Sickle and scythe are both vital tools utilized in agriculture or farming. They serve the same purpose of cutting grain from fields and have similar appearances. Additionally, they are both used for weeding. Despite their similarities and overlapping functions, there are differences between a sickle and a scythe.
Key Takeaways
- Sickle has a short handle, while scythe has a large handle
- Sickle requires one hand to operate, while scythe requires both hands
- Scythe is more comfortable to use, as it allows for an upright standing position, while one has to stoop to use a sickle
Scythe
A scythe is a tool that enables people to cut through grass and reap grain from fields. It comprises a long handle or shaft made of wood with a blade or knife attached at right angles to it. Some scythes have two blades attached to them, with one shorter blade attached in the middle of the shaft. A scythe can be used while standing upright in fields, as it is held with both hands. Users do not need to hold grass or grain with one hand while cutting with a scythe. It becomes easy to cut away weed and grass using a scythe.
Scythes are lightweight and efficient, and they can be easily stored for frequent use in farming. Scythes with hand-forged blades allow the handle or the snath to be light, making the tool easy to work with for extended periods. Scythe blades must be kept sharp to ensure efficiency.
Sickle
A sickle is a farming tool with a short handle and a semicircular blade. Users must grip the weed or grass in their left hand while making a sweeping motion with the sickle to cut through it. Sickles are handheld, and users must stoop to work through grass, weed, or grain in fields. The inside edge of the curved blade is sharp, and a swing or inward motion is enough to cut grass. The blade’s edge can be smooth or serrated, with serrated blades considered more effective for harvesting grain in a field.
Differences Between Sickle and Scythe
- Sickle has a short handle, while scythe has a large handle
- Sickle has a semicircular blade attached to the handle, while a scythe’s blade is attached at right angles to the handle called snath or snaith
- Sickle is used with one hand, while scythe requires both hands
- Scythe is more comfortable, as it can be used in an upright, standing position, whereas one must stoop to work through grass and weed using a sickle
- The blade of a sickle can be smooth or serrated, with serrated blades considered more efficient for reaping grain
- Both sickle and scythe have been superseded by the introduction of reaping machines
- It is essential to guard one’s legs while working with a sickle or a scythe
