Here are the secrets to mowing with a scythe.Īt the start of the stroke, the blade can be brought back behind you to almost a 5 o'clock position.
When you feel the blade lose it keenness stop and strop it a few times with your stone. It will be a short arc, but still an arc, which is the key to the slicing stroke. If you are not mowing large fields but are trimming with the scythe then short strokes are the ideal especially when you are mowing around posts, trees, rocks, fences, foundations, steps, flowers, shrubs. But start easy, you'll get there eventually. It is possible to cut 180 degrees (+) and a 6 or 8 foot wide swath. As you get the knack reach for a longer, wider arc. Practice the motion in a cleared space then begin mowing grass by taking small bites, moving the blade in a short arc in front of you. The return stroke is just the reverse, still keeping the blade riding on the ground.
You don't have to hold the weight of the scythe as you mow. The blade is curved so its belly rides on the ground presenting the cutting edge at just the right angle to the grass. All the time the bottom of the blade remains on the ground (barring rocks or other obstacles that you will have to avoid). The motion describes an arc from one side to the other. Gently rotate your body at the waist drawing the blade along with you so it moves in an arc from the side, across in front of your body & coming to rest on the opposite side from where you started.
#GRIM REAPER SCYTHE FOR LAWN FULL#
About half way through the arc the full length of the blade will be cutting. Trying to cut with the full length of the blade will only clog it with uncut grass quickly stopping your motion.
Each bit of the edge doing its part.Īt the beginning of the stroke engage only the first third of the blade in the grass. The stress of cutting is shared along the length of the blade. The blade moves easily through the grass as it cuts with a slice like using a knife to cut new bread or a tomato by drawing the blade through. Arms and shoulders are used mainly to guide the blade not power it. Power from thigh and buttock muscles help carry the blade through the thickest grass. It does not require great strength, even when cutting thick saplings with a brush blade. Over years of enjoyment and mowing you will continue to learn. The scythe, and the grass, will teach you. Many others have developed the skill and so will you, but it does take time, patience and practice. Also, there is helpful information in the assembly instructions and the “Tips and Tricks” literature we included with your scythe. Try the excellent exercises to develop proper body movement. Other diagrams show the correct way to swing the blade twisting at your waist, keeping the blade ON the Ground, swinging it in an Arc so the blade Slices instead of chops. If you don't do anything but study the drawings you'll learn what is NOT a proper stroke (swinging it like a golf club the hacking stroke). The chapter on “Mowing Technique” is worth a look. It is worth the time to review the following and perhaps spend some time with the Scythe Book before taking that first swing. You have spent good money, and we have put in a fair amount of time making sure this scythe is made from sound material, is in good shape, sharp (if you requested it) and sized to fit you. But for all these attributes mistreatment and an incorrect mowing technique can result in damage and heartbreak.
#GRIM REAPER SCYTHE FOR LAWN PLUS#
The curves plus the tension forged into the steel give this slender blade its remarkable strength and resiliency. Notice the curves: crosswise, lengthwise and along the edge. See how thin it is? It's literally paper thin at the cutting edge and not much thicker running up to the rib. Jumping into mowing, swinging it hard like you're trying to drive a home run over the left field fence will only tire you out and likely break the snath, dent, bend or break the blade. It will save you some frustration and possible damage to your scythe. But, please take a few minutes and review this “Quick Start” information. Oh, we know how excited you are to begin mowing with your new scythe.
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