Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和柳刃包丁 高越 別作 本鍛錬極上/関孫六

和食本職板前用伝統的柳刃包丁 高越 別作 本鍛錬極上/関孫六
Rare Vintage Japanese Yanagiba Knife Set – Takakoshi “Betsusaku” & Sekimagoroku – Hon-Tanren Forged, Wooden Saya, Professional Sushi Grade
A rare and highly collectible set of traditional Japanese Yanagiba knives, crafted for professional sushi chefs and embodying the essence of authentic Japanese blade-making.

This lot features two vintage single-bevel Yanagiba knives, both signed and preserved with their original wooden saya (sheaths), representing outstanding craftsmanship from renowned Japanese makers.

■Specifications

1. Takakoshi “Betsusaku” Yanagiba

Signature: 高越 別作 (Takakoshi Betsusaku)
Reverse inscription: 本鍛錬極上 (Hon-Tanren Gokujō – Fully forged, highest grade)
Blade length: approx. 27 cm
Total length: approx. 42–43 cm
Traditional wa-handle (wood with black ferrule)

2. Sekimagoroku Yanagiba

Signature: 関孫六 (Sekimagoroku – legendary Seki craftsmanship lineage)
Blade length: approx. 21 cm
Total length: approx. 35–36 cm
Wooden wa-handle
■ Included
Original wooden saya (sheaths) for both knives
Traditional protective fit, ideal for storage and preservation
■ Highlights
Authentic Japanese single-bevel Yanagiba knives for precision sashimi slicing
Hand-forged (Hon-Tanren) construction – superior edge retention and cutting performance
Signed by respected Japanese makers
Elegant vintage patina, reflecting age and use without compromising functionality
Ideal for collectors, professional chefs, or serious enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine
■ Condition

Good vintage condition.
Visible signs of use and age (light scratches, patina), consistent with authentic professional tools.
No major structural defects. Blades remain straight and functional.

■ Investment & Collector Value

Yanagiba knives of this caliber—especially signed, forged, and complete with saya—are increasingly sought after in the international market.
This set offers both practical usability and collector appeal, making it a strong candidate for serious bidders.
■ IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING
● NO SHIPPING TO DENMARK
● 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 that you fully intend to complete the purchase and make payment if you win the auction. non-paying bidders cause serious inconvenience and delays. if payment is not completed after repeated reminders from catawiki, the order may be cancelled and handled strictly in accordance with catawiki policies.
● condition of the item
all items are vintage, antique, or pre-owned items unless otherwise stated. signs of age, wear, scratches, stains, or minor imperfections should be expected. please carefully examine all photos and the description before bidding. the photos form an important part of the description. bids based on misunderstanding of the item's condition will not be accepted as grounds for cancellation.
● shipping restrictions - knives
due to uk law and import regulations, we do not ship knives to the united kingdom. knife imports are legally restricted in the uk and shipment is not permitted. due to strict knife regulations and import restrictions, we also do not ship knives to denmark. knife imports exceeding certain blade lengths may be prohibited and subject to confiscation by danish customs. due to local laws and customs regulations, we may also be unable to ship knives to certain other countries. please check your country’s import laws before bidding. bids placed in violation of these restrictions will be cancelled.
● international shipping - knives and customs regulations
the items offered in knife lots are traditional japanese kitchen knives intended strictly for culinary use. please note that import regulations regarding knives and blades vary significantly from country to country. by placing a bid, the buyer confirms that the import of such items is permitted under the laws of their country. the seller ships all items legally from japan and provides accurate customs declarations and invoices describing the items as kitchen knives. however, customs inspections, import restrictions, delays, duties, taxes, or delivery issues caused by customs authorities are outside the seller’s control. in some cases, customs authorities may contact the buyer directly to confirm the intended use of the item or request additional information for clearance. in rare cases where customs regulations prevent delivery, the seller cannot be held responsible for decisions made by the customs authorities of the destination country.
● countries we do not ship to
we currently do not ship to the united states. we also temporarily do not ship to portugal due to ongoing international logistics disruptions caused by the situation in the middle east, which has resulted in returned shipments and unstable delivery conditions. bids from these countries will be cancelled. please do not place a bid if your shipping address is located in any of the above countries.
● international situation - possible shipping limitations
due to the recent deterioration of the security situation in parts of the world, including the middle east, shipping to certain countries or regions may become difficult or temporarily unavailable. if shipment to the buyer’s country or region becomes impossible due to international conditions, transportation restrictions, sanctions, or postal service suspensions, the order may be cancelled even after the auction ends. we appreciate your understanding that such circumstances are beyond the seller’s control.
● important notice for buyers in italy
due to persistent delays with the italian postal service and customs procedures, delivery to italy may take one month or longer. please place a bid only if you fully understand and accept this extended delivery time. once the item has been shipped, delays caused by postal services or customs are completely beyond the seller’s control. complaints or cancellation requests due to slow delivery after shipment will not be accepted.
● no combined shipping
this lot cannot be combined with other items. even if multiple items are purchased from the same seller in this auction, each item will be shipped separately.
● shipping method and delivery time
all items are shipped from japan via japan post and carefully packaged. estimated delivery time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the destination country and customs procedures. delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
● import duties and taxes (EU buyers)
please note that import duties, VAT, and any other taxes are not included in the item price or shipping cost. for buyers in the european union, your country’s customs authorities may charge import VAT or other fees when the parcel arrives in your country. these charges are determined entirely by the customs authorities of the destination country and are outside the seller’s control. these charges are the buyer’s responsibility. by placing a bid, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted these conditions before participating in the auction.
● customs contact and buyer responsibility
customs authorities or local delivery companies may contact you by phone or email regarding customs clearance. the buyer is solely responsible for responding promptly and completing any required customs procedures. failure to respond to customs inquiries may result in delays, additional charges, or the return of the parcel.
● returned parcels
if a parcel is returned due to: non-response to customs, refusal of delivery, or unpaid import taxes, reshipping will require payment of double the original shipping cost.
● force majeure
the seller shall not be held responsible for delays, shipping interruptions, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond the seller’s control, including but not limited to: war or political instability, international sanctions, postal service suspensions, customs restrictions, or natural disasters. in such cases, the order may be cancelled if shipment becomes impossible.
● agreement
by placing a bid, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above conditions.