maybe.. "This is the type of item you wouldn't want your children to be around as it is dangerous" - For this sentence you can use "type" and "sort" (however "type" is kind of more formal) "This vase is sort of, unsymmetrical and the colours have worn off" - you shouldn't use "type" for this sentence as it doesn't make much sense

They are very similar, almost interchangeable. "Sort' I use for things that can be sorted, selected. E.g. These sorts of items. This sort of example, things that can be seen as a class, or as a set. "Type" is used for similar classifications, sets, etc according to my dictionary. I use 'type" for types of people, (their characteristics) such as an angry type of person, a neat type of person. You can also say, this type of thing (class or set/arrangements), Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, Sorry I don't know the exact answer. Examples help, idiom helps.

i thank they mean te same