Good video. I'd just like to add some comments.
I use a variety of Japanese hand tools on my homestead, practically on a daily basis. This includes the sickle featured here. Great tool. Comments...
...keep it sharpe. When dull, it tends to deflect off the stems, to the great harm of any human flesh within distance.
...because it's really sharp, it is handy for slicing chunks out of arms and hands, and almost taking off fingers. I cut the index finger on my left hand numerous times before I wised up. I now ALWAYS wear a protective glove on my left hand. I try never to let my left arm or knee within striking distance, but when I get tired, I sometimes get sloppy.
...if you're not used to the action, your right arm will fatigue quickly. So try not to plan large jobs at first. Two Advil taken with a large glass of
milk will cut the muscle pain in your arm so that you can fall asleep at night.
...always own two. One will be sharp and ready for use, while you're trying to find the time to resharpen the second one. Using a dull one is not a good solution.
...personally, I wouldn't let a child use one.
Over the years I've come to own and use a number of Japanese hand tools. They're great for the right jobs.
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