Kitchen knife - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和柳刃・アジ切包丁 堺元亀/堺秀岳

● 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 Yanagiba and Aji-kiri knife set – Genki (元亀) and Sakai Shugaku (堺秀岳) / Kikuko (喜久子) – Traditional Japanese kitchen knives – 2 pieces

Offered here is an attractive pair of traditional Japanese vintage kitchen knives, consisting of a long, slender Yanagiba sashimi knife bearing the inscription “元亀” (Genki) and a compact Aji-kiri fish knife bearing the inscriptions “堺秀岳” (Sakai Shugaku) and “喜久子” (Kikuko).

Both knives retain their traditional Japanese wooden Wa handles, black ferrules and distinctive Japanese identifying marks.

The elegant proportions of the Yanagiba contrast beautifully with the compact and practical form of the Aji-kiri, making this a particularly interesting pair for collectors of traditional Japanese kitchen cutlery.

The surviving inscriptions, original-style handle markings and signs of age contribute to the authentic vintage character of the set.

### 1. Traditional Japanese Yanagiba knife – “元亀” (Genki)

The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba, a long, narrow-bladed knife associated with the preparation of sashimi and other finely sliced fish dishes.

Yanagiba knives are among the most recognizable forms of traditional Japanese kitchen cutlery. Their elongated blades are designed for long, controlled slicing movements, reflecting the importance of precision and presentation in Japanese cuisine.

This example features a slender, gently tapering blade with a pointed tip and an elegant, elongated silhouette.

#### Blade inscription

The blade bears the Japanese inscription:

**元亀**

*Genki*

The inscription is clearly visible on the blade and provides an interesting identifying feature of this vintage Japanese knife.

#### Traditional wooden handle and burned marking

The wooden handle retains a Japanese burned marking reading:

**登録商標堺元亀**

*Registered Trademark – Sakai Genki*

The presence of both the blade inscription and the related burned handle marking is an appealing detail for collectors.

The reference to Sakai is significant because Sakai, in Osaka Prefecture, is historically renowned for its traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

However, the marking is described as it appears on the knife; the exact manufacturer, manufacturing location, production date and trademark registration status have not been independently verified.

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

#### Approximate dimensions

- Overall length: **33 cm**
- Blade length: **19 cm**
- Maximum blade width: **2.7 cm**

### 2. Traditional Japanese Aji-kiri knife – “堺秀岳” / “喜久子”

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Aji-kiri, a compact knife type associated with preparing smaller fish, particularly Japanese horse mackerel (aji).

Its short blade, pointed tip and relatively broad profile distinguish it from the longer Yanagiba.

The Aji-kiri is an interesting example of the specialized knife designs found in traditional Japanese culinary culture.

#### Blade inscriptions

The blade bears the Japanese inscriptions:

**堺秀岳**

*Sakai Shugaku*

and

**喜久子**

*Kikuko*

These markings are interesting identifying details that have survived on the blade.

The “Sakai” inscription refers to the historic Japanese cutlery-making center, while “Kikuko” is preserved here as a separate inscription.

The precise relationship between these inscriptions, the manufacturer and the original distribution of the knife has not been independently established.

#### Original-style handle label

The wooden handle retains a label reading:

**堺秀岳**

*Sakai Shugaku*

The surviving label corresponds to one of the blade inscriptions and is an attractive detail of the knife's vintage presentation.

The knife features a traditional wooden Wa handle with a black ferrule.

Its compact proportions make it a distinctive companion to the longer Yanagiba in this set.

#### Approximate dimensions

- Overall length: **22 cm**
- Blade length: **10 cm**
- Maximum blade width: **3.2 cm**

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

### An interesting combination of two Japanese knife traditions

This set includes two different types of traditional Japanese fish-preparation knives.

**Yanagiba – 元亀**

- Traditional long-bladed Japanese sashimi knife
- Blade inscription: 元亀
- Burned handle marking: 登録商標堺元亀
- Long, narrow, pointed blade
- Traditional wooden Wa handle
- Black ferrule
- Approximate overall length: 33 cm
- Approximate blade length: 19 cm

**Aji-kiri – 堺秀岳 / 喜久子**

- Traditional compact Japanese fish knife
- Blade inscriptions: 堺秀岳 and 喜久子
- Handle label: 堺秀岳
- Short, pointed blade
- Traditional wooden Wa handle
- Black ferrule
- Approximate overall length: 22 cm
- Approximate blade length: 10 cm

The contrasting proportions, surviving Japanese inscriptions and traditional handle details make this pair an appealing addition to a collection of vintage Japanese kitchen cutlery.

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## Important condition notice – Vintage collector's items

**These are vintage, previously used Japanese kitchen knives offered in their present condition. They are intended for knowledgeable collectors and experienced restoration enthusiasts, not for buyers expecting new, fully restored or immediately ready-to-use knives.**

The knives show age-related signs of previous use and storage, including:

- Rust and oxidation
- Surface scratches and scuff marks
- General age-related wear
- Dirt, scratches and wear around the ferrules
- Dirt, staining and wear on the wooden handles
- Other signs of age and previous use

In addition, as with vintage Japanese kitchen knives, further deterioration may be present, including edge damage, tip damage, sharpening wear, looseness of the handles or ferrules, or other age-related defects.

These additional possibilities are not represented as individually verified defects.

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

Photographs cannot necessarily reveal every imperfection, including possible structural deterioration, hidden corrosion or looseness of components.

The absence of a clearly visible defect in the photographs does not guarantee that the relevant part is free from damage.

### Restoration, sharpening and cleaning requirements

**Both knives should be treated as vintage collector's items that may require cleaning, sharpening, repair or restoration before any practical use.**

Depending on their actual condition, necessary work may include:

- Cleaning the blades and handles
- Rust and oxidation treatment
- Sharpening and cutting-edge adjustment
- Repairing chipped or damaged edges or tips, if present
- Inspecting and adjusting the ferrules
- Repairing, refitting or replacing deteriorated wooden handles
- Other maintenance appropriate to traditional Japanese knives

Traditional Japanese wooden handles are consumable components and may eventually require repair or replacement.

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 the knowledge, experience, practical skills and ability necessary to clean, sharpen, repair and restore vintage Japanese kitchen knives yourself.**

**If you are unfamiliar with the characteristics and deterioration of vintage Japanese knives, or cannot personally perform the necessary cleaning, sharpening, repairs and restoration, please refrain from bidding.**

These knives are not suitable for buyers who expect:

- New or nearly new condition
- Fully restored or professionally serviced knives
- Completely flawless blades, handles or ferrules
- Maintenance-free ownership
- Guaranteed immediate cutting performance

**Please do not bid if you are unwilling to accept the disclosed condition, the possibility of hidden defects or the potential need for restoration work.**

### Confirmation 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 signs of age, the possibility of defects not visible in the photographs and the potential need for cleaning, sharpening, repairs or restoration.**

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

All photographs form an integral part of the description. Please inspect them carefully before bidding.

**If you cannot personally assess, clean, sharpen, repair and restore vintage Japanese knives, please refrain from bidding.**

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### A distinctive vintage Japanese knife pair

This set combines a graceful **“元亀” Yanagiba** and a compact **“堺秀岳 / 喜久子” Aji-kiri**, offering two contrasting examples of traditional Japanese fish-preparation knife designs.

The Japanese blade inscriptions, burned handle marking, surviving product label and traditional wooden handles add character and collectible interest.

**Recommended for experienced collectors and restoration enthusiasts who appreciate traditional Japanese cutlery and are personally capable of carrying out any necessary maintenance or restoration.**

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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.