Japanese Wood Splitting Axe, Kiwari Ono

A hand forged axe from Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. With a 1.5kg head with a thick and steeply beveled shape, quite narrow from heel to toe. With a straight Japanese White Oak handle, this is designed for splitting logs along the grain — the cheeks of the axe being grooved to help prevent sticking and reduce friction for easier removal, should it none the less become wedged. Like most axes and Japanese tools more generally these are carbon steel and should be wiped dry and clean after use to help prevent corrosion, as well as stored dry for the sake of both head and handle. About 91.5cm overall length, and 21cm from bit to butt.