Hounen “Kazakari” 360 mm Round-Blade Sickle, Laminated Steel, Hyōgo

Hounen “Kazakari” 360 mm Round-Blade Sickle, Laminated Steel, Hyōgo

$60.00

Lightweight Hounen “Kazakari” sickle with laminated steel blade and elegant kurouchi finish, precision weeding from Hyōgo.

EAST WEST TOOLS QUALITY GUARANTEE

We stand behind the quality of our tools with a 30-day return policy
and support for exchanges or repairs when needed. Read the full policy here.

SHIPPING

We dispatch every weekday from Perth.
Orders over $250 ship FREE over $100 for our local legends.
Regular: $12.50 Express: $19.00 Read the full shipping policy here.

PRODUCT CARE

Proper care keeps your tools performing for decades. Read the full guide.

 

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Description

Elegant lightweight weeding in a hand-forged package


Forged in Miki, Hyōgo, the heart of Japanese steelcraft. The 360 mm Hounen “Kazakari” round blade sickle combines laminated high-carbon steel with a light wooden handle for precise, agile weeding. The narrow curved blade slices cleanly through roots and grass with minimal effort.


The blade carries a traditional kurouchi finish, an oxide layer that protects against rust while highlighting its hand-forged texture. Balanced and responsive, it delivers control in close work and a natural glide through soil and stems. Learn more about this tool’s cultural roots in our History of the Japanese Sickle article, or explore related designs in our Japanese Sickles collection.


Maintain the edge with a grooved flattening stone and protect the steel using camellia oil after cleaning. See more edge tools and maintenance accessories in our Japanese Carving Knives collection. Shipped Australia-wide from Perth.

Tip: Work with short controlled pulls and keep the blade nearly parallel to the soil surface to lift roots cleanly.

Specifications
  • Blade: Laminated high-carbon steel (Yasugi Aogami)
  • Finish: Kurouchi black oxide surface
  • Blade length: ~180 mm
  • Handle: 360 mm hardwood shaft
  • Origin: Hand-forged in Miki, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
Maintenance

Wipe sap and soil from the blade after use, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of camellia oil to prevent oxidation. Use a grooved flattening stone or fine waterstone to restore sharpness when performance drops. Store indoors away from moisture.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “kurouchi finish” mean?

It is a traditional blacksmith’s oxide coating that protects the blade from light rust while showing the natural hand-forged texture.

Is the handle replaceable?

Yes. The laminated steel blade is fixed to the wooden shaft by a friction-fit tang and can be re-handled if required.

How do I sharpen it?

Hone the edge using a flattening stone followed by a fine waterstone. Finish by applying camellia oil to preserve the surface.

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Introducing

Hounen Kihan

Hounen Kihan stands among Japan’s esteemed bladesmiths, crafting garden tools that blend traditional laminated steel with modern usability.

Every “Kazakari” sickle comes with meticulous forging and finishing, designed to endure while offering elegance in everyday garden tasks.

Explore Sickles

What Sets Our Tools Apart

Precision Laminated Steel

Crafted with layered high-carbon steel for durability, sharpened to fine slicing control, with a hand-forged kurouchi finish.

Featherlight Ergonomics

360 mm wooden handle gives measured reach and balance without fatigue, perfect for extended weeding sessions.

Heritage Forged Craft

Made in Hyōgo by Hounen Kihan, each tool is borne from centuries of Japanese blade tradition and practical garden know how.

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