a broad cutting area with a pointed tip. Visible age-related discoloration, surface marks, and wear contribute to its vintage appearance. The knife is fitted with a wooden Japanese-style handle and a dark ferrule. Approximate dimensions: - Overall length: 32 cm - Blade length: 17 cm - Maximum blade width: 4.2 cm 2. Yanagiba knife - Unidentified maker The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba-style kitchen knife, characterized by its long, slender blade and pointed tip. No maker's name or inscription can be confidently identified from the available information. The Yanagiba is one of the most recognizable traditional Japanese kitchen knife forms and has historically been associated with slicing fish and preparing sashimi. Its elongated blade profile reflects the distinctive design of this specialized Japanese culinary tool. The blade shows signs of age, previous sharpening, surface wear, and discoloration. The knife is fitted with a dark wooden Japanese-style handle and a black ferrule. The aged appearance of the wooden handle and the slender blade form give this knife a distinctive vintage character. Approximate dimensions: - Overall length: 35 cm - Blade length: 20 cm - Maximum blade width: 3 cm Condition and restoration requirements Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items showing considerable signs of age, previous use, sharpening, and storage. Their condition includes: - Rust, oxidation, and surface discoloration - Dirt, stains, and accumulated grime - Scratches, rubbing marks, and surface abrasions - Chips and irregularities along the cutting edges - Chipping and deterioration around the blade tips - General wear and age-related deterioration - Blade wear and material loss caused by previous sharpening - Dirt, scratches, chips, and wear around the ferrules - Dirt, scratches, wear, and other age-related imperfections on the wooden handles The cutting edges and blade tips show wear and damage that should be carefully evaluated before bidding. Previous sharpening has resulted in visible wear and changes to the original blade profiles. Further sharpening or corrective work may be necessary. The ferrules and wooden handles also show age-related imperfections and may require maintenance, adjustment, repair, or replacement. These knives are not offered as professionally restored, fully serviced, or immediately ready for kitchen use. Cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, and possibly handle adjustment or replacement may be necessary. Please understand that additional defects, hidden corrosion, structural deterioration, looseness, or other imperfections that cannot be identified from the photographs may exist. The precise steel composition, manufacturing dates, and historical provenance of these knives have not been independently verified. All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the photographs. Please carefully examine all photographs, particularly the blade tips, cutting edges, areas affected by previous sharpening, ferrules, and wooden handles. The photographs form an essential part of the item description. Collector appeal This set brings together two contrasting Japanese kitchen knife designs, each with its own distinctive character. The all-purpose knife is notable for its surviving "登録堺匠作" inscription and broad traditional blade profile. The Yanagiba offers a long, slender form associated with traditional Japanese fish preparation, together with an aged wooden handle and evidence of previous use. For knowledgeable collectors and experienced restorers, these knives provide an opportunity to acquire and preserve two examples of vintage Japanese culinary tools. They are offered primarily as collectible and restoration items rather than maintenance-free kitchen equipment. Important: Bidding is strictly limited to buyers who personally possess the necessary knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to perform cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration themselves. Buyers who cannot carry out such work independently should refrain from bidding. Important notice - Please read before bidding No shipping to Denmark, the United Kingdom, or the United States (USA). Bidding and payment Please do not place a bid if you do not intend to complete the purchase and make payment. By placing a bid, you confirm your intention to complete payment if you win the auction. Non-paying bidders cause serious delays. If payment is not completed after reminders from Catawiki, the order may be cancelled under Catawiki policy. Condition of the item All items are vintage, antique, or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. Signs of age, wear, scratches, stains, rust, oxidation, patina, repairs, sharpening marks, and other imperfections should be expected. Please carefully examine all photographs before bidding. Photographs form an essential part of the item description. Please understand that some defects, deterioration, or imperfections may not be visible in photographs. Hidden or non-visible flaws may exist. Furthermore, the condition of vintage items may change during international transportation due to vibration, impact, temperature fluctuations, humidity, or handling. Important: Bidding is strictly limited to buyers who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical ability to personally perform repair, restoration, sharpening, and cleaning as required. Buyers must be capable of carrying out such maintenance and restoration themselves. These items are not intended for buyers who expect fully restored, maintenance-free, or immediately ready-to-use products. Please do not bid unless you fully understand and accept these conditions. All measurements are approximate. Important notice regarding traditional Japanese knife handles