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Please consider this possibility before placing a bid. --- Vintage Japanese Nakiri and Takohiki Kitchen Knife Set – "力宗" (Rikimune) / "登録友光特製" (Registered Tomomitsu Specially Made) – Two Traditional Japanese Knives with Original-Style Handle Labels Country of origin: Japan Number of knives: 2 Types: Nakiri vegetable knife and Takohiki slicing knife Blade material: Steel (exact composition unverified) Handle material: Wood Condition: Vintage, pre-owned, with age-related wear and damage Product description Offered for auction is an interesting set of two traditional Japanese kitchen knives, consisting of a Nakiri vegetable knife bearing the inscription "力宗" (Rikimune) and a long, slender Takohiki slicing knife marked "登録友光特製" (Registered Tomomitsu, Specially Made). Both knives retain traditional wooden handles and distinctive old Japanese labels, making this set particularly appealing to collectors of vintage Japanese cutlery. The Nakiri retains a rectangular paper label on its handle displaying the words "特撰ハガネ 力宗" (Selected Steel – Rikimune). The Takohiki features a surviving oval label reading "保険之証" (Certificate of Guarantee/Assurance), together with a metal ferrule and a long, narrow blade. These surviving labels are particularly interesting historical details, providing a glimpse into the traditional presentation and marketing of Japanese kitchen knives. The two contrasting blade shapes illustrate different aspects of Japanese culinary craftsmanship: the broad Nakiri traditionally associated with vegetable preparation, and the slender Takohiki traditionally used for slicing fish and preparing sashimi. 1. Nakiri knife – "力宗" (Rikimune) 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 used for cutting and preparing vegetables. The knife is identified by the Japanese name: "力宗" This can be read as "Rikimune". The wooden handle retains a rectangular Japanese label bearing the inscription: "特撰ハガネ 力宗" This can be translated as "Selected Steel – Rikimune". The wording is reproduced from the label and does not constitute independent verification of the blade's steel composition or manufacturing specifications. The blade shows extensive age-related patina, darkened areas, rust, oxidation, scratches, rubbing marks, and general wear. There are chips and irregularities along the cutting edge. The knife retains a traditional wooden handle and a dark ferrule, both showing age-related deterioration and signs of previous use. The surviving handle label, broad blade profile, and aged surface give this knife particular appeal as a traditional Japanese kitchen tool. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 31 cm Blade length: 17 cm Maximum blade width: 4.8 cm 2. Takohiki knife – "登録友光特製" (Registered Tomomitsu, Specially Made) The knife on the right is a traditional Japanese Takohiki slicing knife. Its long, slender blade and squared-off tip are characteristic of this distinctive Japanese knife style. The blade bears the Japanese inscription: "登録友光特製" This can be interpreted as "Registered Tomomitsu – Specially Made". The inscription is presented as it appears on the blade. The precise manufacturer, registration details, and manufacturing date have not been independently verified. The wooden handle retains an old oval Japanese label bearing the characters: "保険之証" This may be translated as "Certificate of Guarantee" or "Certificate of Assurance". The exact historical meaning and terms associated with this label have not been independently established. The surviving label is an interesting feature, adding visual and historical character to the knife. The knife also retains a metal ferrule, contrasting with the darker ferrule on the Nakiri. The Takohiki is traditionally associated with the careful slicing of fish for sashimi. Its elongated cutting edge allows long, controlled slicing movements. The blade exhibits dark patina, oxidation, rust, scratches, rubbing marks, discoloration, and wear consistent with age and previous use. Chipping and irregularities along the cutting edge may require sharpening and restoration. The handle and ferrule show dirt, scratches, wear, and other age-related imperfections. The long blade, surviving Japanese inscription, metal ferrule, and old handle label make this knife an interesting example of vintage Japanese culinary cutlery. Approximate dimensions: Overall length: 40 cm Blade length: 26 cm Maximum blade width: 2.2 cm All measurements are approximate estimates based on the photographs and have not been physically verified. The exact manufacturing dates, makers, 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 show 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, dents, and other imperfections. The wooden handles show dirt, scratches, wear, and other age-related deterioration. The Nakiri blade exhibits widespread darkening, surface oxidation, and visible signs of long-term use. The Takohiki blade shows darkened areas, corrosion, and surface wear along its long, narrow profile. The surviving handle labels also show age-related wear and should be treated as delicate vintage components. 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. Please carefully examine all photographs, particularly the cutting edges, blade surfaces, inscriptions, ferrules, wooden handles, and surviving labels. The photographs form an essential part of the item description. 4. Collector appeal This set brings together two contrasting forms of traditional Japanese kitchen knives. The Nakiri, associated with the name "力宗", represents the broad-bladed vegetable knife traditionally used in Japanese cooking. The Takohiki, marked "登録友光特製", represents the long, slender slicing knife traditionally associated with sashimi preparation. Of particular interest are the surviving Japanese handle labels, which contribute to the historical character and visual appeal of the set. The "特撰ハガネ 力宗" label on the Nakiri and the "保険之証" label on the Takohiki offer intriguing details for collectors interested in vintage Japanese knife branding and traditional commercial presentation. The combination of traditional blade profiles, wooden handles, surviving inscriptions, and old labels makes this an appealing set for collectors of Japanese cutlery and historical kitchen equipment. The knives may also appeal to experienced enthusiasts interested in the careful restoration and preservation of traditional Japanese blades. --- 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. JAPAN-E-STORE