Mini Japanese Hatchet, or Nata, with Sheath

A small hand forged hatchet with a lacquered Japanese Oak handle and a leatherette case. From Asano Mokkousho of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. Heavier than a knife, lighter than a billhook or hatchet and single bevelled for right-handed use, in the garden this is ideal for limbing and pruning this years growth, or else more generally for shaping and roughing out green wood projects and carvings. Being carbon steel these can rust if left wet or stored damp, and are best lightly oiled if left for extended periods. The overall length is about 24cm, with a blade of approximately 12cm.