Traditional Japanese kitchen knives (wa-bocho) generally use replaceable wooden handles. Wooden handles are consumable components and may experience drying, shrinkage, cracking, looseness, deterioration, or detachment due to age, storage conditions, or stress during international transportation. Even if a handle is firmly attached before shipment, its condition may change during transit. Buyers must understand that wooden handles may require reattachment, adjustment, repair, or complete replacement. Bidding is limited to buyers who understand these characteristics and have the knowledge and practical ability to perform necessary handle repairs or replacements themselves. Replacement handles and repair materials are not included unless specifically stated. Shipping restrictions - Knives Due to applicable knife shipping and delivery restrictions, we do not ship knives to the United Kingdom or Denmark. Shipments to other countries may also be restricted depending on local laws, customs regulations, or available postal services. Orders to destinations where lawful and compliant delivery cannot be arranged may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy. International shipping and customs Import regulations for kitchen knives vary by country. Buyers are responsible for checking whether the items can legally be imported into their country before bidding. The seller ships from Japan with accurate customs declarations. Customs delays, inspections, import taxes, and clearance requirements are outside the seller's direct control. Buyers must cooperate with the relevant customs authorities and shipping carriers when required. Countries we do not ship to We do not ship to the United States at this time due to ongoing international shipping restrictions and related logistical difficulties. Shipping to the United States remains temporarily suspended. Orders from destinations where shipping is restricted may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy. International situation and shipping limitations Due to global conditions, sanctions, transportation restrictions, changes in customs regulations, or postal service disruptions, shipping to certain countries may become impossible. If shipment cannot be arranged legally or through an available shipping service, the order may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy. Important notice for Italy Delivery to Italy may take one month or longer due to customs procedures and postal delays. Please place a bid only if you understand and accept the possibility of extended delivery times. No combined shipping Each item will normally be shipped separately, even if multiple items are purchased. Please contact us before bidding if you wish to discuss any special shipping arrangements. Combined shipping is not guaranteed. Shipping method and delivery time All kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL. Estimated delivery time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the destination, customs procedures, and local delivery conditions. Delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Import duties and taxes (EU buyers) Import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and other applicable charges may be imposed depending on the destination country and the applicable tax collection arrangements. Any amounts not collected at checkout may be payable by the buyer upon importation. Buyers are responsible for checking and complying with the applicable import requirements. Customs contact and buyer responsibility Buyers must respond promptly to requests from customs authorities, postal operators, or shipping carriers. Failure to provide necessary documents, complete customs procedures, or pay applicable import charges may result in delays, return, confiscation, or disposal of the parcel. Buyers are expected to cooperate fully with customs clearance procedures. Returned parcels If a parcel is returned because the buyer refuses delivery, fails to complete customs clearance, does not respond to customs requests, or fails to pay applicable import charges, any request for reshipment will be considered individually. Reshipment may require payment of additional shipping and handling costs, including costs arising from the original return. Any refund, cancellation, or reshipment will be handled in accordance with Catawiki policy and applicable law. Force majeure The seller cannot control delays or disruptions caused by war, sanctions, natural disasters, postal suspensions, customs restrictions, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control. Such situations will be handled in accordance with Catawiki policy and applicable law. Important agreement - Acceptance of all listing conditions By placing a bid, you confirm that you have carefully read, fully understood, and accepted the entire item description, all photographs, condition disclosures, shipping restrictions, and every important notice stated in this listing, subject to applicable Catawiki policies and mandatory consumer protection laws. You also confirm that you understand the nature of vintage and antique items, including the possibility of age-related deterioration, non-visible defects, and the need for cleaning, sharpening, restoration, or repair. You further confirm that you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical ability to perform such maintenance or restoration yourself when required. For traditional Japanese knives, this includes understanding that wooden handles are replaceable consumable parts and may require adjustment, reattachment, repair, or replacement. Please do not place a bid if you do not fully understand or accept these conditions. These conditions apply subject to Catawiki's applicable policies and any mandatory consumer protection laws.