Net zero grass cutting

[Dogangun]

For the last few years I've left a large portion of the garden to grow longer, thrown a packet or two of mixed grass and flower seeds onto it then left it alone. Talking about cutting it with my brother, he suggested a scythe as he used to work with one cutting thistles.
Could anyone recommend a scythe that is suited to a novice as I'd like to give it a go.

 

[big ears]

For the last few years I've left a large portion of the garden to grow longer, thrown a packet or two of mixed grass and flower seeds onto it then left it alone. Talking about cutting it with my brother, he suggested a scythe as he used to work with one cutting thistles.
Could anyone recommend a scythe that is suited to a novice as I'd like to give it a go.

An Austrian scythe is what I was recommended and it is working.
Got mine from Phil at scythe cymru.
Great service.

 

[jall55]

Recently saw this bloke...should I be worried?


View attachment 325358

I did if you remember my thread !!!

 

[User00035]

I don't think you can buy traditional English scythes anymore. The snaths were made from steamed ash and I very much doubt anyone still makes those. Don't know if you can still get the aluminium ones.

Also, Austrian blades are different. English blades were machine stamped or rough forged and the edge mechanically ground, whereas Austrian blades are beaten steel and can take a finer edge.

I prefer the aesthetics and ergonomics of an English scythe but the only wooden snath ones you're likely to find will be antique and probably riddled with woodworm like mine was, or the wood will be rotten or split where the tang attaches.

 

[Trickyd66]

Used to do it as a child to get the grass the mower couldn't access, then move by hand to the mowed rows for Turning.

 

[Craigsaun]

No offence lads but I think I will stick to the class

 

[big ears]

I have done some grass but it was very thick, luscious grass, not stalky stuff and that was hard work - note to self - don’t try to scythe thick grass on a hot and humid day!!

Other thing I was told by this chap is don’t scythe in the afternoon. The grass needs to be slightly moist and turgid. As the sun dries it it becomes harder to scythe.

 

[big ears]

I don't think you can buy traditional English scythes anymore. The snaths were made from steamed ash and I very much doubt anyone still makes those. Don't know if you can still get the aluminium ones.

Also, Austrian blades are different. English blades were machine stamped or rough forged and the edge mechanically ground, whereas Austrian blades are beaten steel and can take a finer edge.

I prefer the aesthetics and ergonomics of an English scythe but the only wooden snath ones you're likely to find will be antique and probably riddled with woodworm like mine was, or the wood will be rotten or split where the tang attaches.

There are some people still making English snaths but it is a dying art.

 

[devon deer stalker]

I assume the wife will bale it?

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I brought one back from Germany that has a curved aluminium shaft but with the correct blade, it took one years 2ft high growth off my back garden in Dover but it was a real workout as I need to get the rhythm improved.

 

[TringSaint]

Other thing I was told by this chap is don’t scythe in the afternoon. The grass needs to be slightly moist and turgid. As the sun dries it it becomes harder to scythe.

I was doing it in the morning - that’s the scary bit!!

 

[big ears]

I assume the wife will bale it?

Was hoping Demelza would turn up with a flaggon of cider

 

[cyberstag]

I am sure you scythe fanatics will have seen these videos but in my opinion if you want to see good scythe technique you could learn from this family, correct technique is so relaxing to watch and is obviously not harming the body. If you see some of the scything competitions they just hurl themselves into it and are blown up after a few minutes.

 

[Jefgingerbear]

I can very much feel your pain, but also mixed in with satisfaction from doing that. I did a few fields when I used to live in France. And in 35° hear almost bloody killed me. Fantastic tan though

 

[Dogangun]

An Austrian scythe is what I was recommended and it is working.
Got mine from Phil at scythe cymru.
Great service.

I've ordered a kit this morning. Thanks for the pointer

 

[big ears]

I've ordered a kit this morning. Thanks for the pointer

Enjoy. It is addictive.

 

[TringSaint]

I am sure you scythe fanatics will have seen these videos but in my opinion if you want to see good scythe technique you could learn from this family, correct technique is so relaxing to watch and is obviously not harming the body. If you see some of the scything competitions they just hurl themselves into it and are blown up after a few minutes.

Scything is like skiing - I have watched so many do it effortlessly and with such grace, and then there is me, sweating my nuts off, grunting like an angry hog and ending up using power and brute force to get the job done!!

It’s a real art form to get it right, and when you do then it’s great, but for me that is all too fleeting!!

 

[big ears]

Scything is like skiing - I have watched so many do it effortlessly and with such grace, and then there is me, sweating my nuts off, grunting like an angry hog and ending up using power and brute force to get the job done!!

It’s a real art form to get it right, and when you do then it’s great, but for me that is all too fleeting!!

Feel your pain. I’m at about 40% it just feels right rest of time I’m forcing it.
Would love to get to the stage of that young lady.

 

[enfieldspares]

Keep the heel down and the toe up and stay level with your neighbour!