Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 日本製伝統的和菜切・小出刃包丁 玉千代/江戸菊水

● 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
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Portugal

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 & Ko-Deba knife set – “Tamachiyo” (玉千代) and “Edo Kikusui” (江戸菊水) – Traditional Japanese kitchen knives – Collector's restoration set

Offered here is an interesting pair of vintage Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a traditional Nakiri vegetable knife bearing the inscription **“玉千代” (Tamachiyo)** and a small traditional Deba knife bearing the inscription **“江戸菊水” (Edo Kikusui)**.

Both knives feature traditional Japanese wooden Wa handles with black ferrules and retain visible evidence of age, previous use and long-term storage.

The Nakiri has a distinctive broad blade with a relatively straight cutting edge, while the Ko-Deba features a compact, pointed blade traditionally associated with preparing smaller fish.

The two different blade profiles offer an interesting combination of traditional Japanese culinary knife designs.

The engraved Japanese inscriptions, aged wooden handles and surviving traces of an old product label give these knives a distinctive vintage appearance.

**This set is offered specifically for collectors and experienced restoration enthusiasts. Both knives require careful condition assessment and may need significant cleaning, sharpening, repairs or restoration.**

### 1. Traditional Japanese Nakiri vegetable knife – “玉千代”

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

Nakiri knives have long been associated with Japanese vegetable preparation and are traditionally used for chopping, slicing and finely cutting vegetables.

Their broad blade shape is one of the most recognizable forms in Japanese kitchen cutlery.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

**玉千代**

*Tamachiyo*

The inscription is an interesting surviving identifying mark on this vintage knife.

The exact maker, manufacturing workshop and production date have not been independently verified.

#### Blade design and appearance

The blade has a broad profile, a relatively straight cutting edge and a slightly angled front section.

Its metal surface displays numerous signs of previous use, including scratches, rubbing marks, discoloration and areas of oxidation.

The visible grinding and polishing marks, together with the aged surface, give the knife a distinctive vintage character.

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

The wooden handle shows noticeable aging, including dirt, staining and deterioration.

The handle and ferrule should be carefully inspected and may require repair, adjustment or replacement.

**Approximate dimensions**

- Overall length: **29 cm**
- Blade length: **16 cm**
- Maximum blade width: **4.0 cm**

### 2. Traditional Japanese Ko-Deba knife – “江戸菊水”

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Ko-Deba, or small Deba knife.

The Ko-Deba is a compact variation of the traditional Japanese Deba, a knife type commonly associated with preparing fish.

Its relatively short blade and pointed profile are characteristic of knives traditionally used for working with smaller fish and performing detailed preparation tasks.

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

**江戸菊水**

*Edo Kikusui*

The inscription combines the historical name **Edo**, associated with present-day Tokyo, and the name **Kikusui**.

This is an interesting historical-style marking, although the inscription alone does not establish the actual manufacturing location, workshop or production period.

#### Blade design and appearance

The knife features a compact, pointed blade with a relatively broad base and a gently curved cutting edge.

The blade surface shows signs of age, including scratches, discoloration, wear and oxidation.

It is fitted with a dark-colored wooden Wa handle and a black ferrule.

An old, partially deteriorated label remains visible on the handle.

**The label is worn and its original wording cannot be reliably confirmed from the available photograph.**

The surviving label remains are an interesting detail of the knife's vintage appearance.

The handle also shows considerable age-related dirt and deterioration.

**Approximate dimensions**

- Overall length: **25 cm**
- Blade length: **12 cm**
- Maximum blade width: **3.7 cm**

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

### Two distinctive traditional Japanese knife forms

This set combines two different types of traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

**Left – Nakiri**

- Type: Traditional Japanese vegetable knife
- Blade inscription: **玉千代**
- Romanization: **Tamachiyo**
- Broad, relatively rectangular blade
- Traditional wooden Wa handle
- Black ferrule
- Approximate overall length: **29 cm**
- Approximate blade length: **16 cm**

**Right – Ko-Deba**

- Type: Traditional Japanese small Deba knife
- Blade inscription: **江戸菊水**
- Romanization: **Edo Kikusui**
- Compact, pointed blade
- Traditional wooden Wa handle
- Black ferrule
- Remains of an old label on the handle
- Approximate overall length: **25 cm**
- Approximate blade length: **12 cm**

The contrasting blade shapes, Japanese inscriptions and signs of age make this pair an interesting restoration project for knowledgeable collectors.

