Over the years, Japan has produced a wide array of valuable tools. One tool is the Nata, roughly translated as “hatchet.” Unlike the famous samurai sword and exceptional chef knives, the Nata hasn’t received as much attention. TOPS Knives has developed their Japanese-style Nata Hatchet—and it works!
What’s a Nata Hatchet?
People primarily used it as a gardening tool for pruning, removing tree limbs, clearing brush, and handling tasks typically associated with a knife before the advent of power tools or modern tools. The Nata’s simplistic design perfectly complements its functionality.
American Nata Hatchet
The TOPS Nata is a powerful tool that combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with American toughness. The design of the broad rectangular blade maximizes mass along the entire edge, delivering exceptional chopping performance that outperforms most chopping tools of its size. The forward-bend handle significantly amplifies its chopping strength. Unlike many Japanese tools that rely on a chisel or single-beveled edge, this model boasts a standard flat grind on both sides of the blade, providing remarkable versatility and ease of use.
A full-tang knife, the Nata embodies the durability and stability TOPS fixed blades are known for. The thick, ergonomically contoured handle ensures a comfortable grip, empowering you to work with it for hours without fatigue. Furthermore, the straightforward out-the-front sheath allows for effortless carry and quick access—whether at home, on a ranch, camping, or embarking on other adventures, the TOPS Nata is ready for action.
TOPS Japanese-style Nata Hatchet
The TOPS NATA is a robust fixed-blade knife that combines functionality and style. With an impressive overall length of 11.63 inches and a blade measuring 6.50 inches, this knife boasts a cutting edge of the exact measurement. The blade, crafted from durable 1095 steel with a hardness rating of RC 56-58, features a striking Midnight Bronze finish.
The design features a handle crafted from a high-quality blend of Black Canvas and Brown Burlap Micarta, which offers a solid grip for practical use. Weighing in at 21.3 ounces, or 26.6 ounces, with the included chocolate leather sheath, this knife is sturdy and convenient to carry. The sheath features a belt loop for easy accessibility.
Designed by Leo Espinoza, the TOPS NATA is a perfect blend of performance and design for outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike.
MSRP: $310.00
Winter Test
There’s no better proving ground than winter when it involves chopping tools. You get it if you live in the Northern USA or Northern forests! But Asia?
Much of Japan, Korea, and China endure harsh winters and know what’s needed to keep warm. This fact is where the Japanese-style Nata Hatchet shines bright. TOPS did their research, and their Nata delivers!
Using the TOPS Nata, I kept a warm campfire and fed a hungry bio stove in late autumn and early winter. It seemed like a heavy, short cleaver. It’s not. The Japanese-inspired Nata is a unique tool. I always prefer a forward weighted heavy blade for chopping. The TOPS Nata is stout and heavy, concentrating force in a specific area. The Nata is not too different when you understand how a hatchet works.
Always remember the parallel plane in the same way as using a hatchet. The TOPS Nata chopped vertical standing, wrist-thick hardwood rounds with minimal effort. A heavy wallop can be dealt with a short arm movement when choking back on the handle. This method worked while delimbing downed trees from a standing position.
Batoning was quick with this thick, Americanized version of a classic Japanese tool!
For more information, please check out TOPS Knives!
