Allotments 4 All

I found many posts with info about Sickles, but didnt see any on the subject of left handed ones!

Having strimmed the whole plot, I now see the weeds and grass having a major rain fuelled growth spurt.  They are growing faster than I can dog over the new beds.  I would rather buy a sickle than hire out/buy a strimmer again.

I went to my local DIY store, and they only had one sickle which was most definately designed for right handed use.  I need a left handed one, or at least one which can be used in either hand.

A life of not being able to use scissors or certain knives very well should have forced me to find a special shop for us 'special' people who are left handed, but i begrudge paying over the odds just cos im a freak :)

<no offence meant to any other left handers out there - the term 'freak' is meant in the nicest possible way>

Any ideas?
James

Most blades are usually only fastened with 2 screws. Unscrew these then turn the blade round. Hey presto - A left handed sickle.  ;)

Sounds simple enough...

I think the one I looked at may have been quite unique.  It was one with a detachable handle, so maybe part of a series of tools with the same handle.

Anyway,  hard to describe, but the blade was fixed to an arm, which in turn went into the handle.
The arm went from the handle and bent downwards at an angle - meaning the blade would be 'upside down' if turned over.

Not sure if my description makes sense.  I will try and find a pic to explain!!

<edit>  Heres one!  http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?isSearch=true&fh_search=sickle&selected=products </edit>

The blade would not be on the wrong side. When you turn it over -  if the blade was fastened from the top: fasten it from the bottom or vice versa to suit.

I have one that is just a flat blade with a pushed on wooden handle (similar to those on Rasps and files). It is sharpened from both sides, so presumably could be used either left or right handed. Or maybe it is a left handed one, because, try as I may I can't get it to cut grass and it's really, really sharp, and I am right handed. Though maybe it's because the d**n thing terrifies me. I keep imagining the damage a sharp blade freely swinging could inflict.

I think I'll stick to the petrol strimmer. It's quicker for a start, and IMHO much safer, and for what you can buy them for nowadays.................

Oh, by the way James, I hail from your neck of the woods originally, and this sickle I have was bought (by my parents) down there somewhere, albeit many years ago.

Left handed people must be getting more normal I think BTW, since three of my seven grandsons are. Not that they ever were not normal. I tried "common" as well and that didn't read right either. LOL.

i,m a lefty who has adapted in fact i,v used scissors in my right  hand so many years i doubt if i could do it any other way. i know i,m special but i can lower myself to make my life more conveinient ;) sorry don,t know anything about sickles got a petrol strimmer
marg