Sickles

In most American mail-order catalogues sickles are presented as grass-cutting tools for "all those hard to get places". This is NOT the case here; Read note 1.

We recommend the sickle primarily as a cereal harvesting tool. (Read more - note 2) Secondarily, it is useful for selective cutting of wild herbs (for medicinal or diet-supplement purposes).

Given the considerations explained in the notes above, we've expanded our sickle selection. It does not match the diversity we offer in models of scythe blades - but these four options should fill most needs. Here you see their relative shapes and sizes.

Number 1 (the only serrated) and #3 are from Italy, #2 from Turkey, and #4 is old production of Germany.

Because the teeth on serrated sickles point toward the handle they are used with the "to-the-right-and-toward-the-mower" motion, while the material to be cut is usually held in the opposite hand. For people with less sharpening skill (or an inclination to develop one) a toothed sickle is probably a better choice -- especially if intended primarily for harvesting cereals.

The smooth edged models are more versatile, in that they can be used to cut grass/"weeds" in the conventional scythe-like "from-right-to-left" stroke as well as with the towards-you-and-to-the-right motion, more typical while harvesting grains.
For best results the smooth edges of forged sickles should be maintained by periodic peening, rather than fileing or grinding -- and, by the way, we have never seen a forged sickle straight from a factory with a ready-to-use edge; not now, nor in the past. Some are above the norm (our #4, for instance), though none quite "fit for the field". (For an additional $5 we will peen and hone the forged sickles before shipping -- though we encourage the customers to do it themselves, because they will eventually have to learn it anyway...)

The serrated models are a different story - they can be used as they come from a factory. However, a light touch up with a whetstone (which we do on all our #1 sickles automatically, at no extra charge) improves them further.

Group Discounts for Educational Purposes

Ordering:

Please note: All prices are in Canadian dollars, but we will take US dollars when the exchange rate is about on par.

Postage and handling rates:

Within Canada:
For one to two complete scythes -- snaths, up to 4 blades, and accessories-- $35
For three or more snaths, and up to six blades and accessories -- $45
For one to four blades and accessories: $25
For other combinations, please contact us.

To the U.S.
$45 for one to two complete scythes;
$55 for three or more snaths and up to six blades and accessories
$30 for one to four blades with accessories.
For other combinations, please contact us.

Please Note: If you purchase a matched unit and decide to add more blades or other items to your order, you only need to pay one shipping charge, e.g. $35, $45 or $55 accordingly, no need to add $25-$30 for the extra blades or a second snath charge.

Overseas Estimates:
Under 1kg. and 80cm long: $50 for surface (6-8 weeks) and $90 for air (10 days). This rate covers a blade and ring, and possibly a whetstone. A 10kg. parcel (80cm length) is $110 by surface or $230 air. Snath shipping is prohibitively expensive: around $300-400! You may send us an email with your tentative order and full address for a postage quote.

We do not currently deal with credit cards or other forms of electronic payment. The most expedient option is to send us a money order (postal order or bank draft). A personal check takes one to two weeks to clear. Cash is also fine; please send by registered mail.

Checks or money orders should be payable to Ashley Vido (NOT "Scythe Connection") and mailed to:
1636 Kintore Rd.
Lower Kintore, New Brunswick
E7H 2L4 Canada

OR to our mailbox in Maine -- but PLEASE send an email before mailing anything to this address, as we only check it sporadically:

Kai Vido
26 North Street, P.M.B. 161
Presque Isle, Maine 04769