Ryōba kama, Japanese pick-hoe

A double sided triangular carbon steel cultivating hoe or light pick from Asano Mokkousho, of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture Japan. A kind of one handed hoe, sharpened to the two leading edges and a point, best used under its own weight to cut through weeds and break up soil amidst beds and borders, as well as loosening ground and cutting furrows prior to planting. 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. With a head of about 14cm, and an overall length approximately 40cm.