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, and 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 Usuba and Aji-kiri kitchen knife set - Sakai Shugaku, Kikuko and Mitsu - 2 traditional Japanese knives - Japan Offered here is a distinctive set of two vintage Japanese kitchen knives bearing the name "堺秀岳" (Sakai Shugaku). The set consists of a traditional Usuba vegetable knife with the inscriptions "堺秀岳 喜久子" and a compact Aji-kiri knife with the inscriptions "堺秀岳 みつ". Both knives retain old labels on their wooden handles bearing the name "堺秀岳". The shared name and matching handle labels make this an especially interesting pairing for collectors of vintage Japanese kitchen knives. Although they carry related markings, the two knives have very different blade profiles and traditional culinary purposes. The Usuba features a broad, relatively straight-edged blade associated with precise vegetable preparation, while the Aji-kiri has a shorter, pointed blade traditionally associated with preparing small fish. Their surviving inscriptions, matching handle labels, traditional Japanese blade shapes, and naturally aged surfaces contribute to their collectible character. Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items offered in their present condition as collectibles and restoration projects rather than fully restored, immediately ready-to-use kitchen equipment. 1. Usuba knife - Sakai Shugaku, Kikuko The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Usuba-style vegetable knife, distinguished by its broad blade, relatively straight cutting edge, and squared-off tip. The blade bears the Japanese inscriptions: "堺秀岳 喜久子" The name "堺秀岳" may be rendered as "Sakai Shugaku", while "喜久子" may be read as "Kikuko". These inscriptions are reproduced as they appear on the blade. The exact historical relationship between the markings, the manufacturer, and the production period has not been independently established. The characters "堺" refer to Sakai, a Japanese city historically associated with traditional cutlery production. However, the inscription alone does not independently verify the knife's manufacturing location. The Usuba is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife form associated with precise vegetable preparation and cutting techniques. Its broad blade and relatively straight cutting edge distinguish it from the smaller Aji-kiri included in this set. The knife retains a dark-colored wooden Japanese-style handle and a black ferrule. An old rectangular label on the handle bears the name: "堺秀岳" This surviving label is an attractive historical detail and complements the inscription on the blade. The blade displays signs of age and previous use, including surface discoloration, oxidation, scratches, and wear. The combination of its traditional Usuba blade profile, Japanese inscriptions, and surviving handle label makes this a distinctive vintage knife for collectors interested in traditional Japanese cutlery. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 33 cm Blade length: 18 cm Maximum blade width: 4.3 cm 2. Aji-kiri knife - Sakai Shugaku, Mitsu The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Aji-kiri-style kitchen knife, featuring a compact blade and a pointed tip. The blade bears the Japanese inscriptions: "堺秀岳 みつ" The name "堺秀岳" may be rendered as "Sakai Shugaku", while "みつ" may be read as "Mitsu". The inscriptions are reproduced as marked on the knife. The exact manufacturer, manufacturing date, and historical provenance have not been independently verified. The Aji-kiri is a traditional Japanese knife form associated with preparing smaller fish, particularly horse mackerel (aji). Its compact blade and pointed tip distinguish it from the larger Usuba and reflect the characteristic design of knives used for detailed fish-preparation tasks. The knife retains a light-colored wooden Japanese-style handle and a black ferrule. An old rectangular label on the handle also bears the name: "堺秀岳" This matching label creates a particularly appealing visual and historical connection with the larger Usuba knife. The blade displays age-related surface discoloration, scratches, oxidation, and signs of previous use. The surviving inscription, compact blade shape, and original-style handle label contribute to its collectible character. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 25 cm Blade length: 11 cm Maximum blade width: 3.5 cm Condition and restoration requirements Both knives are vintage, pre-owned items showing signs of age, previous use, and long-term storage. Their condition includes: Rust, oxidation, and surface discoloration. Dirt, stains, and accumulated grime. Scratches, rubbing marks, and surface abrasions. General wear and age-related deterioration. Chips and irregularities along the cutting edges. Chipping and deterioration around the blade tips. Dirt, scratches, chips, and misalignment around the ferrules. Dirt, scratches, wear, and other age-related imperfections on the wooden handles. Possible age-related wear or deterioration of the surviving handle labels. Please carefully examine the cutting edges, blade tips, ferrules, wooden handles, and old labels in the photographs. The surviving labels are part of the knives' vintage appearance and may show age-related wear, peeling, or deterioration. These knives are not offered as professionally restored, fully serviced, or immediately ready for kitchen use. Cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, and possibly adjustment, reattachment, or replacement of the wooden handles may be necessary. Please understand that additional defects, hidden damage, internal corrosion, looseness, structural deterioration, or other imperfections that cannot be identified from the photographs may exist. The precise steel composition, manufacturing dates, and historical provenance of these knives have not been independently verified. All dimensions are approximate estimates based on the photographs. Please carefully examine all photographs before bidding. The photographs form an essential part of the item description. Collector appeal This set is particularly interesting because both knives share the "堺秀岳" name and retain matching labels on their wooden handles. The Usuba bears the additional inscription "喜久子" and features a broad, traditional vegetable-knife blade. The Aji-kiri bears the additional inscription "みつ" and offers a contrasting compact blade profile associated with small-fish preparation. Together, the two knives illustrate the variety of traditional Japanese kitchen knife forms while preserving related historical markings. The matching labels and different blade designs make this an attractive pairing for collectors of Japanese culinary tools and experienced restorers. Both knives are offered primarily as vintage collectibles and restoration projects rather than maintenance-free kitchen equipment. Important: Bidding is strictly limited to buyers who personally possess the necessary knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to perform cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration themselves. Buyers who cannot carry out such work independently 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 Kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL, depending on the destination and available shipping services. 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.