Yes, they really did sharpen scythes in Northumberland that way. The piece of wood was a little less than a foot long, with a square section a bit more than an inch across. Sharpening the scythe is a welcome rest from actually using it - the stone is usually in a pouch tied to a belt - have to make sure there are no grass stalks on the blade before sharpening it, or else - whooosh - a finger hanging off.