Kama

A kama was a light melee weapon.

Description
The kama was similar to the sickle&mdash;which is what the word meant in Wa-an &mdash;or a small scythe and bore a strong resemblance to a heavy pick but without the backside peen. It had a straight haft about the same size as a handaxe. The blade had less curvature than a sickle and started out broader at the base before tapering to a sharp tip.

Use
It took special training to use the light kama effectively in melee combat, therefore it was considered an exotic weapon. The relatively long, curved blade allowed the kama to be used for trip attacks.

It was typically used by monks. Unarmored monks could take full advantage of this quick, slashing weapon.