American or European

How can I tell if I have an American or European scythe? I believe I have a bush blade. Says made in Sweden...Sweco. would I peen this or grind it?

Jonathan Cadwell wrote:How can I tell if I have an American or European scythe? I believe I have a bush blade. Says made in Sweden...Sweco. would I peen this or grind it?

That'd be an American pattern blade, and it'd be beveled by grinding. The SWECO blades I've come across are all whole-steel construction, but grind equally on both sides of the blade at 7-9° per side and keep the edge centered, regardless, as that way you'll have the right muscle memory for any laminated blades you may come across in the future.

As a general rule, the easiest way to tell the difference between American and European blades if you're not already familiar with them is that American blades have a V-shaped rib along the back, while European style ones are merely upturned 90°. Most (though not all) continental European blades will have a broad roughly rectangular tang while American blades with have a tapered one.

Ok, great.  That's what I was thinking but was not sure.  I truly appreciate your help.

European vs American