The Big Book of the Scythe

Part One – Practical User Guidelines “If we had written this book a year ago, it would have ended up...

With a little reflection it’s probably no surprise that there have been very few detailed books available on the topic...

A brief profile for those new to the subject: From years of experience with this potentially extremely efficient tool, we...

Figure 1. Scythe blade nomenclature All references in this text concerning direction (left/right) or the use of left or right...

Within the industry and wholesale trade, the length, width and “form” (or “pattern”) of a scythe blade are the terms...

The importance of a custom fit To contradict a popular misconception – this old farm implement is far from “simple”....

“The only thing that a dull scythe downs is the mower” – From Whetstone Holders: An ode to labour, skill,...

Figure 23. Attaching a blade to a snath (assuming the snath’s knob hole was not pre-drilled) Figure 23 illustrates the...

The basics As the diversity of techniques among old agrarian cultures attests, scythes can be honed in a multitude of...

Of the traditional styles of mowing movement that could rightly be referred to as “correct”, there are many indeed. What...

First, a brief summary of some nearly universal tendencies exhibited by novices: Prior to mowing: 1. a) Falsely assume that...

As a result of confrontation with tougher material than that for which its edge has been prepared, and/or a flawed...

General scythe care In his charming 1999 song, Dancing with Scy’, Matthew Heinz of Maine, USA, shares his enthusiasm for...