Using a scythe to cut grass

Sometimes the old ways are best. Scythe lawn mowing was once a very common way to manage high grasses. In many countries it is still the preferred tool since a scythe is portable and easy to manage.

The answer is yes and there are many people in the UK doing just that! Lawn mowing can be a test of a scythers skill, it takes some thought and practice to do well. Here is a summary of the factors you need to consider if you are thinking of scything a lawn. Part 1 is about your lawn; Part 2 will be about your scythe and blade; and Part 3 about scything techniques for short grass. Lawns as we know them arose in 17th century England at the homes of large, wealthy landowners.

Using a scythe to cut grass

Champion mower Simon Damant shows how to wield one safely. The air is filled with birdsong and the buzz of insects as Simon Damant mows the meadows on the Wimpole Estate where he works as a forester. The scythe in his hands makes barely a whisper as it slices effortlessly through a stand of grass and wildflowers in a wide arc. The tool he is using might look primitive but, Simon passionately believes, it has yet to be bettered, whether you are cutting small garden meadows or the paths in your allotment. Simon is a regular champion at national scything competitions and has made good on this claim in strictly adjudicated conditions on many occasions. Even so, by the Second World War many in the UK had largely abandoned this traditional low-cost, low-impact tool in favour of motorised lawn mowers and combine harvesters. Only the Grim Reaper and a niche group of environmental enthusiasts kept hold of their scythes. And then Poldark hit our screens. The scene in which actor Aidan Turner stripped off his shirt for a spot of sweaty mowing was voted the best TV moment of by Radio Times readers and suddenly everyone was interested again. Good technique is key, both for safety and efficiency, which is why Simon encourages beginners to get a bit of hands-on training.

There are no dobut better ways to taking up the habit but I enjoy it the way I am doing it, more importantly not much damage is being done to the environment — to anybody thinking of this, please have a go, strongly recommended.

One Scythe Revolution. Whetstone Holders. Secale multicaule. Contact Info Reviews In the media Links. How to Mow with a Scythe. I have created some virtual workshops to help you start out successfully with the European scythe.

Are you looking for a way how to use a scythe to cut weeds and grass? You have come to the right place- here; we will illustrate everything you need to know to use a scythe for cutting grass. For example, before cutting the grass, you must have a basic knowledge of scythe parts, the right time to mow the grass, sharpen a scythe, etc. A scythe consists of a blade and a snath figure 2. The blade parts include edge, heel, back, knob, beard, and neck, whereas the heel, knob, and neck together form a tang figure 3.

Using a scythe to cut grass

Sometimes the old ways are best. Scythe lawn mowing was once a very common way to manage high grasses. In many countries it is still the preferred tool since a scythe is portable and easy to manage. Mowing a lawn with a scythe isn't something you see every day in modernized regions, but the tool is adaptable, easy to keep sharp, and a lightweight piece of land management.

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How to use a scythe: a step-by-step guide 1 Each scythe should be uniquely set up to suit the physique and mowing style of its owner. The American scythe has a thick, narrow, steel blade with a curved handle, commonly found in farm supply stores. Lawn mowing can be a test of a scythers skill, it takes some thought and practice to do well. There's no hacking or slashing involved. Words Alys Fowler. You will have to shorten your stroke some, but you can definitely mow a slope. I can cut a meadow faster and neater with my scythe than anyone with a strimmer Even so, by the Second World War many in the UK had largely abandoned this traditional low-cost, low-impact tool in favour of motorised lawn mowers and combine harvesters. The versatile scythe requires frequent peening and stoning. Adding a wedge made the blade slide over the thatch like a carpet, and just cut the upright green brome grass. Post Comment. The more mature the grass is, and it is developing seed stalks, the easier it is to mow higher up. During use with a scythe, it is necessary to use a stone to hone the blade. Keeping the tool sharp will make using a scythe to cut grass much easier and efficient. This area had not been mowed in years and the thatch was quite thick and substantial, but somewhat loose. I have a push mower but it limits how long u can let the grass grow before needing another option.

Champion mower Simon Damant shows how to wield one safely. The air is filled with birdsong and the buzz of insects as Simon Damant mows the meadows on the Wimpole Estate where he works as a forester.

It is important to protect the back, so developing an easy sweeping style can minimize pain and discomfort. I have a push mower but it limits how long u can let the grass grow before needing another option. It is used to trim grass and light brush. Pass the whetstone over the blade on alternating sides in a scissoring action, as you would to sharpen a kitchen knife. Only the Grim Reaper and a niche group of environmental enthusiasts kept hold of their scythes. The scene in which actor Aidan Turner stripped off his shirt for a spot of sweaty mowing was voted the best TV moment of by Radio Times readers and suddenly everyone was interested again. I believe there are country shows now where you can watch somebody doing it properly i. The more mature the grass is, and it is developing seed stalks, the easier it is to mow higher up. They were about to flower, so I had to get them cut down quick. Scythe lawn mowing was once a very common way to manage high grasses. A sharp blade is easier to work with and produces a neater cut. Gardening Know How. So I carefully mowed off just the green grass at about a 3 inch height.