Vintage Hand Sickle / Corn Knife

This is a vintage hand sickle / corn knife, estimated 1930s–1950s, with a forged curved blade and turned hardwood handle. The tang runs through the handle and is peened over a washer at the butt—an older construction style typical of mid-century farm and garden tools.

The blade shows a well-preserved aged patina with traces of original green paint on the blade and red paint on the neck. These were intentionally left intact during restoration to preserve authenticity. The handle is original, cleaned gently, and finished with boiled linseed oil plus a beeswax/mineral oil balm, making it smooth, dry, and comfortable in the hand.

The cutting edge was cleaned up and sharpened. A forged-in low spot in the bevel was partially corrected, but a small divot remains (as shown in the close-up). I stopped there intentionally to avoid removing excess steel or flattening the blade’s natural curve. The edge is continuous enough for light garden use, while preserving the tool’s original profile and material.

A thin coat of protective wax was added to the metal so the tool arrives dry, clean, and ready for handling.

Condition

• No cracks or structural issues
• Original handle, solid and secure
• Peened-through tang end is slightly proud but safe and comfortable
• Clean, stable patina with some old pitting from age
• Sharpened and fully functional
• Includes a small printed care sheet with tips for storing and maintaining vintage tools.

Ideal For

• Tool collectors
• Farmhouse / rustic décor
• Garden use
• Prop and photography work
• Historical displays

Dimensions

• Overall length: ~11 1/4 in (butt of handle to tip of blade, straight line)
• Blade length along the curve: ~10 3/4 in (along the curve of the cutting edge)
• Handle length: ~4 3/4 in (along the curve of the cutting edge)

Approximate Era

1930s–1950s (estimated — no maker mark).