Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和菜切・出刃包丁 堺和彦/越後玉三郎

● IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EU COUNTRIES - IOSS SHIPMENTS UNDER EUR 150

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
- France
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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 Nakiri & Deba Knife Set – “Sakai Kazuhiko Saku” (堺和彦作) & “Echigo Tamasaburo” (越後玉三郎) – Traditional Japanese Kitchen Knives with Original Vintage Labels

Offered here is a distinctive pair of **vintage Japanese kitchen knives**, consisting of a traditional Nakiri vegetable knife bearing the inscription **“堺和彦作” (Sakai Kazuhiko Saku)** and a Deba fish knife marked **“越後玉三郎” (Echigo Tamasaburo)**.

Both knives retain traditional wooden Japanese-style Wa handles and engraved Japanese markings, offering an attractive combination of classic Japanese blade forms and authentic vintage character.

The Nakiri on the left features a broad, rectangular blade with visible signs of age and previous use.

The Deba on the right has a substantial, pointed blade and retains a distinctive vintage label on its wooden handle reading **“登録越後玉三郎”**, together with an additional label bearing the words **“現金正価”**.

These surviving inscriptions and labels are interesting features for collectors of Japanese cutlery, particularly those who appreciate vintage product markings and the traditional presentation of Japanese kitchen knives.

This set is offered in its present, unrestored vintage condition and is intended for collectors and experienced enthusiasts who understand the cleaning, sharpening and restoration requirements of older Japanese knives.

### 1. Traditional Japanese Nakiri Vegetable Knife – “堺和彦作”

The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese **Nakiri**, characterized by its broad, tall blade and relatively straight cutting edge.

Nakiri knives have long been used in Japanese kitchens for preparing vegetables, including slicing, chopping and finely cutting ingredients.

The broad blade is one of the most recognizable characteristics of this traditional Japanese knife type.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

**堺和彦作**

*Sakai Kazuhiko Saku*

This can be interpreted as a knife bearing the name **Kazuhiko**, together with the place-name **Sakai** and the character **作 (Saku)**, meaning “made by” or “a work of.”

Sakai, located in Osaka Prefecture, is one of Japan's most historically significant centers of traditional kitchen knife production.

Its cutlery-making traditions are especially associated with specialized knives used in Japanese cuisine.

The presence of the name Sakai in the inscription is an interesting feature, although the marking alone does not independently verify the exact workshop, manufacturing location or production date of this individual knife.

#### Blade Design and Appearance

The knife has a broad, rectangular blade with a relatively straight cutting edge and a gently rounded front corner.

Its wide blade profile reflects the traditional form of a Japanese vegetable knife.

The blade surface shows visible polishing and grinding marks, scratches, oxidation, discoloration and wear accumulated through age and previous use.

These features give the knife a distinctive vintage appearance.

The knife is fitted with a traditional light-colored wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

The handle also shows age-related dirt, staining and signs of previous use.

**Approximate Dimensions**

- Overall length: **31 cm**
- Blade length: **17 cm**
- Maximum blade width: **5.0 cm**

### 2. Traditional Japanese Deba Fish Knife – “越後玉三郎”

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese **Deba**, characterized by its relatively broad blade, substantial profile and pointed tip.

Deba knives are traditionally associated with preparing fish, including cleaning, filleting and other fish-processing tasks.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

**越後玉三郎**

*Echigo Tamasaburo*

The inscription contains:

- **越後 (Echigo):** The historical name of a region corresponding mainly to present-day Niigata Prefecture.
- **玉三郎 (Tamasaburo):** The name appearing on the blade.

The name Echigo evokes the long history of metalworking and traditional craftsmanship in the Niigata region.

Niigata Prefecture is well known for its metalworking industries and traditional Japanese cutlery production.

However, the inscription is presented as an identifying marking only. It does not independently establish the exact workshop, production location, steel composition or manufacturing date of this individual knife.

#### Original Vintage Handle Labels

One of the most interesting features of this Deba is the survival of its old labels on the wooden handle.

The main label reads:

**登録越後玉三郎**

*Toroku Echigo Tamasaburo*

This can be translated approximately as:

**“Registered Echigo Tamasaburo.”**

The word **登録 (Toroku)** means “registered” and is presented here as part of the original product marking. Its presence does not independently confirm the current legal status of any trademark registration.

An additional old label reads:

**現金正価**

*Genkin Seika*

This is a traditional commercial expression referring to a stated or fixed cash selling price.

The survival of this wording adds an interesting historical retail detail to the knife.

The original labels, Japanese inscription and traditional wooden handle make this a distinctive vintage example.

The knife has a dark-colored wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

The blade shows visible scratches, oxidation, staining and wear, while the handle and labels also display age-related deterioration.

