Μαχαίρι κουζίνας - Χάλυβας, Ξύλο - Ιαπωνία - Κατασκευασμένο στην Ιαπωνία, παραδοσιακό ιαπωνικού στυλ λεπτή λεπίδα, μαχαίρι για καθάρισμα

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, and Portugal.

Shipping availability may change depending on Japan Post and the destination country's postal procedures.

Please consider this possibility before placing a bid.

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Vintage Japanese Usuba and Takohiki knife set - Sakai Kikutaka and Ginza Kikuhide - 2 traditional Japanese kitchen knives

Offered here is a distinctive set of two vintage Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a traditional Usuba knife bearing the inscription "堺菊孝" and a Takohiki slicing knife marked "銀座 菊秀".

Both knives feature traditional Japanese wooden handles and retain the characteristic appearance of vintage Japanese culinary cutlery.

The Usuba is particularly interesting for its additional reverse-side inscription "別打", while the Takohiki stands out for its exceptionally long, narrow, straight-edged blade and squared-off tip.

These contrasting knife forms reflect different traditions within Japanese kitchen knife design.

The combination of surviving Japanese inscriptions, traditional blade profiles, wooden handles, and naturally aged surfaces makes this set an appealing acquisition for collectors of Japanese knives and experienced restorers.

Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items offered in their present condition. They should be regarded as collectible and restoration items rather than fully restored, immediately ready-to-use kitchen knives.

1. Usuba knife - Sakai Kikutaka

The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Usuba-style knife, characterized by its broad, relatively rectangular blade and straight cutting edge.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

"堺菊孝"

This can be rendered as "Sakai Kikutaka".

The reverse side bears the additional inscription:

"別打"

This may be translated approximately as "Specially made" or "Special forging", a traditional designation found on certain Japanese blades.

These inscriptions are reproduced as markings appearing on the knife. They do not independently establish the exact manufacturer, production location, forging method, or steel composition.

The Usuba is a traditional Japanese knife form associated with precise vegetable preparation.

Its broad blade and straight cutting edge are characteristic features of this type of knife.

This example retains a light-colored wooden handle and a black ferrule.

The blade shows age-related surface wear, discoloration, scratches, and other signs of previous use.

The surviving "堺菊孝" and "別打" inscriptions add considerable interest to the knife's collectible character.

Approximate dimensions:

Overall length: 25 cm
Blade length: 13 cm
Maximum blade width: 3.3 cm

2. Takohiki knife - Ginza Kikuhide

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Takohiki-style slicing knife, distinguished by its long, narrow blade and squared-off tip.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

"銀座 菊秀"

This can be rendered as "Ginza Kikuhide".

The inscription is reproduced as it appears on the blade. The exact identity of the maker, manufacturing date, and provenance have not been independently verified.

The Takohiki is a traditional Japanese slicing knife associated with the preparation and presentation of fish and sashimi.

Its elongated blade and distinctive squared-off tip are especially recognizable characteristics of the Takohiki form.

This example has an elegant, slender silhouette that contrasts strikingly with the broader Usuba knife.

The knife retains a traditional wooden handle and a dark-colored ferrule with visible age-related variation in its appearance.

The blade shows signs of previous use and age-related surface deterioration.

The "銀座 菊秀" inscription and characteristic Takohiki profile make this an interesting vintage Japanese slicing knife.

Approximate dimensions:

Overall length: 34 cm
Blade length: 22 cm
Maximum blade width: 1.5 cm

3. Condition and restoration requirements

Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items with signs of age, previous use, 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.
Dirt, scratches, and chips around the ferrules.
Dirt and age-related wear on the wooden handles.
Other imperfections consistent with vintage kitchen knives.

Please carefully examine the photographs, particularly the blade surfaces, cutting edges, tips, ferrules, and wooden handles.

The knives are not presented as professionally restored, fully serviced, or immediately ready for use.

Cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, and possibly handle adjustment or replacement may be necessary.

Additional defects, hidden corrosion, internal deterioration, looseness, or other imperfections not visible in the photographs may exist.

The precise steel composition, manufacturing dates, and historical provenance have not been independently verified.

All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the photographs.

The photographs form an essential part of the item description.

Important: Only buyers who personally possess the necessary knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to perform cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration themselves should bid.

Buyers who cannot independently perform such work should refrain from bidding.

4. Collector appeal

This set offers an attractive combination of two traditional Japanese kitchen knife forms.

The Usuba features a broad blade with the inscriptions "堺菊孝" and "別打", providing an interesting example of traditional Japanese knife markings.

The Takohiki features an elongated, straight-edged blade with a squared-off tip and the inscription "銀座 菊秀".

The contrast between the broad Usuba and slender Takohiki gives the set a distinctive visual character.

Both knives retain traditional wooden handles and the naturally aged appearance associated with vintage Japanese kitchen tools.

For collectors interested in Japanese culinary history, traditional blade shapes, and vintage Japanese craftsmanship, this pair offers an appealing opportunity to acquire two different knife forms in a single lot.

The knives are particularly suitable for collectors and experienced restorers who appreciate original vintage characteristics and understand the maintenance requirements of older Japanese cutlery.

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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

Kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL, depending on the destination and available shipping services.

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.