Scythe Workshop: How to Mow with a Scythe

www.OneScytheRevolution.com - Illustrating the cutting action of an Austrian scythe blade, and a highly efficient technique for field mowing. The quotes are what I say when teaching my scythe workshops.

I learned this highly efficient mowing technique from Peter Vido at the 2006 Int. Scythe Symposium. It's an innovative new style of mowing that he developed, and calls "Mowing with Ease". However, this style of mowing demanded an upgrade in snath design, which he has been busy developing for many years. Some of the results of which, are now available from Scythe Network retailers, and myself.

To mow with a "side-shift (i.e. shifting your weight to enhance the cutting stroke) requires an Austrian scythe blade with a more closed hafting angle, than is commonly available.
The percentage of side-shift, that one incorporates into one's scythe stroke, for optimum mowing effiency, will vary with the type of scythe blade that you use, the snath design, and also your body type.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• scythe
• scythe blade
• snath
• grass
• mowing
• hay
• organic
• permaculture
• sustainable agriculture
• peak oil
• sense
• maehen
• heu ernte

[Crunchy68]

This is just lovely.  Would it work on a steep hillside, though? Every video I've seen shows it being used on flat ground.

[mollyisagooddog]

@Crunchy68 Can be used on a hillside alright. Draw the blade in the direction of the downward slope for best effect. 

[Scythesman8]

@mollyisagooddog see the youtube video of steep alpine haymaking: "Keeping Ancient Hay Making Tradition Alive"

[Scythesman8]

@Crunchy68 Of course! They are from Austria. see the youtube video of steep alpine haymaking: "Keeping Ancient Hay Making Tradition Alive". It's actually in Switerland but you'll get the idea.

[dobe762]

@Scythesman8 Thank you ... I'm in Ireland and bought my scythe from Simon in the UK. I have not peened the blade yet, but its cutting great at the moment. I have the jig and will use it soon. Your vids are really good, you can tell when someone knows what they are doing ;-)

[Scythesman8]

@dobe762 If the tip of the blade is 3" below in circle, it is closed. Most beginners instinctively whack away at the vegetation with the full edge all at once. This forces the tang to slip back into a fully open position. Which leads to more whacking, a very dull blade, and eventually big cracks. Austrian scythe blades are meant to shear the grass. They are not machetes at the end of a long stick. Where did you get your scythe? Quality and sharpness makes a big difference.

[dobe762]

@Scythesman8 'your hafting angle is closed' Sir can you please explain this to me? I have bought an Austrian scythe and have it hafted at 3''. I'm waiting on some grass growing ;-)

[BishBaroniee]

this is just fun to watch.

[mojototal]

@rentacowisgoogle You should make a video about that...but I guess you already cleared that beach 3 times over. lol

[rentacowisgoogle]

I'm using an antique scythe my parents had in the garage to clear a beach that's overgrown with bamboo and crab grass. We can't get the tractor down onto the sandy riverside and a weed-whacker can't handle the bamboo. The scythe goes through one inch thick bamboo and DENSE crab grass/black berry bushes like butter. A very useful tool.

[MrPlanesforever1]

@Scythesman8 Thank you for telling me about the ancient haymaking video. I have my own first video of using a scythe on youtube. See 'Scything Weeds'. Interesting about the use of crampons in the ancient haymaking video. Many thanks again. I'm going to stick with the scythe and the technique in youe video has been very helpful.

[Crunchy68]

@Scythesman8 Thanks for that! Another VERY cool video. Very inspirational.