Saya Nomi

This is a Saya Nomi I bought earlier this year. These are a somewhat rare chisel, though new ones are still available. This chisel has a paring handle and is not mean to be struck with a hammer. The original purpose of these is to adjust scabbards (saya) for Japanese swords such as katana. I haven't translated the kao/mei (Artist or Blacksmiths Signature) yet, but it is one of the clearest stampings I have seen in a while. I have not sharpened the chisel or flattened the back, it is just as it came. The handle has dried out since leaving Japan in January and now fits loosely. I will remove the handle and saturate the handle in Camellia oil to swell it back.