Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和出刃・三徳包丁 濃州兼守・正宗

Vintage Japanese Kitchen Knife Pair – Noshu Kanemori & Noshu Masamune – Santoku and Deba Style Knives – Signed Blades – Japan

Offered here is a pair of vintage Japanese kitchen knives representing two different but complementary traditions of Japanese cutlery.

The lot consists of a larger Santoku-style knife signed Noshu Kanemori (濃州兼守作) and a smaller Deba-style knife signed Noshu Masamune (濃州正宗作). Both knives retain their original signatures and display the practical character of traditional Japanese working tools.

Rather than modern mass-produced kitchen knives, these pieces reflect the craftsmanship and utilitarian design that made Japanese cutlery respected worldwide.

Included Knives
1. Noshu Kanemori (濃州兼守作)
Signature on blade: Noshu Kanemori
Reverse side inscription: Noshu Kanenobu (濃州兼延)
Traditional Santoku-style kitchen knife
Approximate blade length: 165 mm
Approximate overall length: 305 mm

The broad blade profile makes this knife suitable for a wide range of kitchen tasks, including vegetables, fish, and meat. The dual inscriptions are an interesting detail and contribute to the character of the piece.

2. Noshu Masamune (濃州正宗作)
Signature on blade: Noshu Masamune
Traditional Deba-style knife
Approximate blade length: 135 mm
Approximate overall length: 265 mm

A compact and practical Japanese knife with a classic profile. Its proportions make it particularly appealing as a collector's piece or restoration project.

Condition

These knives are vintage items and are offered strictly in their current condition.

Visible signs of age, use, and storage include:

Surface rust and oxidation
Scratches and wear marks
Stains and discoloration
Minor edge wear
General signs of long-term use and storage

The knives have not been professionally restored and should be considered collector's pieces or restoration candidates.

Buyers should expect to perform cleaning, sharpening, rust removal, and any necessary restoration according to their own standards.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description.

Historical and Collectible Interest

The province of Noshu (Mino Province, present-day Gifu Prefecture) has been associated with blade making for centuries and remains one of Japan's most important knife-producing regions.

This lot combines two signed examples from that tradition. The larger Santoku-style knife and the smaller Deba-style knife illustrate the versatility of Japanese kitchen cutlery and the practical design philosophy that has been refined over generations.

Their surviving signatures, traditional wooden handles, and evidence of long-term use provide a tangible connection to everyday culinary life in Japan. For collectors, they represent authentic working tools rather than decorative reproductions. For enthusiasts of restoration, they offer an opportunity to preserve and return vintage Japanese blades to service.

Important Notice

This lot is recommended only for buyers who:

Understand vintage Japanese knives
Have experience with cleaning, sharpening, and restoration
Accept age-related wear, rust, scratches, and imperfections
Understand that the knives are sold strictly as found and as photographed

No guarantee is made regarding sharpness or immediate usability.

Please bid only if you are comfortable performing cleaning, sharpening, and restoration work yourself.