Corn Knife, circa 1890
Add to SetSummary
Before late nineteenth century agricultural mechanization, sharp-bladed knives were used to harvest corn. Farmers would swing these blades to cut the cornstalk near its base. The stalks then were bundled into shocks to dry. Later, the ears would be harvested and the stalks made into cattle fodder. This machete-like corn knife was a style more commonly found in the southern United States.
Before late nineteenth century agricultural mechanization, sharp-bladed knives were used to harvest corn. Farmers would swing these blades to cut the cornstalk near its base. The stalks then were bundled into shocks to dry. Later, the ears would be harvested and the stalks made into cattle fodder. This machete-like corn knife was a style more commonly found in the southern United States.
Artifact
Corn knife
Date Made
circa 1890
On Exhibit
at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery
Object ID
00.4.25
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Steel (Alloy)
Dimensions
Width: 2 in
Length: 27 in
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