Historical information

During early farming in Australia (before motorised whipper snippers) the hand held sickle was used to cut long grass, in this case in or around railway tracks. The inside of the blade's curve was sharp, so that the user can either draw or swing it against the base of the grass, catching the stems in the curve and slicing them at the same time.

Significance

Historic - Railway Permanent Way and Works - track equipment - Grass Slasher

Physical description

Wrought iron sickle with extended with wooden handle.