Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 日本製伝統的和薄刃・柳刃包丁 堺匠作/堺高秀作

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Vintage Japanese Usuba & Yanagiba Knife Set – “登録堺匠作” (Registered Sakai Takumi Saku) & “堺高秀作” (Sakai Takahide Saku) – Traditional Japanese Kitchen Knives with Vintage Sakai Quality Label

Offered here is an attractive pair of vintage Japanese kitchen knives, combining two traditional Japanese blade forms: a broad Usuba vegetable knife and a long, slender Yanagiba sashimi knife.

Both knives bear Japanese inscriptions associated with Sakai, one of Japan's most celebrated centers of traditional kitchen knife production.

The Usuba on the left is inscribed “登録堺匠作” (Registered Sakai Takumi Saku), while the Yanagiba on the right bears “堺高秀作” (Sakai Takahide Saku).

A particularly interesting feature of the Yanagiba is the surviving vintage label around its black ferrule, bearing the Japanese wording:

堺 / 切味最高 / 堺伝統的刃物品質保証

This label, together with the blade inscriptions and traditional wooden handles, gives the set a distinctive Japanese vintage character.

The knives show clear evidence of age and previous use and are offered for collectors, sharpening enthusiasts and buyers experienced in restoring traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

1. Usuba Vegetable Knife – “登録堺匠作”

The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Usuba-style vegetable knife, characterized by its tall, rectangular blade and relatively straight cutting edge.

Usuba knives are associated with traditional Japanese vegetable preparation, particularly precise cutting techniques such as thin slicing, peeling and decorative cutting.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

登録堺匠作

Registered Sakai Takumi Saku

The inscription contains the name “堺匠作”, while “登録” literally means “registered.”

These characters are presented as the original markings on the knife. They should not be interpreted as independent verification of a currently registered trademark or a specific maker's identity.

The reference to Sakai is particularly appealing in the context of Japanese kitchen knives. Sakai, in Osaka Prefecture, has a centuries-old tradition of cutlery production and is especially well known for specialized Japanese culinary knives.

The Usuba features a broad, rectangular blade with a traditional wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

The light-colored wooden handle contrasts attractively with the aged steel blade.

Visible scratches, oxidation, discoloration and wear reflect its history as a previously used Japanese kitchen knife.

Approximate Dimensions

Overall length: 31 cm

Blade length: 17 cm

Maximum blade width: 4.7 cm

2. Yanagiba Sashimi Knife – “堺高秀作”

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba, distinguished by its long, narrow blade and pointed tip.

Yanagiba knives are traditionally associated with the preparation of sashimi and sushi. Their elongated blade profile is intended for smooth drawing cuts through fish, making them one of the most recognizable forms of Japanese culinary cutlery.

The blade bears the inscription:

堺高秀作

Sakai Takahide Saku

The wording identifies the name appearing on the blade and includes “堺” (Sakai), the historic Japanese cutlery center.

The knife retains a traditional dark wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

Of particular interest is the surviving vintage label attached around the ferrule area.

The label bears the Japanese wording:

堺

切味最高

堺伝統的刃物品質保証

These expressions can be translated approximately as:

堺: Sakai

切味最高: Excellent / Superior Cutting Performance

堺伝統的刃物品質保証: Sakai Traditional Cutlery Quality Assurance

The survival of this label is an attractive detail, especially for collectors interested in historical Japanese cutlery markings, branding and presentation.

The wording is reproduced as a historical label inscription. It does not constitute an independent guarantee of the knife's present cutting performance, steel quality or certification status.

The blade displays visible signs of age and previous use, including oxidation, scratches and wear.

Approximate Dimensions

Overall length: 35 cm

Blade length: 22 cm

Maximum blade width: 2.8 cm

All measurements are approximate estimates based on the measuring tape visible in the photograph. Slight differences from actual measurements are possible.

Two Distinctive Japanese Knife Forms with Sakai-Related Markings

This lot combines two contrasting types of traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

The approximately 17 cm Usuba has a tall, broad blade associated with precise vegetable preparation.

The approximately 22 cm Yanagiba has a long, narrow blade associated with slicing fish for sashimi.

Their surviving Japanese markings are particularly interesting.

Usuba – Left

Blade inscription: 登録堺匠作

Romanized identification: Registered Sakai Takumi Saku

Broad, rectangular blade

Light-colored wooden Wa handle

Black ferrule

Yanagiba – Right

Blade inscription: 堺高秀作

Romanized identification: Sakai Takahide Saku

Vintage ferrule label: 堺 / 切味最高 / 堺伝統的刃物品質保証

Long, slender blade with pointed tip

Dark wooden Wa handle

Black ferrule

The combination of two Sakai-related inscriptions, contrasting traditional blade profiles and the surviving vintage quality-assurance label makes this set particularly appealing.

The knives retain visible traces of their previous use rather than presenting the appearance of fully restored modern cutlery.

Condition – Important Information for Bidders

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

Their condition includes:

Age-related dirt, staining and discoloration

Rust and oxidation

Scratches, rubbing marks and scuffs on the blades

Chipping or damage to the blade tips

Chips and imperfections along the cutting edges

Wear from age and previous use

Dirt around the ferrules

Chips and other damage to the ferrule areas

Dirt and signs of previous use on the wooden handles

Other age-related and use-related imperfections

The vintage label on the Yanagiba ferrule also shows signs of age and should be handled carefully.

The knives are offered in their present vintage condition and may require cleaning, sharpening, maintenance or restoration.

Please examine all photographs carefully before bidding. The photographs form an essential part of the description and show the actual condition of the blades, cutting edges, tips, ferrules, wooden handles, inscriptions and surviving label.

These are vintage working knives rather than fully restored or maintenance-free modern kitchen knives.

Depending on their condition and intended use, cleaning, rust removal, sharpening, maintenance or repair of the ferrules and handles, and other restoration work may be necessary before practical use.

Traditional Japanese wooden handles are replaceable components. Age-related drying, shrinkage, looseness or cracking may require adjustment, repair or replacement.

Please bid only if you fully understand and accept the vintage condition—including dirt, rust, scratches, tip damage, edge chipping, wear, ferrule chips and other imperfections, and handle wear—and are capable of carrying out the necessary cleaning, sharpening and repair or restoration yourself.

An Appealing Pair for Collectors and Restoration Enthusiasts

With the “登録堺匠作” Usuba and the “堺高秀作” Yanagiba, retaining its vintage “堺 / 切味最高 / 堺伝統的刃物品質保証” ferrule label, this set offers an attractive combination of traditional Japanese knife forms and surviving historical markings.

An interesting pair for collectors of vintage Japanese cutlery, sharpening and restoration enthusiasts, and admirers of traditional Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
■ 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.