VINTAGE JAPANESE TOOL SIGNED FORGED IRON SHARP BAMBOO HATCHET NATA AXE
From the saler:
I picked Nata ax up last year while traveling through the old farmlands of Japan. It is a vintage Japanese nata (ax/machete) made of hand forged tempered laminated steel in the same way as traditional samurai swords. It is laminated from two pieces of steel-soft steel on the outside and hard (high carbon) steel on the cutting edge. It is beveled on one side and hollow ground on the back side for ease and precision of sharpening. Made by the master Japanese master blade maker Fujita who forged this blade about 70 years ago and also has a name of a past ower branded onto the red oak handle (see picture 11 & 12). Aslo written in Japanese on the blade are the words, "Teuchi" (hand pounded).
I am told that it was used to cut bamboo down the grain (length wise) and do various farm tasks, though it works great for cutting anything else including kindling. It has an extruded tip to help prevent it from coming out while cutting the length of the bamboo. Despite minor oxidation and some hammer marks on its durable top spline (see pictures 9 & 10) it is still razor sharp and has another generation of life for its next master. It is well balanced with a heavy blade and a long Japanese red oak handle with flaired end making it easy to grip. Other than an aged patina on its Japanese red oak handle and some minor oxidation it is in very good condition.
Measures overall 16" (40 cm). The blade measures 7" long (18 cm) by 2 3/4" wide (6.5 cm). A rare piece of character and quality . Old world craftsmanship for the new world craftsman!
You'll love it, I guarantee it.........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it for a no questions asked refund within 14 days of receipt.
Sailerking and the Shogun's Gallery have been in the Japanese antique business for over 32 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If not completely delighted with any item it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less actual shipping cost. Most items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use. We do not sell items with major flaws without mentioning it in the listing. See photos and descriptions for condition. Returns must be shipped back within 14 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before bidding and we will make every effort to respond promptly. International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, etc. imposed by the buyer's home country.
