Scything, anyone?

[cmd612]

Anyone here use a scythe to cut grass and/or weeds?

[Acousticado]

I used to have a very old one that I tired a couple of times, but it was really beyond functional, so it became an art piece that hung above the door on the old shed. With over an acre to cut, I can’t imagine scything. I opted for power...my JD garden tractor.

[icuker]

Used one on my brother in laws farm when I lived with my sister back in the 70's. Didn't use it enough to become real proficient. We tended to use what we called "Core" (sp) knives, a long straight bladed thing (about 16 - 18 inches long) that we used to cut/chop hemp weed and other noxious weeds. Some of the hemp stalks were pretty thick, made you think of small trees.

[Silly Moustache]

I can see why some might call the old scythe a "core" instrument, as it will be really good for straightening your core muscles !

I need to clear weeds and such on the paths around my allotments (plots rented from the local council where we grow our fruit & veg).

I use an ancient traditional Japanese tool called a Ryobi 2-stroke strimmer.

Edit, then i watched the British competition and especially enjoyed the first round - a pretty young lady in a little summer dress working hard - suits me, but in the second round - bit concerned about Chris Riley's "snath". - but that's real British summer local fair fun.

[imwjl]

Yes, one more of my trail steward associates has a good one like mine but we cannot keep up without the gasoline machines and a crew of people working our trail systems.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by cmd612

That hat the announcer's wearing just screams "Somerset".

[mc1]

Originally Posted by cmd612

Anyone here use a scythe to cut grass and/or weeds?

I own 2 scythes. One wooden and similar to the one in the first video, and a second that is lightweight aluminum. I bought them many years ago, but never mastered them.

Watching the first video of the man using them rekindled my interest. So I will watch a few more videos, especially those on how to sharpen the blade, because I think that is critical. Clearly his blade is super sharp.

I like the idea of using a scythe, because it's quieter, more peaceful, and more connected to the task.

I also have owned a couple of push mowers, including a rather fancy one, but I'm always disappointed with them. As an aside, in the video when the man was using the gasoline mower, the way it was open at the back, I'll guess where a bag should go, seemed rather dangerous.

Another small issue, besides getting the sharpening down, that I don't know enough about is what size weeds, brambles, roses, raspberries, saplings can be scythed. The field behind my house is a mix of all those things in addition to grasses.

[tbeltrans]

I would think that if one is not careful, either the person scything or a bystander could lose a foot or two. Then, how would that person get home? Talk about taking somebody down a notch or two...

Tony

[mc1]

Originally Posted by tbeltrans

I would think that if one is not careful, either the person scything or a bystander could lose a foot or two. Then, how would that person get home? Talk about taking somebody down a notch or two...

Tony

I believe it is Grim Reaper etiquette that if you accidentally remove someone's foot you offer them a ride home.

[blue]

[tbeltrans]

Originally Posted by mc1

I believe it is Grim Reaper etiquette that if you accidentally remove someone's foot you offer them a ride home.

Now, that is right neighborly.

Tony

[cmd612]

Thanks, all.

I certainly understand the preference for gasoline-powered mowing, especially for larger areas. I haven't used a scythe but am thinking of buying one and trying to learn how to use it. Clearly there's a a learning curve both to the actual mowing and, as mc1 pointed out, to sharpening. Obviously it'd be nice to learn in person from someone who knows how to do this stuff, but given the current state of the world I think I'm going to just order a scythe and and see how well I can manage with the online resources available and practice.

Originally Posted by mc1

I own 2 scythes. One wooden and similar to the one in the first video, and a second that is lightweight aluminum.
. . .
Another small issue, besides getting the sharpening down, that I don't know enough about is what size weeds, brambles, roses, raspberries, saplings can be scythed.

I'm curious: did you use the 2 snaths enough to develop a preference for the wood vs. aluminum? Also, and FWIW, from my reading I get the impression there are different blades for things like heavier weeds, woody stems and saplings than for grass. I've seen the terms "ditch blade" and "bush blade" used to refer to shorter, wider, tougher blades used for tougher foliage.

Originally Posted by tbeltrans

I would think that if one is not careful, either the person scything or a bystander could lose a foot or two.

I have been amazed how many youtube videos there are of people scything in bare feet.

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I use an ancient traditional Japanese tool called a Ryobi 2-stroke strimmer.

Ah yes, we are quite familiar with the Ryobi school of toolmaking around here, masters of their craft.

Originally Posted by mc1

I like the idea of using a scythe, because it's quieter, more peaceful, and more connected to the task.

That is what caught my attention about it, too. We'll see how peaceful it feels when I'm trying to learn how to put a good edge on it.

[mc1]

Originally Posted by cmd612

I'm curious: did you use the 2 snaths enough to develop a preference for the wood vs. aluminum? Also, and FWIW, from my reading I get the impression there are different blades for things like heavier weeds, woody stems and saplings than for grass. I've seen the terms "ditch blade" and "bush blade" used to refer to shorter, wider, tougher blades used for tougher foliage.

No, I had the wooden scythe, and it was ok. The wood was curved, which is nice, but the blade seemed to be not the best Chinese metal, and the whole thing was kind of heavy, so when a friend told me the lee valley scythe was much lighter and easier to use, I decided to buy one. I think either one could be used if one knew what they were doing. But I never really figured it out. If I were to recommend one, it'd be the lighter aluminum.

There are lots of good videos about their use and sharpening. Which is really pretty neat.

[The Bard Rocks]

Certainly, they work well. That's how they used to cut hay (which as a former hay farmer impresses me). Just be sure to wear shoes. Leather ones.

[J Patrick]

In 1973 I had a job on the grounds crew at an American recreation facility in Naples Italy..Carney Park....we used Scythes and Sickles to cut fields and weed borders...like any cutting tool maintaining sharp edges is of utmost importance...

...these days I cut my fields with a Kubota L3200 and a rotary cutter...and a BCS tractor with a sickle bar for brush cutting.....much faster...