Shūkaku hōchō - Japanese harvesting knife

An almost culinary standard knife with a very sharp acutely beveled almost rectangular carbon steel blade fixed to a magnolia wood handle, and cedar sheath. From Asano Mokkousho, of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture Japan. Used for harvesting cabbage and similar vegetables, the blade is sharpened such that it can be used with a chopping or pushing action allowing harvesting amidst tight planting without damaging growth that might yet be wished left in place. Being carbon steel these can rust if left wet or stored damp, and are best lightly oiled if left for extended periods. With a blade of about 13.5cm.