The whetstone holder (porta cote) is a conical container (made of turned wood or obtained from a bovine horn), perforated at the upper end and equipped with a hook for attachment to the reaper's belt, in which the abrasive stone (whetstone) was placed, used to sharpen the blade of the hay scythe. The whetstone holder was filled with water to increase the abrasive power of the stone placed inside. Urine was often added to the water, which, containing ammonia, could help reduce the risk of infection in the event that the reaper injured himself while sharpening the blade.