Kusakari kama, Japanese mowing sickle

A hand forged carbon steel straight bladed mowing or weeding sickle with a straight poplar wood handle from Asano Mokkousho of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. To be used right handed, the blade is set at an angle to be utilised at or just above the ground and drawn towards the body cutting through grass, weeds, or harvest just above the roots. 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 50cm, and overall width 20.5cm.