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## Important condition notice – Collector's restoration items

**These are vintage, previously used Japanese kitchen knives offered strictly in their present condition. They are intended for collectors and experienced restorers, not for buyers seeking immediately usable kitchen knives.**

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

The condition includes, or may include:

- Accumulated dirt, stains and discoloration
- Rust and oxidation
- Scratches, rubbing marks and surface wear
- Wear from previous use and age
- Chips and irregularities along the cutting edges
- Chipping, deformation or damage to blade tips
- Dirt, scratches, chipping and damage around the ferrules
- Possible looseness, misalignment or deterioration of the ferrules
- Dirt, scratches, staining and deterioration of the wooden handles
- Possible cracking, shrinkage, looseness or other damage to the handles
- Deterioration and partial loss of the old handle label
- Other imperfections associated with vintage Japanese knives

The condition and extent of deterioration may differ between the two knives.

**Additional defects, concealed damage or deterioration that cannot be clearly identified in the photographs may also be present.**

Although the photographs show the actual items, they cannot reveal every possible defect.

There may be hidden damage, structural deterioration, loose components or other imperfections that are not apparent from the images.

**Please do not assume that any part of these knives is free from defects simply because damage is not clearly visible in the photographs.**

### Restoration and maintenance requirements

**Both knives should be treated as restoration items rather than ready-to-use kitchen utensils.**

Depending on their actual condition, they may require:

- Thorough cleaning and removal of accumulated dirt
- Rust and oxidation treatment
- Sharpening and cutting-edge correction
- Repair of chipped or damaged cutting edges
- Repair or reshaping of damaged blade tips
- Inspection and adjustment of ferrules
- Repair or replacement of damaged or deteriorated handles
- Other restoration and maintenance work appropriate to vintage Japanese knives

Traditional Japanese wooden handles are consumable components that may need to be repaired or replaced over time.

The condition of the handles and ferrules should be assessed carefully before any attempt to use the knives.

The knives are not represented as professionally restored, fully serviced or guaranteed to be suitable for immediate use.

### Strict bidding requirements – Experienced collectors and restorers only

**Please bid only if you personally possess sufficient knowledge, experience, practical skills and the ability to clean, sharpen, repair and restore vintage Japanese kitchen knives yourself.**

**If you do not understand the characteristics and deterioration of vintage Japanese knives, or if you cannot personally perform the necessary restoration and repair work, please refrain from bidding.**

These knives are intended for collectors and experienced restoration enthusiasts who understand that older Japanese kitchen knives may require substantial work.

They are not suitable for buyers who expect:

- New or nearly new condition
- Fully restored or professionally serviced knives
- Perfect blades without scratches, rust or damage
- Perfectly fitted, undamaged handles and ferrules
- Maintenance-free ownership
- Guaranteed immediate cutting performance

**If you are unwilling to accept the disclosed condition, the possibility of additional hidden defects or the need for substantial restoration, please do not bid.**

### Confirmation and agreement before bidding

**By placing a bid, you confirm that you have carefully reviewed all photographs, read and understood the complete product description and important condition notices, and acknowledge the disclosed deterioration, the possibility of hidden defects and the potential need for repairs and restoration.**

You also confirm that you understand these are vintage collector's items offered in their stated condition and that you agree to purchase them on that basis.

All photographs form an integral part of the product description.

Please examine the photographs carefully before deciding whether to bid.

**If you are unable to personally assess, clean, sharpen, repair and restore vintage Japanese knives, please refrain from bidding.**

---

### An interesting restoration set for collectors

This pair combines a traditional **“玉千代” Nakiri** and a compact **“江戸菊水” Ko-Deba**, each displaying its own Japanese inscription and characteristic blade design.

The contrasting knife shapes, traditional wooden handles, aged metal surfaces and surviving traces of an old product label offer an interesting glimpse into vintage Japanese kitchen cutlery.

Rather than being presented as immediately usable kitchen tools, these knives are offered as collectible vintage objects with restoration potential.

**Recommended exclusively for knowledgeable collectors and experienced enthusiasts who are personally capable of carrying out the necessary cleaning, sharpening, repairs and restoration.**

■ 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.