**Approximate Dimensions**

- Overall length: **28 cm**
- Blade length: **14 cm**
- Maximum blade width: **4.5 cm**

*All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the measuring tape visible in the photograph. They have not been individually verified by physical measurement.*

### Two Traditional Japanese Knife Designs

This set brings together two contrasting forms of Japanese kitchen knives.

The Nakiri is traditionally associated with vegetable preparation, while the Deba is traditionally associated with fish preparation.

**Nakiri – Left**

- Type: Traditional Japanese Nakiri vegetable knife
- Blade inscription: **堺和彦作**
- Romanization: **Sakai Kazuhiko Saku**
- Broad, rectangular blade
- Traditional wooden Wa handle
- Black ferrule
- Approximate overall length: **31 cm**
- Approximate blade length: **17 cm**

**Deba – Right**

- Type: Traditional Japanese Deba fish knife
- Blade inscription: **越後玉三郎**
- Romanization: **Echigo Tamasaburo**
- Main handle label: **登録越後玉三郎**
- Additional label: **現金正価**
- Broad, pointed blade
- Traditional wooden Wa handle
- Black ferrule
- Approximate overall length: **28 cm**
- Approximate blade length: **14 cm**

The contrast between the broad Nakiri and the pointed Deba, together with their surviving Japanese inscriptions and vintage labels, gives this pair considerable character.

### Condition – Important Information for All Bidders

**These are vintage, previously used Japanese kitchen knives, offered strictly in their present condition. They are not fully restored, professionally serviced or guaranteed to be ready for immediate use.**

Both knives show age-related deterioration and evidence of previous use and storage.

Their condition includes:

- Age-related dirt, staining and discoloration
- Rust and oxidation
- Scratches, rubbing marks and scuffs on the blades
- Wear from age and previous use
- Chipping or damage to the blade tips
- Chips and imperfections along the cutting edges
- Dirt and scratches around the ferrules
- Chipping or damage to the ferrules
- Dirt, scratches and chipping or damage to the wooden handles
- Age-related deterioration of the original labels
- Other imperfections consistent with age and previous use

**Please be aware that additional defects or deterioration not clearly visible in the photographs may also be present.**

The photographs are intended to show the actual condition of the items, but they cannot guarantee that every possible defect, including concealed or difficult-to-see damage, has been identified.

These knives should therefore be regarded as **vintage items that may require substantial maintenance or restoration**, rather than ready-to-use kitchen utensils.

Depending on their actual condition, cleaning, rust removal, sharpening, repairs to the cutting edges or blade tips, ferrule adjustments, handle repairs or replacement, and other restoration work may be necessary.

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

#### Essential Bidding Requirements – Please Read Carefully

**Please bid only if you personally possess the necessary knowledge, practical skills and ability to perform the required restoration, repairs, sharpening and cleaning yourself.**

**If you do not have the knowledge and ability to repair and restore vintage Japanese knives yourself, please refrain from bidding.**

These knives are not suitable for buyers who expect new, fully restored, maintenance-free or immediately ready-to-use kitchen knives.

Before bidding, carefully inspect all photographs and read the entire product description, including the condition disclosures and important notices.

**By placing a bid, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and understood the photographs, product description, disclosed defects, possible hidden imperfections and potential restoration requirements, and that you agree to purchase the knives in their stated vintage condition.**

All photographs form an integral part of the product description.

Please bid only after accepting the condition of these items and the possibility that additional cleaning, sharpening, repairs or restoration may be necessary.

### An Interesting Pair for Collectors and Experienced Restorers

With the **“堺和彦作” Nakiri**, bearing a name associated with Japan's historic Sakai cutlery tradition, and the **“越後玉三郎” Deba**, retaining its distinctive **“登録越後玉三郎”** and **“現金正価”** vintage labels, this set offers an attractive combination of Japanese culinary heritage and surviving historical product details.

The contrasting blade designs, traditional wooden handles and signs of age make this an interesting pair for collectors who appreciate the character of vintage Japanese kitchen knives.

**Recommended for knowledgeable collectors and experienced restoration enthusiasts who can personally clean, sharpen and repair vintage Japanese knives.**

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■ 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 your intention to complete payment if you win the auction.

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 photographs before bidding. Photographs form an essential part of the item description.

Please understand that some defects, deterioration, or imperfections may not be visible in photographs. Hidden or non-visible flaws may exist.

Furthermore, the condition of vintage items may change during international transportation due to vibration, impact, temperature fluctuations, humidity, or handling.

**IMPORTANT: BIDDING IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO BUYERS WHO POSSESS THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PRACTICAL ABILITY TO PERSONALLY PERFORM REPAIR, RESTORATION, SHARPENING, AND CLEANING AS REQUIRED.**

Buyers must be capable of carrying out such maintenance and restoration themselves. These items are not intended for buyers who expect fully restored, maintenance-free, or immediately ready-to-use products.

Please do not bid unless you fully understand and accept these conditions.

