Recent acquisition - this ancient small (about 12 ounces) hand forged Japanese hatchet with new handle of White Oak from my scrap box. VERY good steel,it has that special ''ring'' when tapped with another metal object. Seller from California told me his Japanese wife thought the characters stamped in the head read "Hon Ryu" (True Dragon) so that's pretty cool.... I really like this little jewel,after a quick touch up honing it'll find lots of uses when light paring/chopping is needed during various projects. It obviously wont be used for heavy chopping,splitting kindling or other rough work,too much risk of damage,I have several other old heavier hatchets for that purpose.
It had a very slight curve like it was not fully dried when fitted years ago but no offset.The new one is almost dead straight,very little grain run out on that piece.Since it has a slight bevel on both edges I decided to stay with the straight handle.
Cool find thistle Hard or soft steel? Regardless, if it's like thier swords, I'm sure it'll take a good edge.
Most likely thinner layer of high carbon ''white'' or ''blue'' steel for edge retention laminated to one or sandwiched in between two layers of softer wrought iron/low carbon stuff for protection & to absorb shocks.
