Japanese Vintage Signed Tool Hand Forged Laminated Samurai Steel Masakari Ax

This vintage Japanese Masakari or ono ax was made of hand forged tempered iron probably in the early 1900's by a master Japanese blade maker, using the skills of the samurai sword maker hand forging three pieces of steel - soft steel on the outsides and high carbon steel in the middle. In some of the pictures you can actually see the lamination lines. The blade is beveled on both sides and the handle is made of hard Japanese red oak. The long blade has an opening on the backside to allow the carpenter to protect his hand while doing closeup fine paring work. The backside has a large flat area for pounding. Perhaps the most versatile of all axes. It has been well used yet well loved and is from a period of quality craftsmanship which is seldom seen today. 

Weighing in at about 2 pounds, the blade is 5 1/2" (14cm) wide and the red oak handle is 23" (59cm) long but may need to be replaced. This Masakari ax remains in good condition and with some work will hold a fine sharp edge. An excellent tool for chopping and splitting and carving. Old world craftsmanship for the new world craftsman! A great collectible ax and still very functional. Built samurai tough of samurai steel to last generations!