Abstract: A sickle cutting system of the type used in mowers, other harvesting machines and the like. A sickle is shown consisting of 1¾ to 2¼ inch knife sections, a knifeback bar, a plurality of sickle guards with fingers spaced to match the knife sections. The knife and sickle guard fingers may be of any number. The sickle cutting system provides a cutting surface for the sickle, adjustable hold-down clips that hold the knife sections down to the cutting surface. The clips also provide a rear wear bar for the sickle. A driving mechanism is provided with a stroke complimentary to the spacing of the knife sections. The driving mechanism may be a wobble joint, a pitman type, or other device which can convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion. The sickle is driven at a speed of between 2200 to 2700, and ideally at approximately 2475 strokes per minute.