Nisaku NJP130 Mikazukigama Japanese Grass Sickle Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Clearing grass
- Weeds
- Harvesting
- Trenching edges
A traditional Japanese kama for clearing tall grass, weeds and bed edges and harvesting near delicate plants, its 7-inch curved stainless blade slicing on the pull and resharpening easily. Trade-offs: it is a bare single-edge tool with no guard, so wear a glove; it cuts only grass and soft stalks, not wood; and stainless dulls faster than carbon.
Pros
- Curved blade hooks and slices through grass and weeds faster and closer than a trimmer near delicate plants
- Lightweight stainless blade resists rust and resharpens easily - low upkeep for a clearing tool
- Long hardwood handle gives leverage and reach for weeding beds, edging and harvesting
Cons
- Single-edge hand tool with no guard - the sharp hook demands careful technique and a glove
- Strictly for grass, weeds and soft stalks; it will not cut woody stems or branches
- Stainless blade holds an edge less long than carbon steel, so frequent users will resharpen often
Specifications
| Type | Curved hand sickle (kama) |
|---|---|
| Max cut | Grass, weeds and light stalks (not woody branches) |
| Blade | 7 in (180 mm) curved Japanese stainless steel, resharpenable |
| Cutting | Slicing/hooking pull-cut |
| Handle | 14.25 in polished hardwood |
| Weight | Approx. 7 oz (200 g) |
| Best for | Clearing tall grass, weeds and bed edges |