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- STRICKLE
STRICKLE
exhibition number: Agriculture 5
Sickles were toothed and required sharpening on one side only. Reaping hooks and scythes were sharpened on both sides. A wooden strickle or rhip was covered with grease (kept in a horn) and dusted with sand (stored in a horn or piece of sacking). The hole in the strickle was used to fit it to a pin on the scythe. Later, stone was used for sharpening, normally by hand with a whetstone or on a wheel when the blade was well worn.
Pig's fat from Cydweli
And sand from Landyfân
To sharpen often, often
To cut the hay cleanly
Translated from the Welsh, written by David Rees, father of John Roderick Rees, Bear's Hill, Penuwch.