キッチンナイフ - Steel, Wood - Japan - 伝統的和菜切り・蛸引き包丁 堺秀一/銘不明

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.

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Vintage Japanese Nakiri and Takohiki Kitchen Knife Set – "特製" / "堺秀一" (Sakai Hideichi) – Traditional Japanese Knives with Historical Handle Markings

Country of origin: Japan
Number of knives: 2
Types: Nakiri vegetable knife and Takohiki slicing knife
Blade material: Metal (exact steel composition unverified)
Handle material: Wood
Condition: Vintage, pre-owned, with age-related wear and imperfections

Product description

Offered for auction is an attractive set of two traditional Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a broad-bladed Nakiri vegetable knife and a long, slender Takohiki slicing knife.

The Nakiri bears the stamped Japanese characters "特製" (Specially Made). Its wooden handle also retains a burned-in marking reading "堺秀一" (Sakai Hideichi), together with a label bearing the words "刀匠手造り" (Swordsmith Handcrafted).

The Takohiki has an inscription on its blade, but the characters are no longer legible because of surface wear. Its wooden handle retains a Japanese label bearing the words "特級品 品質保証 越前特産打刃物" (Special Grade Product – Quality Guaranteed – Echizen Specialty Forged Cutlery).

These surviving markings and labels provide interesting evidence of how traditional Japanese kitchen knives were presented and marketed.

The two knives represent contrasting Japanese blade styles, combining the broad rectangular profile of the Nakiri with the exceptionally long and narrow profile of the Takohiki.

Both retain traditional wooden handles and dark ferrules, with visible signs of age and previous use.

1. Nakiri knife – "特製" / "堺秀一" (Sakai Hideichi)

The knife on the left is a traditional Japanese Nakiri vegetable knife.

Its broad, rectangular blade and relatively straight cutting edge are characteristic of the Nakiri style, traditionally associated with cutting and preparing vegetables.

The blade bears the stamped Japanese characters:

"特製"

This means "Specially Made" or "Special Production".

The wooden handle retains a burned-in Japanese marking reading:

"堺秀一"

This may be read as "Sakai Hideichi".

The handle also carries a label with the words:

"刀匠手造り"

This may be translated as "Swordsmith Handcrafted" or "Handmade by a Bladesmith".

These markings are reproduced as they appear on the knife. They do not independently establish the maker's identity, the manufacturing method, or the exact date of production.

The blade exhibits rust, oxidation, discoloration, dirt, scratches, rubbing marks, and general surface wear.

There are chips and irregularities along the cutting edge.

The traditional wooden handle shows dirt, scratches, and wear. The dark ferrule also shows age-related dirt, scratches, chips, and possible misalignment.

The surviving burned-in marking and label add character to this vintage Japanese kitchen knife.

Approximate dimensions:

Overall length: 32 cm
Blade length: 18 cm
Maximum blade width: 5.2 cm

2. Takohiki knife – Worn and illegible blade inscription

The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Takohiki slicing knife.

Its exceptionally long, narrow blade and squared-off tip are characteristic of the Takohiki style, traditionally associated with slicing fish and preparing sashimi.

An inscription is present on the blade, but it has become too worn to read reliably.

The maker's name is therefore unidentified.

The wooden handle retains a Japanese label bearing the following wording:

"特級品 品質保証 越前特産打刃物"

This may be translated as:

"Special Grade Product – Quality Guaranteed – Echizen Specialty Forged Cutlery".

The reference to Echizen is part of the surviving label. The knife's actual place of manufacture, steel composition, and production method have not been independently verified.

The label is an interesting historical feature, particularly for collectors interested in traditional Japanese cutlery and regional blade-making terminology.

The Takohiki's long blade reflects a traditional design intended for controlled slicing movements.

The blade shows darkened areas, oxidation, rust, scratches, rubbing marks, discoloration, and general wear.

There are chips and irregularities along the cutting edge.

The wooden handle and dark ferrule show dirt, scratches, wear, and age-related imperfections.

Approximate dimensions:

Overall length: 42 cm
Blade length: 28 cm
Maximum blade width: 2.1 cm

All measurements are approximate estimates based on the photographs and have not been physically verified.

The exact makers, manufacturing dates, provenance, and steel compositions of these knives have not been independently established.

3. Condition and restoration requirements

Both knives are vintage, previously used Japanese kitchen knives and exhibit visible signs of age, use, and storage.

Their condition includes rust, oxidation, dirt, scratches, rubbing marks, discoloration, and general surface wear.

There are chips and irregularities along the cutting edges.

The ferrules show age-related dirt, scratches, chips, misalignment, and other imperfections.

The wooden handles show dirt, scratches, wear, and deterioration.

The Nakiri has visible oxidation and discoloration across its broad blade, together with an aged wooden handle and surviving markings.

The Takohiki shows darkened areas and surface wear along its long, narrow blade. Its blade inscription has become illegible through wear.

The surviving handle labels and markings are also subject to age-related deterioration and should be handled carefully.

The blades and handles have not been fully disassembled or internally inspected.

Both knives require sharpening before use. Cleaning, rust removal, repair, restoration, handle adjustment, or replacement of components may also be necessary.

Hidden defects may exist, including corrosion beneath the handles, tang damage, loose fittings, or other problems not visible in the photographs.

Please carefully examine all photographs, particularly the blade surfaces, cutting edges, inscriptions, ferrules, wooden handles, and surviving labels.

