The Medieval Sickle

A sickle was the main tool used by medieval farmers for cutting corn. The iron blade was angled backwards from the handle to allow a smooth cutting motion. The sickle enabled the corn to be cut without too much strain on the wrist. The blade could either be saw-toothed or smooth-edged.

Queen Mary's Psalter (c. 1320)
Queen Mary's Psalter (c. 1320)