Fearn,
Sorry if I upset anyone,   This wasn't my intention. It crossed my mind that some opinions I had might not be shared, that's why I felt happy to give myself the "crabbity" title......so I wouldn't be taken too seriously.
I would like to have seen the object that began this thread.  I now understnd it was sickle, not scythe, so probably didn't belong to our old neighbour! 
 
Very best wishes to all.
Richard.