The photographs form an essential part of the item description.

4. Collector appeal

This set combines two distinctive forms of traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

The Nakiri retains a "特製" blade stamp, a "堺秀一" burned-in handle marking, and a "刀匠手造り" label.

The Takohiki retains a historical label referring to "越前特産打刃物", although its blade inscription is no longer legible.

These surviving Japanese markings provide interesting visual details and may appeal to collectors studying the branding and commercial presentation of traditional Japanese cutlery.

The contrasting blade shapes, aged surfaces, traditional wooden handles, and surviving labels make this set an appealing example of vintage Japanese kitchenware.

The knives may also be of interest to experienced restoration enthusiasts who appreciate the preservation of traditional Japanese blades.

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Important notice – Please read carefully before bidding

No shipping to Denmark, the United Kingdom, or the United States (USA).

Bidding and payment

Please do not place a bid unless you genuinely intend to complete the purchase and payment.

By placing a bid, you confirm your intention to pay for the item if you win the auction.

Failure to complete payment may result in cancellation in accordance with Catawiki's policies.

Condition of vintage items

All knives are vintage, previously used items, sold in their present condition.

They may have rust, corrosion, scratches, chips, worn cutting edges, damaged tips, surface discoloration, deteriorated wooden handles, and damaged, loose, or misaligned ferrules.

Please note that defects which cannot be identified from the photographs may also exist.

These may include hidden corrosion, cracks, looseness, damage to the tangs, deterioration inside the wooden handles, or other structural problems.

The blades and handles have not been fully disassembled or internally inspected.

The knives are not guaranteed to be safe or ready for immediate use.

Cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, adjustment, or replacement of components may be required.

Important requirements for bidders

Please bid only if you personally possess the necessary knowledge, experience, practical skills, and ability to carry out cleaning, sharpening, repair, and restoration yourself.

Buyers must be capable of performing these tasks themselves when necessary.

If you do not have the practical ability to repair, restore, sharpen, and maintain vintage Japanese kitchen knives yourself, please refrain from bidding.

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

Please examine every photograph carefully before bidding.

The photographs form an essential part of the item description, and the condition must be evaluated with full consideration of the knives' age and previous use.

Important notice regarding wooden handles

Traditional Japanese kitchen knives commonly feature replaceable wooden handles.

Wooden handles may become dry, loose, cracked, weakened, or damaged through age, storage, previous use, or international transportation.

Ferrules may also become loose, damaged, or misaligned.

Even when a handle appears securely attached before shipment, its condition may change during transportation.

The buyer must understand that handle adjustment, reattachment, repair, or complete replacement may be necessary.

Only buyers with the knowledge and practical ability to carry out such work themselves should bid.

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

Shipping restrictions

All kitchen knives are shipped from Japan via Japan Post or DHL.

We do not ship kitchen knives to Denmark, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

Shipping to other countries may also be restricted depending on local laws, customs regulations, international postal procedures, and the availability of suitable shipping services.

If lawful and compliant shipping cannot be arranged, cancellation may be necessary in accordance with Catawiki's policies.

International shipping and customs

Buyers are responsible for confirming that the importation of kitchen knives is permitted in their destination country before placing a bid.

Customs clearance requirements vary by country.

Buyers must cooperate with customs authorities, postal operators, and delivery companies when additional information, documentation, or payment is required.

Import duties, VAT, and customs clearance fees not already collected at checkout may be payable by the buyer.

The seller cannot directly control customs inspections, import procedures, or delays caused by destination-country authorities.

Shipping availability may change due to international circumstances, changes in import regulations, postal restrictions, or transportation disruptions.

Delivery times

Estimated international delivery time is approximately three to four weeks, depending on the destination and customs procedures.

Delivery times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that delivery to Italy may take one month or longer because of customs processing and postal delays.

Combined shipping

Due to the nature of kitchen knives and the importance of smooth international customs handling, each order is normally shipped separately.

Combined shipping is not offered as a standard service.

Returned parcels and reshipping

If a parcel is returned because the buyer refuses delivery, fails to complete customs clearance, does not provide requested documentation, does not pay applicable import charges, or fails to collect the parcel, reshipping will be considered individually.

Any reshipment must be agreed upon in advance.

Additional reshipping costs are normally the buyer's responsibility, subject to Catawiki's policies and applicable law.

Refunds, cancellations, and other remedies will be handled in accordance with Catawiki's policies and applicable law.

International circumstances and force majeure

International conflicts, sanctions, natural disasters, customs restrictions, postal suspensions, and other circumstances beyond the seller's reasonable control may affect the ability to ship or deliver an item.

If shipping becomes impossible, the situation will be handled in accordance with Catawiki's policies and applicable law.

Final confirmation before bidding

By placing a bid, you acknowledge that you have carefully reviewed and understood the complete product description, all photographs, disclosed defects, shipping restrictions, and important notices.

You understand that these are vintage, previously used knives which may require cleaning, sharpening, repair, restoration, or replacement of components.

You also acknowledge that additional defects not visible in photographs may exist.

Please bid only if you personally have the knowledge, experience, and practical ability to perform the necessary cleaning, sharpening, repairs, and restoration yourself.

If you cannot perform these tasks yourself, please refrain from bidding.

These notices do not exclude or limit any mandatory rights provided under applicable law or Catawiki's policies.

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