Sickle
A sickle is a hand tool with a curved cutting blade and a relatively short handle. It harvests or cuts plants, including grain and grass. In usual operation, one hand holds or gathers the stems while the other handles the sickle. The edge may be smooth or finely toothed.
Distinguish it from a scythe, which has a long shaft and is operated with both hands. Regional forms vary, so blade curvature alone cannot establish identification. Tool museum MOT documents sickles of different shapes, dimensions and uses.
For older examples, record the complete blade profile, handle, attachment and any markings. Handles may have been replaced and repeated sharpening can alter the edge. Do not assign a particular farm, smith or production period without evidence. Provenance and comparison with museum-recorded examples are more useful than treating rust as proof of age.
