Kuwa, Tsubame-Sanjo trapezoid hoe

A hand forged carbon steel hoe from Tsubame-Sanjo, with a longish arcing trapezoid head and Japanese oak handle. These are used with a chopping action to dig, break up, weed, and till soil amidst beds and borders. Proper use is a kind of circular chop and pull to loosen soil - this shouldn't be used as a prying tool despite tempting the shape. Like many Japanese tools these are carbon steel and can rust if left wet or stored damp, and are best lightly oiled if left for extended periods. Overall length is a little over 36cm, and the blade measures approximately 12.5cm by 7.5cm, and 18cm from heal to tip.