Silas Lamson (1776-1855) invented and patented a new kind of scythe handle in 1834. A scythe was used to cut grass or grain and had a long, curved wooden shaft with a handle. Lamson’s handle was detachable and could be moved along the shaft to accommodate different arm lengths. He eventually expanded to producing cutlery and knives and his original factory, in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, operates to this day.