Help with identification

[mfdugan]

Can anyone tell me what this is?

 

[Square_peg]

Wow! That's weird. I've seen a few hawks and hatchets that use a similar mounting system but I've never seen one with such a small bit. It must be some sort of special purpose tool. The bit is too small to do much chopping without damaging the handle.

I could imagine placing the blade with one hand and then striking the above the blade with the heel of the other hand. But what would the user be chopping?
Very strange.

 

[Steve Tall]

Reminds me of a tobacco knife (or tobacco hatchet):

from http://www.zmultimedia.com/episodes.html?video=0005&TYPE=trailer

 

[Square_peg]

Good call, Steve. Google images finds some tobacco knives that look very similar. I think you nailed it.