Yangshang Sickle

Yangshang Sickle

　　The Yangshang Sickle

　　Also known as the Central Sickle. The town is rich in reed and cattail resources, and many locals make a living by weaving reeds and cattails. The sickles used for cutting reeds and harvesting cattails need to be both sharp and durable. After years of practice, blacksmiths in Yangshang Village forged a type of sickle that is straight and short, with a sharp and long-lasting blade. A “央” (Yang) character is forged on the front side. Before and after the liberation, it became famous across Shandong, especially in northern Shandong and the Jiaodong area. Nowadays, ordering a “Yang sickle” requires advance booking.