All measurements are approximate.

● IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIFE HANDLES

Traditional Japanese kitchen knives (wa-bocho) generally use replaceable wooden handles.

Wooden handles are consumable components and may experience drying, shrinkage, cracking, looseness, deterioration, or detachment due to age, storage conditions, or stress during international transportation.

Even if a handle is firmly attached before shipment, its condition may change during transit.

Buyers must understand that wooden handles may require reattachment, adjustment, repair, or complete replacement.

**BIDDING IS LIMITED TO BUYERS WHO UNDERSTAND THESE CHARACTERISTICS AND HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL ABILITY TO PERFORM NECESSARY HANDLE REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS THEMSELVES.**

Replacement handles and repair materials are not included unless specifically stated.

● SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS ? KNIVES

Due to applicable knife shipping and delivery restrictions, we do not ship knives to the United Kingdom or Denmark.

Shipments to other countries may also be restricted depending on local laws, customs regulations, or available postal services.

Orders to destinations where lawful and compliant delivery cannot be arranged may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy.

● INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ? CUSTOMS

Import regulations for kitchen knives vary by country.

Buyers are responsible for checking whether the items can legally be imported into their country before bidding.

The seller ships from Japan with accurate customs declarations.

Customs delays, inspections, import taxes, and clearance requirements are outside the seller's direct control.

Buyers must cooperate with the relevant customs authorities and shipping carriers when required.

● COUNTRIES WE DO NOT SHIP TO

We do not ship to the United States at this time due to ongoing international shipping restrictions and related logistical difficulties.

Shipping to the United States remains temporarily suspended.

Orders from destinations where shipping is restricted may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy.

● INTERNATIONAL SITUATION ? SHIPPING LIMITATIONS

Due to global conditions, sanctions, transportation restrictions, changes in customs regulations, or postal service disruptions, shipping to certain countries may become impossible.

If shipment cannot be arranged legally or through an available shipping service, the order may need to be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki policy.

● IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ITALY

Delivery to Italy may take one month or longer due to customs procedures and postal delays.

Please place a bid only if you understand and accept the possibility of extended delivery times.

● NO COMBINED SHIPPING

Each item will normally be shipped separately, even if multiple items are purchased.

Please contact us before bidding if you wish to discuss any special shipping arrangements. Combined shipping is not guaranteed.

● SHIPPING METHOD AND DELIVERY TIME

All items are normally shipped from Japan via Japan Post.

Estimated delivery time is approximately 3?4 weeks, depending on the destination, customs procedures, and local postal conditions.

Delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.

● IMPORT DUTIES AND TAXES (EU BUYERS)

Import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and other applicable charges may be imposed depending on the destination country and the applicable tax collection arrangements.

Any amounts not collected at checkout may be payable by the buyer upon importation.

Buyers are responsible for checking and complying with the applicable import requirements.

● CUSTOMS CONTACT AND BUYER RESPONSIBILITY

Buyers must respond promptly to requests from customs authorities, postal operators, or shipping carriers.

Failure to provide necessary documents, complete customs procedures, or pay applicable import charges may result in delays, return, confiscation, or disposal of the parcel.

Buyers are expected to cooperate fully with customs clearance procedures.

● RETURNED PARCELS

If a parcel is returned because the buyer refuses delivery, fails to complete customs clearance, does not respond to customs requests, or fails to pay applicable import charges, any request for reshipment will be considered individually.

Reshipment may require payment of additional shipping and handling costs, including costs arising from the original return.

Any refund, cancellation, or reshipment will be handled in accordance with Catawiki policy and applicable law.

● FORCE MAJEURE

The seller cannot control delays or disruptions caused by war, sanctions, natural disasters, postal suspensions, customs restrictions, or other circumstances beyond reasonable control.

Such situations will be handled in accordance with Catawiki policy and applicable law.

● IMPORTANT AGREEMENT ? ACCEPTANCE OF ALL LISTING CONDITIONS

BY PLACING A BID, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE CAREFULLY READ, FULLY UNDERSTOOD, AND ACCEPTED THE ENTIRE ITEM DESCRIPTION, ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, CONDITION DISCLOSURES, SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS, AND EVERY IMPORTANT NOTICE STATED IN THIS LISTING.**

You also confirm that you understand the nature of vintage and antique items, including the possibility of age-related deterioration, non-visible defects, and the need for cleaning, sharpening, restoration, or repair.

You further confirm that you possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical ability to perform such maintenance or restoration yourself when required.

For traditional Japanese knives, this includes understanding that wooden handles are replaceable consumable parts and may require adjustment, reattachment, repair, or replacement.

**PLEASE DO NOT PLACE A BID IF YOU DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND OR ACCEPT THESE CONDITIONS.**

These conditions apply subject to Catawiki's applicable policies and any mandatory consumer protection laws.