Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和柳刃包丁 堺誠一作別打/源月虎上作

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Vintage Japanese Yanagiba Knife Set – “Sakai Seiichi-saku Betsuuchi” & “Minamoto Tsukitora Josaku” – Yasuki Steel / Gokujo – Traditional Sashimi Knives

An impressive pair of vintage Japanese Yanagiba knives, featuring two different sizes of the traditional long and slender sashimi knife.

Both knives bear multiple Japanese inscriptions, including markings on the reverse sides of the blades. The larger knife is marked “堺誠一作 別打” (Sakai Seiichi-saku / Betsuuchi) with “安来鋼白” (Yasuki Steel – White) on the reverse, while the second knife is marked “源月虎上作” (Minamoto Tsukitora Josaku) with “極上” (Gokujo / Superior Grade) on the reverse.

Their elegant elongated profiles, traditional wooden Wa handles, original inscriptions and visible signs of long-term use give this pair considerable character as vintage Japanese culinary tools.

1. Large Yanagiba – Sakai Seiichi-saku Betsuuchi (堺誠一作 別打)

The knife on the left is the larger and more imposing Yanagiba of the pair.

Its long, narrow blade and sharply pointed tip create the elegant profile traditionally associated with Japanese sashimi preparation.

The front of the blade is inscribed:

堺誠一作 別打
Sakai Seiichi-saku / Betsuuchi

The reverse side is additionally marked:

安来鋼白
Yasuki Steel – White

This additional steel-related marking is an especially interesting original detail. The inscription is reported exactly as found on the knife; no claim is made regarding a specific grade or number of White steel beyond what can be confirmed from the marking itself.

The knife is completed by a traditional dark wooden Wa handle with a black ferrule, giving it a restrained and authentic vintage Japanese appearance.

Approximate dimensions

Overall length: approx. 37 cm
Blade length: approx. 25 cm
Maximum blade width: approx. 3.1 cm
2. Yanagiba – Minamoto Tsukitora Josaku (源月虎上作)

The second knife is a more compact Yanagiba, retaining the characteristic slender blade and pointed tip of the traditional Japanese slicing-knife form.

The blade is inscribed:

源月虎上作
Minamoto Tsukitora Josaku

The reverse side bears the additional marking:

極上
Gokujo / Superior Grade

The combination of the main maker/brand inscription and the surviving “Gokujo” grade marking gives this knife additional interest for collectors of older Japanese kitchen cutlery.

It is fitted with a traditional light-colored wooden Wa handle and black ferrule, providing an attractive visual contrast with the darker handle of the larger knife.

Approximate dimensions

Overall length: approx. 30 cm
Blade length: approx. 17 cm
Maximum blade width: approx. 2.8 cm

All measurements are approximate and have been estimated from the measuring tape visible in the photograph.

Two Distinctive Vintage Yanagiba in One Set

The appeal of this lot lies not only in the different sizes of the two Yanagiba, but also in their surviving Japanese inscriptions.

The larger knife combines “Sakai Seiichi-saku Betsuuchi” with the reverse-side “Yasuki Steel – White” marking, while the smaller example combines “Minamoto Tsukitora Josaku” with “Gokujo” on the reverse.

Together, they form an attractive pair displaying two different interpretations of the traditional Japanese Yanagiba, with distinctly different proportions, handles and blade markings.

Condition

These are genuine vintage, pre-owned Japanese kitchen knives and show clear signs of age, previous use and sharpening.

Please note:

Age-related dirt and staining
Scratches and scuff marks on the blades
Wear from previous use and sharpening
Chips and imperfections along the cutting edges
Chipping / damage to the blade tips
Scratches and dirt around the ferrules
Chipping / damage around the ferrule areas
Dirt, staining and signs of use on the wooden handles
Other age- and use-related imperfections

The knives have not been fully cleaned, polished, restored or professionally sharpened and are offered in their present vintage condition.

Please examine all photographs carefully before bidding. The photographs form an essential part of the description and show the actual condition of the knives.

These are not fully restored, maintenance-free modern kitchen knives. Cleaning, sharpening, adjustment and other maintenance or restoration may be required depending on the intended use.

Please bid only if you fully understand and accept the condition of vintage Japanese kitchen knives and are capable of performing the necessary cleaning, sharpening and maintenance yourself.

With their elegant Yanagiba profiles, traditional Wa handles and particularly interesting inscriptions — “Sakai Seiichi-saku Betsuuchi / Yasuki Steel – White” and “Minamoto Tsukitora Josaku / Gokujo” — this is an appealing pair for collectors of Japanese cutlery, chefs, sharpening and restoration enthusiasts, and admirers of traditional Japanese culinary tools.
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● 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.

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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.
We also temporarily do not ship to Portugal due to logistics instability.
Bids from these countries will be cancelled.

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