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Cane knife

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Typical cane knife, also used for banana plants.

A cane knife is a large hand-wielded cutting tool similar to a machete.[1] Its use is prevalent in the harvesting of sugarcane in dominant cane-growing countries such as Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Australia, South Africa, Ecuador, Cuba, Jamaica, the Philippines and parts of the United States, especially Louisiana and Florida, as well as Hawaii.[citation needed]

Design

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A typical cane knife is characterized by a hardwood handle, a full tang, a deep blade and a hook at its tip used for picking up the cut cane, although some types do not employ this feature. The blade is usually 1 millimetre (0.039 in) thick, thinner than a machete or bolo, and more than 12 inches (30 cm) long. The thin blade facilitates cutting cane quickly as the harvester slashes the cane at an angle: a thin blade slices through better than a thick blade.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Hanson, Beth (1996). "Chapter 3 - Tools & Techniques: Chemical-free Weed Controls". Invasive Plants: Weeds of the Global Garden. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-945352-95-2. Retrieved 2008-02-08.