Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和寿司切・柳刃包丁 堺一文字光秀作/堺政綱

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Vintage Japanese Sushi-Kiri & Yanagiba Knife Set – Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide / Registered Masatsuna – Signed Traditional Japanese Knives

A distinctive vintage set of two signed traditional Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of an impressive broad-bladed Sushi-Kiri (sushi cutting knife) and a slender Yanagiba (sashimi knife).

Both knives bear Japanese maker inscriptions and retain the unmistakable character of older Japanese culinary cutlery.

The large Sushi-Kiri on the left is signed 「堺一文字光秀作」 (Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide-saku). The Yanagiba on the right bears the inscription 「登録政綱」 (Registered Masatsuna), while its traditional wooden handle retains a branded mark reading 「堺 政綱別打」 (Sakai Masatsuna Betsuuchi).

Particularly striking is the contrast between the unusually broad and imposing profile of the Sushi-Kiri and the long, narrow form of the Yanagiba. Together they make a visually impressive pair representing two highly specialized forms of traditional Japanese culinary cutlery.

1. Sushi-Kiri – 「堺一文字光秀作」 – Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide-saku

The large knife on the left is a distinctive traditional Japanese Sushi-Kiri, or sushi cutting knife.

The blade bears the inscription:

「堺一文字光秀作」
Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide-saku

The blade has a particularly striking profile, with substantial height, a very broad cutting surface and a characteristic truncated upper tip. Its large dimensions give the knife a strong visual presence quite unlike an ordinary Japanese kitchen knife.

Sushi-Kiri knives are specialized Japanese culinary knives traditionally associated with cutting prepared sushi, including rolled and pressed forms. Their broad and deep blades make them one of the more visually distinctive forms within traditional Japanese cutlery.

This example is particularly attractive as a collectible vintage Japanese knife because of its substantial blade and clearly identifiable Japanese maker's inscription.

It is fitted with a traditional wooden Japanese handle and dark ferrule.

Approximate dimensions:

Total length: approx. 35 cm
Blade length: approx. 22 cm
Handle section: approx. 13 cm
Maximum blade width: approx. 7 cm
2. Yanagiba – 「登録政綱」 – Registered Masatsuna

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba.

The blade bears the inscription:

「登録政綱」
Registered Masatsuna

In addition, the wooden handle bears the branded mark:

「堺 政綱別打」
Sakai Masatsuna Betsuuchi

The survival of both the blade inscription and the branding on the wooden handle gives this vintage knife additional character and collector interest.

The Yanagiba has a slender, elongated blade tapering toward a pointed tip—the characteristic form associated with traditional Japanese fish and sashimi preparation.

Yanagiba knives are designed around a long cutting edge that facilitates smooth drawing cuts, making this blade form one of the most recognizable specialist knives of traditional Japanese cuisine.

The narrow blade creates an especially attractive visual contrast with the exceptionally broad Sushi-Kiri beside it.

The knife is fitted with a traditional wooden Japanese handle and metal ferrule.

Approximate dimensions:

Total length: approx. 30 cm
Blade length: approx. 17 cm
Handle section: approx. 13 cm
Maximum blade width: approx. 2.5 cm
An Unusual and Visually Striking Pair of Japanese Knives

What makes this set particularly appealing is the dramatic contrast between the two traditional blade forms.

The Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide Sushi-Kiri has an unusually broad, deep and imposing blade, while the Registered Masatsuna Yanagiba has the elegant and slender profile traditionally associated with precise fish slicing.

Both retain important identifying details:

Sushi-Kiri: 「堺一文字光秀作」
Yanagiba: 「登録政綱」
Yanagiba handle: 「堺 政綱別打」 branded mark

The inscriptions and surviving handle branding add to the individuality and authentic vintage appearance of the set.

For collectors of traditional Japanese kitchen knives, the Sushi-Kiri is particularly interesting because its specialized and immediately recognizable form differs considerably from more commonly encountered Deba, Yanagiba and Nakiri knives.

This pair would make an attractive addition to a collection of Japanese culinary tools and is also suitable as a restoration and sharpening project for an experienced enthusiast.

Condition

These are vintage, previously used Japanese kitchen knives and are offered in their present condition.

Due to age and previous use, they show dirt and staining, rust/oxidation, scratches and scuff marks, damage/chipping to the blade tips, chips along the cutting edges, wear from previous use and sharpening, and other age-related deterioration.

The ferrule areas show dirt, scratches, dents, misalignment and other signs of age and previous use.

The wooden handles show dirt, wear and other age-related signs of previous use.

Please carefully examine all photographs before bidding. The photographs form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of the actual condition of the blades, cutting edges, tips, ferrules and handles.

These are vintage used knives and are not offered as newly sharpened or immediately ready-to-use modern kitchen knives.

They are recommended only for buyers who understand the characteristics and condition of vintage Japanese cutlery and who are able to carry out cleaning, rust removal and sharpening themselves as necessary.

Please bid only if you fully understand and accept the above condition and are able to perform the necessary cleaning and sharpening yourself.

A highly distinctive vintage Japanese pair combining the imposing broad blade of a signed Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide Sushi-Kiri with the elegant form of a Registered Masatsuna Yanagiba, retaining its 「堺 政綱別打」 branded wooden handle.
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● NO SHIPPING TO DENMARK,UNITED KINGDOM,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 full intention to complete payment if you win. 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 photos before bidding. photos form an important part of the description.
please also understand that some defects or imperfections may not be visible in photographs. hidden or non-visible flaws may exist.
in addition, the condition of the item may change during transport due to vibration, impact, temperature, humidity, or handling.
therefore, items are sold strictly for buyers who have knowledge and ability to perform cleaning, sharpening, restoration, or repair if necessary. this lot is not suitable for buyers expecting fully restored or ready-to-use items without maintenance.
all measurements are approximate.

● important notice regarding traditional japanese knife handles
traditional japanese kitchen knives (wa-bocho) use replaceable wooden handles. handles are consumable parts and may require repair or replacement due to age, drying, shrinkage, cracking, looseness, or transport stress. replacement parts are not included.

● shipping restrictions - knives
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● countries we do not ship to
We do not ship to the United States at this time due to ongoing international shipping restrictions.
Shipping service to the United States remains temporarily suspended and we are currently unable to accept orders with US delivery addresses.
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Bids from these countries will be cancelled.

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