Sickle

General information

A general purpose or agricultural tool, for distributions. Forged iron tool, strong and durable.

Customs and basic tool shapes vary worldwide. Check the appropriateness of the tool prior to purchasing. The way in which the tool head is secured to the handle also varies (e.g., sunken eye, raised eye, spike).

Generally, cast iron tools are more fragile than forged tools. Some manufacturers produce very low-quality tools. Test several samples to their breaking point, prior to purchasing. Refer to Strength testing in Specifications.

• The terms "cast" and "forged" refer to the manufacturing process used to form the head of the tool.

• Casting involves turning metal into its molten liquid state, which is then poured into a mould to form the head of the tool.

• Forging involves pounding or compressing metal, in its solid form (cold or hot red), into the desired tool shape; thereafter, a number of other machining steps are necessary to complete the production.

Handles are often purchased separately from wood suppliers, or can be made locally by the beneficiaries. Where purchased, specify the required minimum length, diameter and type of wood.

Some specifications may vary with national standards and local market conditions. For locally sourced items, check the relevant national standards or specifications. Any important variation from the EIC standard needs to be approved by a specialist.

Specifications

SICKLES

Curved blade, length 300mm or 12″, lacquered. Handle length: 100mm or 4″.

Blade thickness 2.5mm, with a spike to key in the handle.

Wooden handle: No chips, rough surface, holes or knots. Smooth surface.

Pressed carbon steel, hardened and tempered; hardened throughout the entire blade, but normalized for the handle insert.

Strength testing:

With the blade inserted in a 10mm-wide slot, up to a depth equal to 1/3 the blade’s length, but not exceeding 150mm, a deflection of 45° in each direction is applied without breakage or a permanent set to the blade.