Masakari Japanese Broad Axes - 236mm

Brand name: Maru Iwa - Bomori (マル岩ー房守)

Smith name: Unknown

Steel: Carbon Steel

Jigane: Unknown

Blade width: 236mm

Full length: 950mm

Manufacture Era: Before 1960

Total Weight: 4976g

Accessories: -

Additional Information:  It is unused and in great overall condition, featuring exceptional forging quality. There is some minor surface rust, which can easily be polished out during sharpening.

This piece originates from the private collection of a late Miyadaiku (traditional shrine carpenter) from Chiba Prefecture. I acquired it directly from his descendant, though unfortunately, they only recall that their father purchased it in his youth and have no specific details regarding the blacksmith who forged it.

Judging from its profile and geometry, it differs slightly from typical "中部北陸型/Chubu Hokuriku type" carpentry axes, yet it clearly shares the lineage and characteristics of axes from this region. Based on these observations, it was most likely crafted by a master blacksmith from the Niigata area.

Additionally, on the website of the famous tool shop Mandaraya, this shape of masakari is referred to as the "杣型/Soma style" (Soma-gata). The term 'Soma' originates from the craftsmen who used this type of axe—"杣職/Soma-shoku" were specialized technicians active from ancient through medieval times who focused on the felling, transporting, and rough-hewing of timber in Somayama (state-owned or temple/shrine-owned forests). Also known as “杣人/Somabito”, they were professional lumberjacks highly skilled in timber extraction techniques and well-versed in enduring harsh living conditions deep within the forests.

For the uses and usage videos of this axe, please refer to this website: https://www.bigsandwoodworking.com/hatsurou-kai/