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. Vintage Japanese Yanagiba and Deba kitchen knife set - Nara Kikuichi and Minsuke - 2 traditional Japanese knives - Japan This interesting set consists of two traditional Japanese vintage kitchen knives: a Yanagiba knife bearing the inscription "奈良菊一" (Nara Kikuichi) and a Deba knife bearing the inscription "箕助" (Minsuke). These two knives represent contrasting styles of traditional Japanese culinary tools. The long, slender form of the Yanagiba and the broad, substantial design of the Deba reflect the specialized nature of Japanese kitchen knives. The combination of distinctive Japanese inscriptions, traditional knife forms, and visible signs of age makes this an appealing set for collectors of vintage Japanese culinary tools and experienced knife restorers. Both knives are pre-owned vintage items offered in their present condition, with cleaning, sharpening, repair, or restoration potentially required. 1. Yanagiba knife - Nara Kikuichi The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Yanagiba-style knife, a form historically associated with slicing fish and preparing sashimi. The blade bears the Japanese inscription "奈良菊一" (Nara Kikuichi). The wooden handle also carries a branded marking reading "奈良菊一". The presence of the same name on both the blade and the handle is a particularly interesting feature of this vintage knife, giving it a distinctive identity and making the surviving markings worthy of attention. The Yanagiba is recognized for its elongated, relatively narrow blade and pointed tip. This traditional design is associated with long, controlled slicing movements. The inscription is recorded as it appears on the knife. The exact manufacturing date, workshop, and provenance have not been independently established. 2. Deba knife - Minsuke The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Deba-style knife bearing the inscription "箕助" (Minsuke). The Deba is characterized by its relatively broad, substantial blade and has traditionally been associated with fish preparation. Its distinctive shape contrasts with the slender profile of the Yanagiba, making the two knives an interesting pairing of traditional Japanese culinary designs. The surviving Japanese inscription is an attractive detail for collectors interested in vintage Japanese knives and their historical markings. The exact manufacturing date, steel composition, and provenance have not been independently verified. Condition and restoration requirements Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items showing signs of age, previous use, and storage. The reported condition includes: - Rust, oxidation, and surface discoloration - Dirt, stains, and accumulated grime - Scratches, rubbing marks, and surface abrasions - Chipping and irregularities along the cutting edges - Chips and deterioration at the blade tips - General wear and age-related deterioration - Dirt, scratches, chips, and misalignment around the ferrules - Dirt, scratches, wear, and other imperfections on the wooden handles Please pay particular attention to the cutting edges, damaged blade tips, ferrules, and wooden handles when examining the photographs. These knives are not offered as professionally restored or immediately ready for kitchen use. Depending on their actual condition, cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, and adjustment or replacement of the wooden handles may be required. Please also understand that some defects, damage, corrosion, looseness, or deterioration may not be visible in the photographs. Hidden or non-visible imperfections may exist. No independently verified information is available regarding the exact steel grades, manufacturing dates, or historical provenance of these knives. Exact measurements have not been provided or independently confirmed. All photographs should be regarded as an essential part of the item description. Collector appeal This set brings together two contrasting traditional Japanese kitchen knife styles, each with its own distinctive inscription. The Nara Kikuichi Yanagiba is especially interesting for the matching name preserved on both the blade and wooden handle, while the Minsuke Deba adds a different blade form and another traditional Japanese inscription. Together, they offer an appealing opportunity for collectors of Japanese kitchen knives, enthusiasts of traditional culinary craftsmanship, and experienced restorers who appreciate the character and history of vintage tools. The knives are offered as vintage collectibles and restoration projects, not as maintenance-free kitchen equipment. Important: Bidding is strictly limited to buyers who personally possess the knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to carry out any necessary cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration. Buyers who cannot perform such work themselves should refrain from bidding. Important notice - Please read before bidding No shipping to Denmark, the United Kingdom, or the 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 and 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 and 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 kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL. Estimated delivery time is approximately 3-4 weeks, depending on the destination, customs procedures, and local delivery 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, subject to applicable Catawiki policies and mandatory consumer protection laws. 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.