Kenyans do not use sickles, nor scythes, but have an implement
somewhat resembling the sickle, known as the slasher.
A long metal
rod, at the bent end of which is a rather deadly wide knife, which
workers swing to cut grass while themselves remaining in an upright
position. Slashers are most commonly seen being used by local
authority workers in public parks -- but they are also used along
roadsides, in the open spaces within housing estates and in the
smaller private gardens containing a piece of lawn. As Kenyan grass
can be quite hard, the slasher is more effective than a lawnmower.

The season when the slasher is most used, is from the middle of each
of the two rainy seasons, up to and including the start of the
following dry season. This is when grass grows fastest, and it is
therefore when grass needs to be cut -- not only for the sake of
beauty and pleasure, but also to prevent snakes, insects and
caterpillars from hiding within the grass.

Slashers are used by both women and men. Local authorities employ many
women to slash their grass, normally working together as a team. This
is normally done wearing one kanga as a skirt, and another on their
hair, as grass flies all around while being cut. It is common to see
men working with slashers in other locations. Injuries caused by
slashers are unfortunately not entirely rare, and may be caused by
slashing one's own or another person's legs, or from blisters on one's
hands.

Slashers are sharpened by the same people who work their way round
housing estates sharpening kitche knives with the help of bicycle-
wheel contraptions.


Isabelle.


Here are more kigo about the sickle and its history in Japan
http://worldkigo2005.blogspot.com/2010/07/sickle-kama.html

Is the sickle used in your country ? Any seasonal uses ?
Please share it with me.

Enjoy!
Gabi


o o o o o

Thanks for taking up the sickle and slasher, Isabelle sensei!
Gabi