{"id":61957,"key":"Japanese_hand_tools","title":"Japanese hand tools","latest":{"id":1270903,"timestamp":"2026-09-14T15:36:33Z"},"content_model":"wikitext","license":{"url":"https://www.appropedia.org/Appropedia:Copyrights","title":"CC-BY-SA-4.0"},"source":"[[File:japanesetools1.jpeg|thumb]]\n\n[[File:japanesetools2.jpeg|thumb]]\n\nTraditional Japanese hand tools accomplish work by relying more on angle of attack and blade sharpness rather than force and weight. A high carbon steel is commonly used that can be honed to a very sharp edge, the head is typically set at a very ergonomic angle, with the whole assembly being lightweight to reduce fatigue.\n\n* Sickle (''Kama'') - While requiring a stooped or kneeling posture, the light weight and extremely sharp blade make this tool my favorite for selective cutting where a scythe won't fit. It cuts well with a flicking motion, with the blade hitting the target in a slicing motion. They are available in different weights and sizes.\n* Hoe (''Kuwa'') - The long lightweight handle and the sharp blade angle makes for an easily adjusted cutting angle from scalping to deep cutting. Combined with a sharp English garden spade to cut the edge followed by this hoe makes very light work of cutting edges for new sheet mulch beds where a formal edge is desired. It is also great for rough working sod in preparation for overseeding.\n* Brushhook (''Yabukarigama'') - This is a great tool for clearing blackberry (''Rubus discolor''). It can be used in a chopping motion, or held level and used to cut canes off at the knees, while a partner rolls back the canes. You can work a whole hillside of blackberry in the time it takes another to nibble at a corner with pruning tools.\n\n<br><br>{{PermacultureInfo|Japanese hand tools}}\n\n{{Page data\n| license = CC-BY-SA-3.0\n| keywords = Tools\n| ported-from = Permaculture.info\n| location = Japan, Asia\n| coordinates = 34° 43' 56.75\" N, 135° 18' 24.96\" E\n}}\n\n[[Category:Tools]]"}