Japanese or Chinese Polearm ?

[drac2k]

Thanks for your input; that thought had crossed my mind as well.The only hesitation that I have about that theory is that it is extremely sharp on all edges and the lacquered rope binding certainly would have been flammable if it came in contact with fire.The Tobiguchi that I have encountered haven't had sharp edges,however this could be a specialized fire tool.

[kronckew]

Doean't look like a tobiguchi, firefighter's tool, at all.


Most tobiguchi looked like this: More like a spiked fire axe, without an actual axe blade opposing the spike, also note the eyed axe-like socket. some had rings for attaching ropes so that they could throw them on wood/paper buildings uppe floors, the were used to pull down structure rather than chopping them. Note the belt hook.


p.s. - the juji kama yari often has a rattan binding spiralled around the tang area, like the original posted detail photos, which appears to be lacquered black. The one-sided hook would be perfect for pulling a samurai off his horse and poking a hole in him.

[drac2k]

Thanks, makes sense!