Masakari Japanese Hand Made Axe By Shigezoku - 122mm

Brand name: Shigezoku(重族)

Smith name: Unknown

Steel: Carbon Steel

Type: In the reference materials I have on hand, this type of axe goes by three different names. It is also worth noting that while the axes shown in these references share a similar overall profile with this piece, their blades are significantly wider.

1:Chubu-Hokuriku Type (中部北陆型，from the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum)

2: Soma Type (杣型, from a renowned tool shop in Kyushu)

3: Kiyama Type (木山型, from the book "The Complete Guide to Blades")

Jigane: Modern soft iron

Blade width: 122mm

Weight: 1800g

Manufacture Era: Before 1990

Additional Information:  This item is unused and in great condition, showing only light surface rust. It is a finely crafted axe featuring a thick, substantial blade, with side-face forging that brings to mind the work of the renowned axe smith Tsunbo (ツンボ). It was originally part of a collection belonging to a retired carpenter in Chiba. Unfortunately, as it was originally purchased from a specialty tool shop in Tokyo, no further details about the blacksmith can be provided.

According to available online records, "Shigezoku" (重族) was likely a Showa-era craftsman based in the Tokyo (or Kanto) region, renowned for forging chouna (traditional carpenter's adzes). While kiridashi knives by Shigezoku occasionally surface, axes forged by his hand are exceedingly rare.

Reference links: http://blog.livedoor.jp/new_alces/archives/30392569.html