Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和出刃包丁 源秀康/暁里

Vintage Japanese Deba Knife Set – “Minamoto Hideyasu” & “Akatsusato” Signed Traditional Wa-Bocho – Large & Small Fish Processing Knives with Buffalo Horn Ferrules – Japan

Offered here is a carefully matched pair of vintage Japanese Deba knives, consisting of a larger primary Deba and a smaller utility-sized Deba.

Both knives are traditional Japanese single-bevel fish-processing knives (Wa-Deba) and bear maker’s signatures:

Minamoto Hideyasu (源秀康) – Large Deba
Akatsusato (暁里) – Small Deba

The larger knife retains its original “Hon Mizunogyu-kaku” (本水牛角 / Genuine Water Buffalo Horn) ferrule label, a detail appreciated by collectors of traditional Japanese cutlery.

Unlike modern factory-made knives, these pieces reflect the working traditions of Japanese kitchens. Their surfaces show the natural traces of age, sharpening, and long-term use, providing the character and authenticity often sought by collectors and craftsmen.

The combination of a larger and smaller Deba makes this set particularly appealing. Traditionally, larger Deba knives are used for breaking down medium-sized fish and handling tougher work around heads and bones, while smaller Deba knives provide greater control for delicate preparation and detail work.

The smaller knife features a distinctive hammered (tsuchime) finish, creating an attractive contrast with the more traditional appearance of the larger blade.

Approximate Dimensions
Large Deba – Minamoto Hideyasu (源秀康)
Overall length: approx. 29.5 cm
Blade length: approx. 16.5 cm
Blade height: approx. 5.0 cm
Small Deba – Akatsusato (暁里)
Overall length: approx. 22 cm
Blade length: approx. 10.5 cm
Blade height: approx. 2.9 cm
Condition
Vintage used condition
Age-related stains, rust spots, scratches, sharpening marks, and wear
No restoration has been performed
Sold strictly as found
Suitable for collectors, restorers, and users experienced with traditional Japanese carbon-steel knives
Cleaning, sharpening, and maintenance will be required before regular use
Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description

This set offers more than simple utility. It represents a practical example of Japanese culinary craftsmanship, preserving the appearance and spirit of tools that were made to be used rather than displayed.

A genuine vintage pair for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the history, functionality, and enduring appeal of traditional Japanese knives.
■ 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, rust, oxidation, patina, repairs, sharpening marks, and 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.

all measurements are approximate.

● important notice regarding traditional japanese knife handles

traditional japanese kitchen knives (wa-bocho) are constructed with replaceable wooden handles. unlike many western knives, the handle is considered a consumable component and may require repair or replacement due to age, drying, shrinkage, cracking, looseness, transportation stress, or normal wear.

for vintage knives, handle restoration or replacement may be necessary even when the blade itself remains fully usable. buyers should understand that maintenance and restoration are often part of owning traditional japanese knives.

replacement handles, ferrules, and repair parts are not included in this sale and are not supplied by the seller.

please bid only if you understand and accept these characteristics of traditional japanese knives.

● 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, delivery issues, confiscations, or decisions made 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.

● 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 that have 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 international circumstances, transportation restrictions, sanctions, security concerns, postal suspensions, or other factors beyond the seller's control, shipping to certain countries or regions may become difficult or temporarily unavailable.

if shipment becomes impossible after the auction ends, the order may be cancelled.

● 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 based solely on 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)

import duties, VAT, and any other taxes are not included in the item price or shipping cost.

buyers are responsible for any taxes, VAT, customs duties, brokerage fees, or import-related charges imposed by their country.

by placing a bid, you acknowledge and accept these conditions.

● customs contact and buyer responsibility

customs authorities or local delivery companies may contact you regarding customs clearance.

the buyer is solely responsible for responding promptly and completing any required customs procedures.

failure to respond may result in delays, additional charges, confiscation, destruction, or return of the parcel.

● returned parcels

if a parcel is returned due to non-response to customs inquiries, refusal of delivery, unpaid taxes, or failure to complete customs procedures, reshipping will require payment of double the original shipping cost.

● force majeure

the seller shall not be held responsible for delays, shipping interruptions, cancellations, or delivery failures caused by circumstances beyond the seller's control, including but not limited to war, political instability, sanctions, customs actions, transportation restrictions, postal suspensions, natural disasters, or other force majeure events.

● agreement

by placing a bid, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above conditions.