Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Jordan - 日本製伝統的和万能・菜切包丁 別打/力宗

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Due to recent changes in EU import procedures, temporary shipping restrictions may apply to IOSS shipments under EUR 150 to the following countries:

- Austria
- Germany
- Finland
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Shipping availability may change depending on Japan Post and the destination country's postal procedures.

Please consider this possibility before placing a bid.

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Vintage Japanese All-Purpose & Nakiri Knife Set – “Betsuuchi (別打)” & “Rikimune (力宗)” – Traditional Japanese Kitchen Knives
An attractive pair of vintage Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a traditional Japanese all-purpose knife and a classic Nakiri vegetable knife.
The larger all-purpose knife bears the Japanese inscription “別打” (Betsuuchi) on the reverse side of its blade, although its maker remains unidentified.
The Nakiri bears the inscription “力宗” (Rikimune) and retains an original-style handle label reading “特撰ハガネ 力宗” (Specially Selected Steel – Rikimune).
The combination of two different blade profiles, traditional wooden handles, surviving Japanese markings and visible signs of age gives this set the distinctive character of vintage Japanese kitchen cutlery.
1. Japanese All-Purpose Knife – “Betsuuchi” (別打) – Maker Unknown
The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese all-purpose kitchen knife featuring a broad blade, gently curved cutting edge and distinctive pointed tip.
Its versatile blade profile combines the generous cutting area of a broad Japanese kitchen knife with a pointed shape suitable for general food-preparation tasks.
The reverse side of the blade bears the inscription:
別打 – Betsuuchi
Although this original Japanese marking is present, the actual maker or brand cannot be identified with confidence.
For accuracy, the knife is therefore described as having an unidentified maker rather than being attributed to an unsupported manufacturer.
The blade retains a contrasting surface finish, with darker areas above the brighter cutting-edge section. This appearance, together with the visible signs of previous use, gives the knife considerable vintage character.
It is fitted with a traditional light-colored wooden Wa handle and black ferrule.
Approximate dimensions
- Overall length: 31 cm
- Blade length: 17 cm
- Maximum blade width: 4.5 cm
2. Nakiri Vegetable Knife – “Rikimune” (力宗)
The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Nakiri, characterized by its broad, nearly rectangular blade and relatively straight cutting edge.
This classic Japanese vegetable-knife profile provides generous blade height and a broad cutting surface.
The blade bears the inscription:
力宗 – Rikimune
The wooden handle also retains a distinctive label reading:
特撰ハガネ 力宗 – Specially Selected Steel / Rikimune
The combination of the blade inscription and surviving handle label is a particularly interesting feature of this vintage knife.
The label's reference to selected steel is reproduced as part of the original product marking. The precise steel composition has not been independently verified.
The Nakiri retains a traditional wooden Wa handle and black ferrule. Its broad blade and gently rounded front corner contrast with the more pointed profile of the larger all-purpose knife.
Approximate dimensions
- Overall length: 30 cm
- Blade length: 17 cm
- Maximum blade width: 5.0 cm
All measurements are approximate and have been estimated from the measuring tape visible in the photograph.
Two Contrasting Traditional Japanese Knife Forms
One of the attractions of this lot is the combination of two traditional Japanese knives with different blade shapes.
The all-purpose knife features a broad blade with a distinctive pointed tip, while the Nakiri has the characteristic tall, rectangular profile associated with Japanese vegetable preparation.
The Nakiri is especially interesting for its surviving “力宗” blade inscription and “特撰ハガネ 力宗” handle label.
The larger knife also retains the “別打” marking on its reverse side, providing another original Japanese detail despite its unidentified maker.
Together, the two knives offer an appealing example of the variety of shapes and markings found among older Japanese kitchen tools.
Condition
These are vintage, pre-owned Japanese kitchen knives and show clear signs of age and previous use.
Please note the following condition issues:
- Age-related dirt and staining
- Rust and oxidation
- Scratches and scuff marks on the blades
- Wear from previous use
- Chips and imperfections along the cutting edges
- Chipping or damage to the blade tips
- Scratches and dirt around the ferrules
- Dirt and signs of use on the wooden handles
- Other age-related 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 or maintenance-free modern kitchen knives. Depending on their intended use, cleaning, sharpening, adjustment or other maintenance may be required.
Please bid only if you fully understand and accept the vintage condition and are capable of performing the necessary cleaning and sharpening yourself.
With their contrasting blade profiles, traditional wooden Wa handles, original Japanese markings and the surviving Rikimune handle label, this pair offers an interesting opportunity for collectors of vintage Japanese cutlery, sharpening and restoration enthusiasts, and admirers of traditional Japanese culinary tools.
■ IMPORTANT NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING

● 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
due to uk law, we do not ship knives to the united kingdom. due to strict regulations, we also do not ship knives to denmark. shipments to other countries may also be restricted depending on local laws. bids from restricted countries will be cancelled.

● international shipping - customs
import rules for knives vary by country. buyer confirms legality of import. seller ships from japan with accurate customs declarations. customs delays, inspections, confiscations, taxes, or import issues are outside seller control.

● 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.

● international situation - shipping limitations
due to global conditions, sanctions, transport restrictions, or postal issues, shipping may become impossible to certain countries. in such cases, orders may be cancelled.

● important notice for italy
delivery to italy may take one month or longer due to customs and postal delays. please bid only if you accept this.

● no combined shipping
each item will be shipped separately even if multiple items are purchased.

● shipping method and delivery time
all items are shipped from japan via japan post. estimated delivery time is 3?4 weeks. delivery time is not guaranteed.

● import duties and taxes (EU buyers)
import duties, VAT, and other taxes are not included. buyer is responsible for all charges.

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● force majeure
seller is not responsible for delays or failures caused by war, sanctions, disasters, postal suspension, or other force majeure events.

● agreement
by placing a bid, you confirm you have read and accepted all conditions and understand the item may contain non-visible defects and may require cleaning, sharpening, restoration, or repair.