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. -------------------- Vintage Japanese Usuba and Yanagiba kitchen knife set - Masumine and Oda - Blue No. 2 steel marking - 2 traditional Japanese knives - Japan Offered here is an interesting set of two vintage Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a traditional Usuba vegetable knife bearing the inscription "升峰" and a Yanagiba slicing knife marked "小田". The Yanagiba is particularly noteworthy for the additional inscription "青二号" on the reverse of its blade and the branded marking "手打丸正特製" on its wooden handle. These surviving Japanese inscriptions and markings add to the character and collector interest of the set. Both knives retain traditional Japanese wooden handles and dark ferrules, with visible signs of age and previous use. The Usuba features a broad, relatively straight-edged blade associated with traditional Japanese vegetable preparation, while the Yanagiba has a long, slender, pointed blade traditionally used for slicing fish and preparing sashimi. The combination of these two distinct knife forms offers an appealing representation of traditional Japanese culinary cutlery. Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items and are offered in their present condition, with cleaning, sharpening, repair, or restoration potentially required. 1. Usuba knife - Masumine The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Usuba-style vegetable knife. The blade bears the Japanese inscription: "升峰" This may be read as "Masumine". The inscription is reproduced as it appears on the blade. The exact maker, manufacturing date, and historical provenance have not been independently verified. The Usuba features a broad, rectangular blade with a relatively straight cutting edge and a squared-off tip. This traditional blade form is associated with vegetable preparation and specialized Japanese cutting techniques. The knife retains a wooden Japanese-style handle and a dark ferrule. The wooden handle also bears a handwritten name belonging to a previous owner. This previous-owner marking is part of the knife's present condition and has been retained rather than removed. The blade shows signs of age and use, including surface oxidation, scratches, wear, and imperfections along the cutting edge and tip. The handle and ferrule also show dirt, scratches, and age-related deterioration. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 28 cm Blade length: 15 cm Maximum blade width: 3.6 cm 2. Yanagiba knife - Oda The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba slicing knife. The blade bears the Japanese inscription: "小田" This may be read as "Oda". The reverse of the blade is additionally marked: "青二号" This inscription refers to Blue No. 2 steel, a traditional Japanese high-carbon cutlery steel designation. However, the inscription is presented as a marking found on the knife; the actual steel composition has not been independently tested or verified. The wooden handle bears the branded marking: "手打丸正特製" This can be interpreted as a traditional marking referring to "hand-forged" and a specially selected product associated with the name Marushō. The marking is reproduced for identification and historical interest. It does not independently establish the manufacturing method or maker. The Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese slicing knife, recognizable by its long, narrow blade and pointed tip. Its characteristic shape is associated with slicing fish and preparing sashimi. The present example retains a traditional wooden handle and dark ferrule. The blade shows age-related oxidation, scratches, surface wear, and imperfections at the cutting edge and tip. The ferrule and wooden handle also show signs of age, including dirt, scratches, chips, and possible misalignment. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 32 cm Blade length: 19 cm Maximum blade width: 2.6 cm 3. Condition and restoration requirements Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items showing signs of age, previous use, and storage. Their condition includes: Rust, oxidation, dirt, and surface discoloration. Scratches, rubbing marks, and other surface damage. General wear and deterioration. Chips and irregularities along the cutting edges. Chipping and wear at the blade tips. Dirt, scratches, chips, and misalignment around the ferrules. Dirt, scratches, and other age-related wear on the wooden handles. A handwritten previous-owner name on the Usuba handle. Other imperfections associated with age, previous use, and storage. Please carefully examine all photographs, especially the blade surfaces, cutting edges, tips, ferrules, wooden handles, and inscriptions. Both knives require sharpening before use. Additional cleaning, repair, restoration, adjustment, or replacement of wooden handles may also be necessary. Neither knife is offered as professionally restored, fully serviced, or immediately ready for kitchen use. Please understand that hidden or non-visible defects may exist, including internal corrosion, looseness, deterioration, structural problems, or other imperfections that cannot be identified from the photographs alone. The precise manufacturing dates, historical provenance, and steel compositions have not been independently verified. All measurements are approximate estimates based on the photographs. 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 independently carry out such work should refrain from bidding. 4. Collector appeal This set offers an attractive combination of two different traditional Japanese kitchen knife styles. The Usuba features a broad, rectangular blade bearing the "升峰" inscription, together with a traditional wooden handle carrying a handwritten previous-owner name. The Yanagiba is particularly interesting for its "小田" blade inscription, the reverse-side "青二号" marking, and the branded "手打丸正特製" inscription on its wooden handle. These surviving markings provide distinctive details for collectors interested in Japanese cutlery history, traditional blade inscriptions, and vintage kitchen tools. The contrasting forms of the broad Usuba and slender Yanagiba also make the set visually appealing. Both knives retain the character of old Japanese culinary tools, including visible signs of age and previous use. This set is especially suitable for collectors and experienced restorers who appreciate traditional Japanese knife designs and have the knowledge and practical ability to maintain or restore vintage cutlery themselves. -------------------- 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.